Loy's Hill

A brisk walk up from Appleby-in-Westmorland brings you to Loy's Hill, a fell that rewards effort without demanding mountaineering skills. The summit sits high enough to deliver proper views across the Eden Valley and the Pennine spine beyond - on a clear day you're looking at a serious chunk of northern England spread out beneath you.

It's the kind of walk that works well for families who've done a few hills before but aren't ready for the big Lakeland fells. Strong walkers knock it out in an afternoon. The path is manageable though it does get steep towards the top, and you'll want decent boots if the ground's been wet. Allow two to three hours return from Appleby.

This sits nicely within reach of both Wild Rose Holiday Park and Gillcumber Glamping Pods, making it an obvious morning activity if you're staying in the area for a few days. It's not one of those peaks that draws crowds - you'll likely have the summit to yourself even in summer.

Go on a day when visibility is decent. There's nothing to see up here in low cloud except mist and your own feet, and the views are genuinely the point. Winter ascents can be slippery and require proper hill sense. Spring and early summer work best. Bring water and a packed lunch - there's nothing at the top except grass and space.