High Hows

You'll find yourself climbing through open moorland to reach this fell top near Cockermouth, with views that stretch right across the Lake District's northern edge. High Hows isn't a dramatic peak - it's a modest, rounded summit at 1,024 metres - but that's rather the point. It's the kind of walk where the effort feels honest and the payoff is genuine without requiring ropes or scrambling skills.

The fell opens up gradually as you ascend, and on a clear day you're looking out towards Skiddaw and the northern fells with Bassenthwaite Lake sitting below like a proper jewel. The walking community treats it as a proper fell walk, not a touristy tick-box, which means you'll share the path with serious hikers rather than crowds.

Allow two to three hours for the round trip from the parking area, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. Families with older children (say, ages 10 and up) will manage it fine if they're used to walking, though the moorland sections can feel exposed in poor weather - wind comes straight at you up here. Bring layers and a decent waterproof.

If you're staying at Whinfell Hall Farm Campsite or Greysouthen, both within five miles, this makes a brilliant half-day outing without needing to trek down towards the main Keswick crowds. It's the sort of walk that reminds you why people come to the Lakes, not because it's famous, but because it actually delivers.