Hartside Height

The wind hits you first at Hartside Height. It's relentless up here, which is precisely why the views stretch for what feels like forever - standing at 581 metres, you're properly exposed to the elements. On a clear day you can see right across the Pennines and into Scotland. The fell itself is bare moorland, the sort of place that makes you understand why walkers come back to the Lake District and Pennines year after year.

Getting up here isn't a technical climb - the A686 actually runs over the top, which means you can drive nearly to the summit if the weather's turned nasty. That said, the real satisfaction comes from parking lower and walking the ridgeline. It's an hour's walk each way if you're moderate pace, longer if you stop constantly to photograph the panorama behind you.

This is walkers' terrain, full stop. Families with small children will struggle unless they're prepared for genuine wind exposure and moorland paths that can be boggy. Serious hikers doing a Pennine traverse will pass through here. On a grey day when cloud sits low, it's frankly bleak and unrewarding - you'll see perhaps a hundred metres ahead and wonder why you bothered. Time your visit for settled weather.

Free access, no facilities beyond a layby, and closest town is Carlisle. If you're basing yourself at High Hall Farm Campsite nearby, this makes a proper morning expedition. Don't come expecting shelter or amenities. Come for the walk and the views when conditions allow.