Great End

The walk up Great End from Ambleside is a proper lung-burner, but the reward at the summit is genuinely worth the graft. You're looking at a 2,648-metre peak that sits at the head of Great Langdale, commanding views across the Central Fells that'll make you forget your thighs ever hurt.

Most people tackle this from the Great Langdale Valley side, a relentless climb that takes three to four hours up. The route isn't technical, but it's steep and unforgiving in places - no scrambling required, just solid fell-walking fitness. On a clear day the panorama stretches across to Scafell Pike and down into Borrowdale. In mist, it's genuinely atmospheric, though you'll see absolutely nothing, so pick your weather.

This is proper terrain for experienced walkers and fell-runners rather than family strollers. Younger legs might manage it with determination, but there's no shelter or facilities on the mountain itself - bring water and food. Allow a full day, ideally six hours door-to-door from Ambleside.

If you're based at Great Langdale Campsite or Great Langdale Glamping, both nearby, Great End becomes your natural next challenge after warming up on something gentler. It's the sort of walk where you genuinely earn the views, and that makes all the difference. Not a casual afternoon outing - this is a proper Lakeland day out.