Skellaw Hill

The walk up Skellaw Hill from Penrith isn't long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. The summit sits at just under 1,200 feet, which means the views across the Eden Valley are genuinely impressive without requiring a full day's commitment.

What you get is essentially a proper Lakeland fell experience in miniature. The path winds through open moorland, and on a clear day you can see right across to the High Street range. There's something satisfying about climbing something this accessible yet still getting that sense of achievement - no scrambling, no exposure, just solid fell-walking.

Historically minded visitors might appreciate the Bronze Age cairn near the summit, though it's easy to miss if you're not looking. Families with teenage walkers could manage this without complaint; younger kids might find the ascent a bit relentless. Allow ninety minutes up and an hour back down. Early morning is best - the path gets busy on weekends.

It works well as part of a wider Penrith area trip. Howdy Glamping sits just four miles away, so you could combine this with their outdoor setup nicely. The hill itself is free to access and there are no facilities at the top, so bring water. Go in spring or early autumn when the weather's most reliable and the midges less aggressive.