Mockerkin How

The walk up Mockerkin How from Cockermouth won't take long, which is exactly why it works so well if you're based at one of the nearby campsites and fancy a proper stretch without committing your whole afternoon. The fell itself tops out at 1,027 metres, offering proper Lakeland views across to the higher peaks once you've earned them. On a clear day you can see right across the Solway Firth towards Scotland.

It's the sort of walk that rewards walkers more than anyone else - steady gradient, open moorland, no faffing about with woodland or technical scrambling. A couple of hours up and down suits most people, though families with younger kids might find the exposed sections a bit relentless in windy weather. There's real character to the fell though. The views aren't as dramatic as Catbells or Skiddaw, but that's partly the appeal - you get the landscape without the crowds.

Based at Whinfell Hall Farm Campsite or Greysouthen, you're ideally placed to slot this in during a Lakeland trip centred on Cockermouth. It's not a must-do by any means, but if you're keen on fells and you're already in the area, it ticks the box. Bring decent boots - the terrain gets boggy in places after rain, which happens often enough in Cumbria that you should assume it's possible. Free to walk, as with most Lake District fells. Go when the weather's settled if you can manage it.