Green Hill

Standing at 656 metres, this modest fell offers surprisingly good views across the Eden Valley without the knee-jarring ascent you'll face on Helvellyn or Skiddaw. The path from Matterdale winds steadily upward through bracken and rough pasture - nothing too technical, but you'll work up a proper sweat on the steeper sections.

From the summit cairn, you can pick out Penrith sprawling in the distance and catch glimpses of the Lake District's bigger peaks to the south. It's not the most dramatic viewpoint in Cumbria, but on a clear day you'll appreciate the sweeping countryside rolling toward Scotland.

Families with older children will manage this well - allow two to three hours for the round trip. The terrain can get boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential. Experienced walkers might find it a bit tame, though it makes a good warm-up before tackling the higher fells.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks near Ullswater like Park Foot or Ullswater Holiday Park, Green Hill provides a decent half-day outing without the tourist crowds that plague the more famous peaks. The fell sits conveniently between the lake district proper and the Eden Valley, making it accessible from various bases around Penrith.