Kentmere Pike

The walk up Kentmere Pike isn't long, but it's proper steep. From Windermere, you're looking at roughly two hours each way to bag this 730-metre fell, and honestly, that's being generous if you dawdle. The route itself winds through Kentmere Valley, which alone is worth the trip - a quiet corner of the Lake District that doesn't get rammed with tourists the way some bits do.

Once you're up, the views sprawl across the central fells. On a clear day you can pick out Helvellyn and the High Street range. The summit's a bit rocky and windswept, the kind of place where five minutes of standing still will freeze your fingers solid if you're not careful.

This is squarely a walker's hill. Families with young kids might find it frustrating - there's nothing to do at the top except admire the view and eat a sandwich. The reward is entirely in the ascent and the outlook, so if you're after a "destination" with cafes or activities, look elsewhere.

It's free to walk, naturally. Allow half a day minimum if you're staying nearby. Timing-wise, summer gives you the best visibility and the longest daylight. If you're camping at Sykeside or glamping at Lakeside Retreat, both within five miles, Kentmere Pike makes an excellent morning tick before a lazy afternoon. Combine it with a wander round Kentmere Valley itself - genuinely lovely and rarely crowded.