Stake House Fell

The walk up Stake House Fell from near Garstang is a proper leg-stretcher rather than a dramatic mountain expedition. It's a modest Lancashire peak, but the climb rewards you with wide views across the Bowland fells and down towards the Preston direction if the weather's on your side.

From the car park near the base, expect a straightforward trudge of roughly two hours there and back. The path is well-trodden and reasonably clear, though it gets boggy underfoot when it's been wet - which, let's be honest, is often in Lancashire. The fell itself is grass-covered moorland with little in the way of technical scrambling, making it accessible for most fitness levels, though it's steeper than it looks from a distance.

This is a walker's destination pure and simple. Families with younger kids might find the exposed moorland a bit bleak on a grey day, and the views depend entirely on cloud cover. Come when it's clear and you've got genuine payoff; come when the mist is down and it's just brown grass and your own thoughts.

It works well as a half-day outing if you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around the area - Claylands is closest at under four miles away. The walk fits neatly between breakfast and lunch, leaving your afternoon free for Garstang itself or the Forest of Bowland proper. No facilities on the fell itself, so pack water and snacks.