Little Hart Crag

The walk up Little Hart Crag from Patterdale is steep and relentless, but the 822-metre summit rewards you with proper Lake District views - all craggy ridges and distant fells rolling away toward Helvellyn. It's not a long hike, maybe two hours up and back, which makes it ideal if you've got kids who can handle a genuine fell scramble without the commitment of a full day out.

The real appeal is the scramble itself. There's enough rock to make it feel adventurous without being technical - just grippy stone underfoot and your legs screaming a bit. The descent's trickier than the ascent, so watch your footing on the way down. This isn't a casual stroll to a viewpoint; it's proper fell-walking territory.

You'll need decent boots and a decent level of fitness. The nearest town, Penrith, sits about forty minutes away by car, so base yourself at Sykeside Camping Park if you want to be right there for an early start - it's just 1.4 miles from the trailhead. Crossgate Luxury Glamping is pricier but their 5-star rating suggests it's worth the splurge if you want comfortable digs after a day in the fells. Parkdean Resorts Limefitt, though a bit further out, gives you more facilities if the family needs more than just a bed after hiking.

Go in decent weather. Cloud can wipe the views entirely, and exposed ridges in rain stop being fun fast.