Middle How

The walk up Middle How rewards you with the kind of view that makes you understand why people move to the Lake District. It's a modest peak by Lakeland standards, but that's precisely what makes it appealing - you get proper fell walking without needing mountaineering experience or spending all day on your feet.

From Ambleside, it's an accessible outing that takes most people between two and three hours return, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. The summit isn't dramatic - no dramatic rock formations or exposed scrambles - but the panorama across the valley is genuinely first-rate, with views down to the lakes and across the surrounding fells. On a clear day it's hard to beat.

Families with older children will manage this fine. Younger ones might find the steady climbing a bit much, though the fell is forgiving enough. If you're staying at Great Langdale Campsite or Great Langdale Glamping, you're practically on the doorstep - both are exceptional bases for this sort of walking. Even BaysBrown Farm Campsite, a bit further out, puts you in touching distance.

It's free, obviously - just park sensibly near Ambleside and head out. Go early or late in the day if you can, when the light's better and you'll have the fell more to yourself. Mid-afternoon on a sunny weekend can get a bit crowded with day-trippers. The walk doesn't require any special kit beyond decent boots and weather-appropriate clothing. Real walking, no nonsense.