Brock Crag

The walk up to Brock Crag rewards you with proper fell views across the Eastern Lake District. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a rocky outcrop that catches you by surprise as the terrain opens up - but the vantage point over Ullswater and the surrounding fells makes the slog worthwhile.

This is one for walkers who know what they're after. You won't find manicured paths or interpretation boards here; it's a genuine fell walk that demands decent boots and a reasonable level of fitness. The approach from Penrith-side isn't complicated, but it's steep in patches and the ground can be boggy depending on the season. Allow two to three hours for a proper outing, depending on your pace and whether you linger at the top.

Families with young children might find it a bit relentless. Older kids who've done a few Lake District walks will get there and feel properly chuffed about it. The views justify the effort - that's the thing about Brock Crag. You're not paying for anything, there's no visitor centre, just an honest bit of fell walking that gives you back what you put in.

Stay at one of the caravan parks clustered around Ullswater - Park Foot or Waterfoot Caravan Park are both within three miles - and you've got this walk on your doorstep. It fits nicely as a morning expedition before heading down to explore the lake itself or tackling something bigger like Helvellyn from Glenridding.