Black Fell

The walk up Black Fell from near Carlisle is straightforward enough, but don't expect drama - this is moorland rambling rather than fell-bagging theatre. The summit sits at around 1,800 feet, giving decent views across the Pennines if the weather cooperates, which admittedly it doesn't always do in these parts.

It's the sort of fell that appeals to walkers who like a gentle climb without the crowds you'd find on Helvellyn or Catbells. The terrain is mostly grass and bracken, with a few boggy sections after rain that'll test your boot-choosing skills. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip from the car park, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

Families with children over ten will manage this fine. Younger kids might find it a bit relentless and featureless in places. The real value here is as part of a broader Cumbrian walking trip - it's accessible enough to slot into a wider itinerary without eating up an entire day.

If you're based at High Hall Farm Campsite, just five miles away, Black Fell makes a good half-day outing before heading back for tea. There's parking near the start, though nothing fancy. Free to access, as with most Cumbrian fells. Go on a clear day if you can - the views don't improve much in murk, and you'll be slogging uphill through cloud wondering why you bothered.