Stoupdale Head

The walk up Stoupdale Head isn't long, but it punches above its weight. From Millom, you're looking at a straightforward fell trek that climbs to 1,200 metres and delivers views across the Lake District fells and down to the coast - proper impressive for the effort required.

It's the kind of walk that suits families with older kids and keen walkers who don't fancy fighting crowds on the busier peaks. The terrain is moorland, so it's exposed; pick a clear day or you'll spend two hours in cloud. Allow three to four hours return from the car park, depending on fitness.

There's something refreshing about climbing a fell that isn't jammed with thousands of other hikers. You get solitude and decent vistas without needing technical kit or a dawn start. The approach from the south is straightforward enough, though map-reading skills help as the top can be featureless in poor visibility.

If you're staying at Harbour Lights Campsite near Millom, this is a natural choice for a half-day outing. The campsite itself is well-regarded and puts you close to coastal walks as well, so you can balance fell time with beach time. Summer's your best bet - the winter weather on the exposed ridge can turn nasty quickly. Costs nothing to climb, and you'll have earned a decent pint back in town.