Kentmere Tarn

The walk in to Kentmere Tarn is what makes it worth doing. You're heading into proper fell country here, leaving the crowds behind at Windermere and pushing up through Kentmere valley with the high peaks closing in around you. The tarn itself sits at about 1,600 feet, cradled between the surrounding fells with a serious mountain backdrop that justifies the steep slog uphill.

Once you're there, it's a straightforward mountain lake - clear on a good day, moody and dramatic when the weather turns. The walk takes roughly two and a half hours each way from the car park at Kentmere, and it's not the easiest going, so this isn't one for lazy afternoon strollers. Walkers who like proper fell terrain will rate it highly. Families with young children should probably look elsewhere; the gradient will test them and there's no shelter or facilities up there.

The real draw is the sense of isolation and the views back down the valley towards Windermere town. On a clear day you're getting views to the south and west across the Lake District that make the effort feel worthwhile. Go early in the day if you want any peace - decent weather brings the crowds, even on supposedly quiet peaks.

If you're camping at Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site, this makes a cracking full-day excursion. Park the van, set off early, and you've got a proper mountain experience without needing to venture too far afield. It's the sort of walk that reminds you why Cumbria gets the fuss.