Round How

Standing at 1,826 feet above the eastern shores of Ullswater, Round How delivers one of the Lake District's more accessible summit experiences without the crowds that plague Helvellyn. The walk up takes about an hour from the Gowbarrow Park car park, following well-marked paths through ancient woodland before opening onto fell-side views that'll have you reaching for your camera.

Families with older children (say 8+) will manage this one comfortably - it's steep enough to feel like a proper mountain adventure but not so challenging that it becomes a slog. The summit itself isn't dramatic - no knife-edge ridges here - but the 360-degree views across Ullswater towards the Helvellyn range more than compensate.

Best tackled on a clear day when you can actually see something from the top. Early morning or late afternoon light transforms the lake below into something rather special. The descent takes you past Aira Force waterfall if you fancy extending the walk, though that adds another hour.

For those staying at nearby spots like Ullswater Holiday Park or Park Foot Holiday Park, this makes an excellent half-day outing. Close enough to Penrith that you could combine it with supplies shopping, but remote enough to feel properly away from it all. Pack a flask - there's something deeply satisfying about a proper brew with that view spread out below.