Cross Hill

The walk up Cross Hill takes about forty minutes from Lancaster, and it's the sort of fell that rewards you without demanding too much. You're looking at a straightforward climb with solid views across the Lune Valley once you crest the top - nothing dramatic, but proper satisfying if you've got an afternoon to spare.

It's walkers' territory, really. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the ascent tedious, though the ridge walk at the top keeps things interesting enough. The peak itself isn't surrounded by shops or facilities, so pack water and something to eat before you head out from town.

What makes it work as part of a wider holiday in the area is the lack of fuss. You're not queuing or paying entry fees - you just go. That means you can string together several walks across the Lancaster fells without blowing your budget or your schedule. Claylands Caravan Park sits five miles away and makes a decent base if you're planning a few days of rambling.

The best bet is autumn or late spring, when the ground's firm and the weather's cooperative. Midwinter can get boggy, and summer weekends pull crowds who've had the same idea. Go on a quietish weekday morning and you'll likely have the ridge to yourself. It's the kind of walk that doesn't photograph brilliantly, which means fewer Instagram tourists cluttering the path.