Kirk Fell

Kirk Fell rises 802 metres from the Lake District fells west of Keswick, and it's a proper workout if you're coming from Buttermere. The walk is relentless rather than technical - bog in places, rocky scrambling near the top, views that stretch across to the Scottish hills on a clear day. You'll share the route with plenty of others tackling the Wainwrights, but the fell itself feels less crowded than Catbells or Helvellyn.

Walkers should allow four to five hours for a circular route from Buttermere village. It's not one for casual strollers or young kids - the ascent is around 600 metres and the paths are unforgiving. History buffs won't find much up there beyond the cairn, but the fell names themselves tell you something about the old Norse settlers who mapped this landscape centuries ago.

Camp at Whinfell Hall Farm near Cockermouth and you're well positioned for a day on Kirk Fell. The 1.6 mile proximity means you can base yourself there and tackle several fells across the week without moving camp. Keswick Camping is further but gives you more town amenities. Start early to claim parking in Buttermere village - the car park fills fast on summer weekends. Late afternoon light is worth waiting for if the weather's kind, but don't mess about in poor visibility. The fell's fine, but it's not spectacular enough to justify a dodgy descent.