Hare Stones

You'll find Hare Stones standing alone on the fells north of Wigton, a proper wind-battered outcrop that's been a navigation marker for centuries. It's not a walk-up-and-leave kind of place - you need to earn this one on foot, heading up across moorland that can be boggy underfoot depending on rainfall. The reward is a standalone rock formation that catches the light differently throughout the day, with views spreading across the Lake District's northern reaches toward Scotland on clear days.

This is a walker's destination, pure and simple. Families with younger kids might find the journey disappointing unless they're the hardy outdoor type - it's isolated terrain without facilities, and the final approach requires navigation skills if weather closes in. But for fell-walkers and anyone wanting to tick off a lesser-known summit marker, it's worth the effort. The solitude alone makes it stand out from the more trampled peaks.

Allow a good three to four hours for the round trip from nearby Caldbeck, depending on fitness and how long you linger. There's no admission charge - it's open fell - and no facilities at the stones themselves. Spring through early autumn works best, though winter ascents are possible if you know what you're doing.

Stay at Caldbeck Camping just 3.5 miles away and you're well-placed for tackling Hare Stones as part of a broader fell-walking holiday. It's the kind of marker that rewards proper navigation and commitment, not casual tourism.