Raven Howe

The walk up Raven Howe starts from the outskirts of Penrith and doesn't take long - under an hour if you're moving steadily. It's a proper fell, not some gentle riverside stroll, so expect a steep push through moorland with good views across the Eden Valley once you're up there. The summit itself is modest, nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you get sight lines toward the Lake District fells which makes the graft worthwhile.

This one's best for walkers who want a quick leg-stretcher rather than a full day commitment. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the climb tedious. It's the sort of peak you knock off in the morning and still have the afternoon free - handy if you're based at one of the nearby parks like Sykeside or Ullswater Holiday Park.

There's no visitor centre or facilities at the summit, so bring water and proper footwear. The ground gets boggy in places, particularly after rain. Autumn and spring tend to be best - summer can feel crowded if you hit a weekend, and winter conditions on the exposed sections need respecting.

What makes it worth the detour is the accessibility from Penrith combined with the rewarding views. You're not battling with hundreds of others, and the walk has a genuine fell feel without requiring a full day's commitment. Park up near town, do the walk, grab lunch - it slots into a proper Lakeland holiday without fuss.