Branthwaite Edge

The walk up Branthwaite Edge from near Cockermouth takes about an hour and rewards you with views across the Lake District fells that justify every step. It's not a massive peak - 325 metres if you're counting - but the perspective you get of Skiddaw and the northern lakes is genuinely excellent, and that matters more than height.

This one suits walkers who want something substantial without a full day's commitment. You'll find the terrain manageable rather than punishing, with a proper fell-walk feel even though you're not tackling anything serious. The views open up gradually as you climb, which is exactly how fell walks should work. On a clear day you can see right down to the coast.

The nearest reasonable base is Cockermouth, a proper market town with cafes and shops, about 4 miles away. If you're camping nearby at Greysouthen - which is decent enough for a short stay - you could knock this out as a morning walk and still have time for lunch in town. The pod accommodation there is particularly good if you want something between a tent and a caravan.

Go early in the day if possible. The ground can be boggy in places after rain, and autumn tends to offer the clearest visibility. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the walk tedious. Allow three hours there and back with a bit of time on top to sit and breathe. It's the kind of walk that restores you properly.