High Dodd

At 857 metres, High Dodd isn't exactly a bruiser of a fell, but the walk up from Penrith side is proper rewarding. You're looking at a straightforward ascent that takes most people between two and three hours there and back, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The summit itself isn't dramatic - no dramatic rocky pinnacle or trig point theatre - but the views across the Lake District and towards the Pennines are genuinely excellent on a clear day.

This is the sort of fell that suits families with older kids and regular walkers who want a decent outing without needing full mountaineering credentials. Younger children might find the slog tedious, though the moorland terrain keeps things visually interesting throughout. Start early to avoid the afternoon crowds, and go in spring or autumn when the fells aren't crowded with school holiday traffic.

It's free to climb, naturally - this is fell walking, not a theme park. Allow a full morning or early afternoon depending on your pace. Several caravan parks sit within a few miles: Ullswater Holiday Park and Sykeside Camping Park are both close enough for a quick dash out, and Park Foot Holiday Park gives you decent access to this corner of the Lakes.

While you're in the area, the Ullswater waterside walks are worth a separate trip, and Penrith itself has enough cafes and pubs to refuel afterwards. High Dodd works best as part of a longer Lakes holiday rather than a stand-alone day out.