Hen Comb

The walk up Hen Comb from Cockermouth feels deceptively short on the map until your legs remind you otherwise. It's a proper fell, not some gentle hill, rising steeply from the valley floor with loose stone underfoot that demands respect in wet weather.

Once you're up there - and it does take proper effort - the views across the Lake District fells justify every breath. Skiddaw dominates to the east, while westwards you can see all the way to the Solway Firth on a clear day. The summit's a straightforward affair: windswept, rocky, and brilliant.

This is a walk for people who actually like walking, not those after a scenic stroll and an ice cream. Allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness. It's free, naturally, and there's no visitor centre or facilities up top - bring water and snacks. Spring and autumn offer the best visibility, though summer crowds are lighter if you fancy an early start.

If you're camped at Whinfell Hall Farm, Hen Comb makes a cracking half-day excursion alongside exploring the Cockermouth area proper. It's not the Lake District's most famous peak, which works in its favour - you won't be queuing at the summit. A solid option for walkers staying in the region who want something with actual substance.