Black Moss Pot

The waterfall thunders down a narrow ravine just outside Ambleside, and Black Moss Pot is one of those Lake District spots that rewards a bit of effort without demanding you're a fell runner. The walk in takes roughly forty minutes from the town, following streams and rough paths through moorland that opens up properly the higher you climb. When you reach it, the waterfall drops into a dark pool - hence the name - and it's genuinely dramatic, especially after heavy rain when the whole thing becomes almost violent with water.

This is a proper walker's destination, not a casual stroll-and-back kind of place. You need decent footwear and a willingness to get muddy. The ground can be boggy, the path unmarked in places, and there's real scrambling involved near the ravine itself. Children under ten might find it tricky; teenagers who can handle uneven terrain will love it. History buffs won't find much here - it's geology and water, not castles or ruins.

If you're camping at Great Langdale Campsite or the glamping option nearby, Black Moss Pot makes an excellent half-day excursion. The nearby BaysBrown Farm Campsite would work too, though it's a bit further out. Go early if the weather's been wet, as water levels shift dramatically. Free to visit, naturally. Allow three to four hours including breaks and photo time.