Darling Fell

The walk up Darling Fell from Cockermouth is a proper little lung-buster, but nothing that's going to defeat you. It's a fell - so steep in places, mind you - rather than a mountain, which means you're looking at maybe two hours up and back depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. The views across the Lake District from the summit are genuinely worth the graft. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a grey one, well, you get Cumbrian character.

It's the sort of walk that suits hikers who fancy something with a bit of bite but don't want to commit to a full day in the mountains. Families with older kids who can manage steady gradients will find it rewarding rather than punishing. Young children might struggle with the ascent - the paths are rough in patches and there's no room for dawdling.

There's no visitor centre or facilities up there, so come prepared. Bring water, decent boots, and weather gear - the wind can catch you off guard at altitude, even on what looks like a calm day in the town below. Free to walk, obviously.

If you're based at Whinfell Hall Farm Campsite just up the road, or Greysouthen near Bothel, Darling Fell makes a brilliant morning walk. It pairs nicely with exploring Cockermouth itself afterwards - the town's worth a rummage and there are decent cafes for post-walk refueling. Start early and you'll have the fell pretty much to yourself.