High Kop

The walk up High Kop from Penrith rewards you with proper views across the Eden Valley and out towards the Lake District peaks. It's not a slog - the summit sits at just over 500 metres, making it accessible for most fitness levels without requiring fell-walking experience.

You're looking at roughly an hour up and the same back down, depending on pace. The route itself is straightforward: moorland underfoot, the kind of walk where you can chat without gasping for breath. On a clear day the visibility is genuinely impressive - you can see right across to the Pennines and, weather permitting, spot the high fells beyond Ullswater.

Families with older kids will manage this fine. Younger ones might find it a bit dull since there's nothing to do at the top besides look at the view and eat a sandwich. That said, it works brilliantly as part of a wider day - combine it with a visit to one of the nearby parks like Ullswater Holiday Park or Park Foot Holiday Park and you've got a solid morning's activity before heading to the lake.

It's completely free and there's no formal opening hours - just turn up. Best to go on a settled day rather than when the weather's threatening. The ground can get boggy after heavy rain. Winter's doable but wind can be a factor on the exposed sections. Early morning gets you there before the crowds from Penrith, though to be honest this isn't a honeypot spot like Catbells or Skiddaw - that's rather the appeal.