Skiddaw Little Man

Skiddaw Little Man sits just below its bigger sibling, Skiddaw, and offers walkers a proper fell experience without the full commitment. It's a 3,040-footer that rewards you with views across the Lake District without the notorious scree slopes that can be a nightmare on the main peak when conditions are poor.

The walk up from Keswick takes roughly four to five hours depending on fitness and how many times you stop to admire the view. You'll gain something like 2,000 feet, which is respectable without being brutal. Many walkers tackle both summits in one go - the ridge walk between them is straightforward enough, and doing just Little Man feels a bit pointless once you're up there.

It's ideal for strong hill walkers and families with older kids who want a genuine fell walk. If your group includes toddlers or anyone who finds sustained uphill dull, this will test patience. Summer months are best when daylight stretches longest, though the exposed nature means weather can change fast.

There's no entrance fee - you simply park in Keswick and walk. Several campsites cluster nearby, including Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club less than three miles from town and Castlerigg Hall Caravan Park, which feels far closer to proper climbing country despite being only 3.4 miles out. Either base works well for tackling Skiddaw Little Man as part of a broader Lake District fell-walking trip, though don't expect solitude on weekends.