High Seat

The walk up High Seat from Keswick doesn't take long - you're looking at roughly two hours up and back - but it delivers proper views across Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. It's one of those peaks that feels bigger than its 1,995 metres because you're starting from valley floor, so the sense of climbing is genuine.

The path starts near Ashton's Wood and winds steadily upward. Nothing too technical, but it's not a gentle amble either; your legs will know about it. The real reward comes at the top. On a clear day, you can see right across to the Helvellyn range and down towards Windermere. The Jaws of Borrowdale open up below you. It's worth picking a decent weather window for this one - the view in cloud is just a damp trudge.

Families with confident walkers aged eight and up will manage it without drama. Anyone who finds sustained uphill dull should probably give it a miss. It's a walker's peak, not a summit for those who prefer gentle strolls. The ground can be boggy in patches after rain, so decent boots matter.

If you're basing yourself at Castlerigg Hall or Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club, this makes a solid afternoon out. You could knock it off before lunch, leaving time for other Lake District pursuits. The proximity to Keswick means there's no time wasted on approach roads. All in, a proper fell walk that doesn't demand a full day commitment.