Three Pikes

The walk up to Three Pikes isn't long, but it's relentless. You're looking at a proper fell-walking experience, not a gentle riverside stroll, and the views across the Pennines once you reach the top absolutely justify the leg work. Three separate peaks make for an interesting topography - each one offers something slightly different, and the ridge walk connecting them is genuinely good fun if you've got any hill-walking experience under your belt.

It's the kind of place that rewards walkers rather than casual visitors. Families with older kids who don't mind a steep climb will get real value from it; younger ones might find the ascent tedious. The fell can be boggy after rain, so decent boots aren't optional here. Allow three to four hours if you want to explore all three summits properly and stop for a snack at the top.

Geographically, it sits just south of Carlisle, making it manageable as a morning or afternoon trip if you're based at High Hall Farm Campsite nearby. The campsite itself is well-reviewed, and Three Pikes works perfectly as a punctuation mark in a wider walking holiday - it's not a drive-and-stare kind of attraction, but for anyone who actually wants to walk in the Lakes, it's solid. Weather matters here more than most places; a clear day transforms the experience, while cloud cover makes it feel a bit grey and featureless. Go when the forecast is decent.