Plough Fell

The walk up Plough Fell from Holmrook is straightforward but properly steep in sections. It's not a long slog - you're looking at roughly three to four hours for the round trip depending on pace - but your legs will know about it on the descent. The fell itself is fairly bare moorland at the top, which means wind can bite hard even on calm days lower down. Views are solid rather than spectacular. You get the Lake District fells rolling away to the east, the Solway Firth glinting to the west, and on a clear day the Scottish hills aren't just a smudge on the horizon.

This one suits fell walkers who want a genuine workout without committing to a full day. It's accessible enough that fit families can tackle it, though younger kids might find the steep stretches tedious. History buffs won't find much here - it's pure moorland and open country, no ruins or ancient sites to break up the hike.

If you're staying at Fisherground Campsite nearby, it's a natural choice for a morning or early afternoon expedition. The campsite itself sits well for accessing the fells around Holmrook, and Plough Fell makes a proper hill day without being overambitious. Free to roam, as with most Lake District fells - just respect access rights and stick to established paths. Start early if you're going, especially in winter when daylight disappears quickly. The moorland can feel exposed and navigation isn't entirely straightforward in mist, so map and compass or GPS are essential kit.