The Knott

The Knott isn't a mountain you'll see on postcards, which is precisely why it's worth the trip. This modest fell sits just outside Penrith and offers one of the most straightforward hill walks in the Lake District - no scrambling, no false summits, just steady climbing through decent moorland with views that open up as you gain height.

The walk itself takes roughly an hour to the top from the road, depending on fitness. You're looking at a proper fell walk rather than a casual stroll - boots recommended - but nothing technical. The summit views sweep across to the northern fells and back towards Penrith, which means you get that satisfying sense of height without the schlepp of tackling something like Helvellyn.

This is ideal for families who want their kids to feel they've actually climbed a mountain, or for walkers basing themselves at one of the nearby campsites - Sykeside Camping Park and Fisherground Campsite are within spitting distance - and wanting a morning's outing without driving far. History buffs won't find much here, but that's not really the point. The Knott rewards you with effort and solitude rather than drama.

It's free to walk, naturally. Go on a clear day and you'll see why locals bother with it. Dull weather and you might wonder why you didn't pick something bigger. That's the trade-off with these smaller fells - they depend entirely on conditions to justify the effort. Still, from any of the local holiday parks, it's a cracking way to start the day.