Scafell Pike

The walk up Scafell Pike will knacker you out, but that's rather the point. At 3,209 feet, it's England's highest mountain - a proper achievement to bag, especially on a clear day when you can see all the way to the Irish Sea. The summit itself is rocky, windswept, and genuinely impressive rather than Instagram-filtered impressive.

Most people tackle it from Wasdale Head in the south, which is the shortest route but steep as hell - about three hours up, two hours down if you're moving well. The northern approach from Borrowdale takes longer but feels less like climbing a staircase. Either way, bring proper boots and a waterproof. The Lake District weather turns on a sixpence, and you don't want to be caught out above the cloud line in summer drizzle.

Families with older kids (think 10-plus, fit ones) can manage it, but littler walkers will struggle with the scree and exposure near the top. Serious hikers and fell runners absolutely live for this. Solo walkers are everywhere, especially weekends. It's free, obviously - just rock and sky - and you'll want a full day for it.

If you're camping at Great Langdale Campsite or the glamping setup there, Scafell Pike makes a brilliant midweek objective. Fisherground Campsite puts you closer to Wasdale Head. The mountain doesn't disappoint, though it's popular enough that solitude is rare. Still worth every aching leg.