Long Fell

The walk up Long Fell from Kirkby Stephen is straightforward enough, but the real reward comes when you top out and realise you're standing on something genuinely wild. It's not a dramatic peak - no jagged ridges or scree fields - just a proper fell summit with views that stretch across the Pennines in all directions.

The climb takes most people two to three hours depending on fitness and route chosen. It's the kind of walk where you'll pass through moorland and grassland, and the path is generally well-trodden enough to follow. Nothing too technical, which means families with older kids can manage it, though younger ones might find it a bit of a slog. Walkers after a proper day out will get real satisfaction here - there's something about reaching the top of a Pennine fell that feels earned.

Whatever the weather's doing in the valley, expect it to be windier and cooler up top. Bring layers and something waterproof; the fell changes moods quickly. There's no visitor centre or facilities on the summit itself - it's purely about the walk and the view.

If you're staying at Wild Rose Holiday Park or Gillcumber Glamping Pods nearby, Long Fell makes an excellent day out without needing to drive far. It fits perfectly into a Cumbrian walking holiday, especially if you want something less crowded than the Lake District peaks but still genuinely rewarding. Go on a clear day if you can.