Scalebarrow Knott

The walk up Scalebarrow Knott isn't long, but it's properly steep in places - the sort of fell that rewards effort without demanding hours of your time. You're looking at maybe an hour and a half from Penrith, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The summit itself sits at 1,784 feet, which sounds modest until you're standing on it looking across the Eden Valley and up towards the Lake District fells proper.

What makes it worth doing is the view without the crowds. Serious walkers heading for the high peaks often skip Scalebarrow entirely, which means you get the fell largely to yourself on most days. The path winds through rough moorland and bracken, and the final push to the summit is the steepest bit - nothing technical, just relentless.

Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the climb tedious unless they're already keen. Dog walkers absolutely love it - there's proper fell running to be had up there. History buffs won't find anything ancient, but geology types will notice the Pennine landscape shifting beneath their feet.

If you're based at Park Foot or Howdy Glamping - both cracking spots within easy striking distance - Scalebarrow works as a morning outing before lunch in Penrith. Free, obviously. Best in late spring through early autumn, when the moorland is actually passable rather than sodden bog. Midge season can be rough, so bring insect repellent.