Harper Hills

The walk up Harper Hills rewards you with views across the Eden Valley that stretch for miles on a clear day. It's a proper fell rather than a mountain - steep enough to make you work for it, but nothing that demands serious kit or experience. The terrain's a mix of bracken and grass, and the final push to the summit takes maybe forty minutes from the car park near Penrith.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a casual stroll, but it's not a full-day expedition either. Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing, and you'll want decent boots because the ground gets boggy after rain. The views are genuinely good - you can see right across to the Lake District fells on a decent day, which makes the effort worthwhile.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might find the climb tedious unless they're already keen hikers. There's not much else at the summit - no café, no facilities - so bring water and a snack.

It slots in well with a stay at either Howdy Glamping or Park Foot Holiday Park, both just outside Penrith. You could easily combine it with other walks in the area or a trip into Penrith itself for lunch. The weather in Cumbria can turn quickly, so pick a day with decent visibility or you'll spend your time in cloud rather than enjoying those views.