Loweswater Fell

The walk up Loweswater Fell isn't particularly long, but it's steep enough to leave you breathing hard before you've gone half a mile. Starting from the village of Loweswater itself - a quiet spot between Cockermouth and the more touristy bits of the Lake District - you climb through woodland, then across open moorland, until you're standing 423 metres up with proper views across to the Pennines and down into the valley you've just climbed out of.

It's the kind of fell that rewards you without demanding too much. Walkers like that. Families with older kids will find it manageable in an afternoon, though the path can be boggy in places, especially after rain. The summit itself is a bit rocky and windswept - don't expect shelter up there. On a clear day it's worth the effort; on a grey one, you'll wonder why you bothered.

Loweswater lake sits below, proper peaceful, and the whole area has that genuine fell-walking feel without the crowds you get at Catbells or Skiddaw. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. It's free, naturally - these fells don't charge entry fees.

If you're staying nearby, Greysouthen Caravan Site is just under six miles away, which makes it a decent morning or late afternoon option. It works well paired with a walk around the lake itself on a gentler day.