Spout Force

The walk to Spout Force is what makes this worth your time, not some grand finale at the top. Starting from near Cockermouth, you're threading through proper Lake District fell country - the kind of terrain that reminds you why you came to Cumbria in the first place. The waterfall itself is modest, honestly. It's not a thundering cascade that'll leave you speechless. What you get instead is a genuine fell waterfall, the sort that looks brilliant after rain and rather genteel when it's been dry for weeks.

The real appeal is the walk itself. It's not brutal - maybe 45 minutes to an hour each way depending on your pace - but it's solid going, with decent views across the valleys as you climb. The path is well-trodden enough that you won't get lost, but narrow enough that it feels like proper walking rather than a stroll. Kids aged eight and up will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the climb tedious.

Families based at Whinfell Hall Farm Campsite or Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club could easily slot this into a broader morning's walking. The waterfall works best as part of a wider fell day rather than a standalone destination. Allow a couple of hours total including the falls themselves, where you can scramble about on the rocks and paddle if the weather's kind. It's free, naturally, and there are no facilities once you leave Cockermouth, so bring water and a snack.