Rayseat

The walk up Rayseat from Appleby-in-Westmorland takes you proper into the Pennines, climbing steadily through moorland that opens up into proper walking country. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a high moorland ridge - but the views across the Eden Valley southward are worth the leg work, especially on clear days when you can see for miles across Cumbria.

This is walker territory. Families with young kids might find the ascent a bit much unless they're keen outdoorsy types, but experienced walkers will appreciate the route. The moorland itself is lovely at any time of year, though spring and summer beat the windy months. You'll want a good three hours minimum to get up and back down comfortably, longer if you're taking it easy or combining it with other peaks in the area.

The real appeal here is solitude. You won't fight crowds like you do on the more famous Lake District peaks. It's the sort of walk where you actually hear yourself think - no gift shops, no visitor centre, just moorland and sky. From Rayseat you can also link across to other fells if you're planning a longer expedition.

If you're based at Wild Rose Holiday Park nearby, Rayseat makes an excellent morning or afternoon outing. Appleby-in-Westmorland itself is worth a potter round beforehand - proper medieval market town with actual character. The walk's free, obviously, but you'll need proper boots and weather awareness. It's Pennine country, so conditions change quickly.