Sourfoot Fell

The walk up Sourfoot Fell isn't going to test your fitness much, but that's rather the point. This modest Cumbrian fell rises above Cockermouth's surrounding farmland, offering a straightforward climb that gets you proper views across the Lake District without hours of slogging. The summit itself is fairly bare - you're here for the vantage point, not any dramatic ridge walk or mountain cafe.

On a clear day, you'll see right across to the bigger fells. On a misty one, well, you've got a decent stroll through upland terrain and not much else. The walk works brilliantly if you're camped at Whinfell Hall Farm just down the road - it's close enough for a half-morning excursion before breakfast properly settles. Greysouthen, five miles out, makes it a bit more of a commitment but still achievable.

Families with capable walkers will manage this fine. It's not a drag-the-reluctant-teenager situation. Solo walkers get the solitude without the commitment of something like Helvellyn. The fell attracts fewer tourists than the showier Lakeland peaks, which means you won't spend the descent queuing behind day-trippers on a wet Saturday.

Allow ninety minutes for the round trip unless you're taking your time. There's no official path as such - you're navigating farmland and open fell, so decent boots and a map are worth having. The weather can turn quickly, even on allegedly clear mornings. Free to climb, obviously. Go in spring or early autumn if you want the best of both worlds - decent visibility and fewer midges.