Knotts

The walk up Knotts from near Kendal is steep, relentless, and absolutely worth doing if you've got decent legs and a couple of hours spare. It's not a long climb - more the intensity of it that catches people out - but the reward is proper Lake District fell walking without needing to tackle anything massive like the Scafells or Helvellyn.

What you get at the top is a genuine sense of achievement and views that stretch across the Kentmere valley. On a clear day the vistas are excellent, though the weather can turn quickly up here, so check conditions before you head up. The path itself is well-trodden and marked, which helps. The descent tests your knees more than the ascent tests your calves.

This works brilliantly for fit walkers who want a morning objective without making a whole day of it. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper push will find it satisfying too. It's the sort of walk that makes you feel like you've actually climbed something, rather than ambled around a cairn.

If you're staying at Two Acre Glamping Pods or The Ashes Caravan Park nearby, Knotts makes an excellent day out alongside other Lake District walks. Kendal is close enough for breakfast beforehand and a well-earned pint afterwards. Access is straightforward from the town side, and there's parking available for those without accommodation in the immediate area.