The Knotts

The Knotts rises sharply above Ullswater's eastern shore, and on a clear day it's absolutely worth the leg work from Penrith. This isn't a technical climb - more of a determined fell walk - but the views across the lake toward Helvellyn justify every steep bit of the ascent.

You're looking at roughly 90 minutes up from the car park, depending on fitness. The summit itself is modest - a proper Lake District fell top rather than anything dramatic - but the reward is being able to see right down Ullswater's length. On hazy days it loses some appeal, so pick your weather carefully.

Walkers and families with older children will get the most from this. Younger kids might find the push to the top a slog without much payoff. The walk is straightforward navigation, nothing exposed or tricky, which is useful if you're not keen on scrambling.

If you're staying at Ullswater Holiday Park or Park Foot - both practically on the doorstep - you can knock this out as a half-day excursion and still have time for the lake itself. The whole outing, with a break at the top, takes a morning or early afternoon.

Free to climb, naturally. Best visited when the peaks aren't cloud-wrapped - avoid the wetter months unless you're after solitude. It's a solid addition to a Lakeland holiday without being a must-do on its own.