Grey Knotts

Grey Knotts isn't one of those mountains you'll find plastered across postcards. It's a proper fell tucked into the High Street range between Helvellyn and Dollywaggon Pike, and what makes it worth the graft is the isolation you get despite being within striking distance of Keswick.

The walk from Grisedale Tarn car park demands some fitness. You're looking at roughly four hours round trip, climbing around 600 metres of elevation. The views open up gradually as you push higher - the main appeal isn't the summit itself, which is a bit underwhelming to be honest, but rather the vantage point over Grisedale valley and towards Fairfield. On a clear day the light hits those slopes properly.

Walkers with decent navigation skills and mountain experience will get the most from this. It's not a beginner's fell, and the terrain gets rough in places. Children capable of serious hiking could manage it, but you'd need them keen and fit.

Timing matters here. Spring through early autumn is best - winter approaches require winter skills. Free to visit like all fells, though the car park charges. Allow most of the day if you're not particularly quick.

Great Langdale Campsite sits six miles away and makes a solid base for tackling the High Street range. From there you can shuffle between Grey Knotts, Helvellyn, and the Fairfield horseshoe without moving camp. It's proper fell country, not the manicured Lake District of tourist boards.