Green Pikes

The walk up Green Pikes from near Holmrook takes you into proper fell country without needing a guide or specialist gear. It's not a massive peak - 587 metres - but it rewards the effort with views across the Lakeland valleys that justify the climb.

You start from relatively low ground and gain height steadily through moorland and open fell. The path is well-trodden but can be boggy after rain, so waterproof boots matter. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness and pace.

What makes it worthwhile is the isolation. You won't find crowds here like you would on the Catbells trail. Walkers and fell runners will get proper value from it - the terrain is interesting enough to hold your attention, and the summit gives you proper Lakeland panoramas without requiring alpine-level scrambling.

Families with older kids (say, eight and up) can manage it fine on a good-weather day, though younger ones might find the exposed moorland tedious. There's no shelter at the top and weather can turn quickly, so check conditions before heading out.

If you're camping at Fisherground Campsite just six miles away, Green Pikes makes a solid morning or early afternoon adventure. You're close enough for a non-epic outing, but far enough from the honeypot peaks that you'll have space to breathe. Free to walk, naturally - just park responsibly and respect the fell.