Lothwaite

Lothwaite is one of those peaks that doesn't announce itself loudly, which is precisely why you should go. It's a proper fell walk just north of Keswick, the kind of route that rewards you with wide views across the northern Lake District without the crowds you'll find on Skiddaw or Blencathra.

The ascent itself is straightforward - grassy fellside all the way up, nothing technical - and the whole thing takes around two hours from the car park. What makes it worth the trip is the 360-degree perspective you get from the top. You're looking down into Keswick to the south, across to the Helvellyn range, and north towards the Border. On a clear day it's genuinely excellent.

Walkers will get the most from Lothwaite. It's too short and straightforward for serious mountaineers, and unless your children are already keen hillwalkers, they might find the lack of scrambling or summit drama a bit dull. But if you're staying at one of the campsites nearby - Kestrel Lodge or Skiddaw View are closest - and you want a half-day outing with proper views and no queue for the trig point, this does the job.

Go early morning if you can. The light's better, and you'll have the fell largely to yourself. It's free, obviously - it's a mountain - and there's decent parking at the start of the route. Factor in two and a half hours all in, and time for a brew at the top.