Hobcarton End

The walk up Hobcarton End rewards you with something most of the Lake District's honeypot fells don't - genuine solitude. This modest peak sits just inland from Cockermouth, tucked away enough that you'll rarely queue for views, yet high enough to deliver proper Lakeland scenery without the crowds you'd face on Skiddaw or Blencathra.

It's a straightforward fell walk rather than a technical climb. The ascent takes you through quiet woodland and open moorland, and the summit itself offers expansive views across the northern Lakes - Skiddaw dominates the eastern skyline, while westward you can see clear to the Solway Firth on a good day. The whole outing, depending on your pace and which approach you take from the Cockermouth side, typically takes two to three hours.

This is ideal for walkers who want a proper peak without the circus. Families with older children (say, eight-plus) will manage it fine - the paths are generally well-defined and not exposed. Younger kids might find it a bit relentless, though.

If you're camping at Whinfell Hall Farm or Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club, both within easy striking distance, Hobcarton End works brilliantly as a morning objective before heading elsewhere. It's free to walk, as with most Lake District fells. The best time is May through September when the weather's most reliable and the ground less boggy. Winter ascents are doable but muddy underfoot.

Not Instagram-famous, which is precisely why it's worth your time.