Hart Side

Hart Side sits quietly between Helvellyn and Fairfield, one of those Lake District peaks that doesn't get the crowds of its more famous neighbours. The walk itself is straightforward enough - most people approach from Patterdale, which sits just south of Penrith, making it an easy half-day outing from any of the local caravan parks.

What you get is genuine fell walking without the tourist queues. The summit's modest - 903 metres - but the views across to Fairfield and down the valley are worth the effort, especially on a clear day when you can see right across to the higher peaks beyond. It's one of those walks where the landscape opens up gradually rather than hitting you all at once, which some find satisfying and others find a bit underwhelming.

The route takes roughly two to three hours depending on fitness and pace. There's no scrambling or technical climbing involved, just good steady walking on decent paths. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find it a slog. Walkers treating the Lake District as their proper hobby will get more from it than casual day-trippers.

It's free to climb - there's no charge for fell walking in England - though you'll need to sort parking near Patterdale. The Campsites around Troutbeck Head and Castlerigg Hall are close enough that you could do Hart Side as a morning walk before tackling one of the more demanding peaks nearby. Best visited outside school holidays when the paths are less congested. Not essential viewing, but a solid day out if you're in the area.