Dodd Crag

The walk up Dodd Crag starts gently enough from the car park near Keswick, but don't let that fool you - it gets properly steep once you commit. The fell itself isn't dramatic by Lake District standards, sitting at 502 metres, but the views across Derwentwater and towards Skiddaw are genuinely arresting, especially on a clear morning when Bassenthwaite Lake glints in the distance.

It's a straightforward fell walk rather than a technical climb, making it ideal for families wanting something more ambitious than a stroll but without the scrambling of higher peaks. Allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos. The path can be boggy in places - proper walking boots essential, not trainers.

This works brilliantly as part of a wider Lake District holiday based at one of the caravan parks near Keswick. Castlerigg Hall is just 1.3 miles away, so you could easily combine Dodd Crag with a morning walk around Castlerigg Stone Circle or an afternoon on the water. If you're staying at Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club, you're well-positioned for tackling this and other fells without a lengthy drive.

Winter can make it treacherous - the exposed sections catch wind viciously - so spring through early autumn is your window. It's completely free and open year-round, which means you can chase decent weather rather than booking a specific time. Go midweek if possible to avoid the weekend crowds that flock to more famous Lake District peaks.