Whiteside Pike

The walk up Whiteside Pike rewards you with one of the Lake District's most satisfying views for relatively little effort. It's a proper fell rather than a mountain, but don't let that fool you - the panorama from the top stretches across Bassenthwaite Lake and takes in Skiddaw and the northern fells without feeling like you've climbed Everest.

Most people tackle it as a circuit walk starting from Dash Falls, which is the smart approach. The route isn't technical, though it's steep in places and gets boggy after rain - good boots matter. Allow three to four hours for a steady pace and a decent sit-down at the summit. It's brilliant for walkers who want fell scenery without committing to eight hours on the hill.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might find the sustained climb tedious, and there's no scrambling to break up the monotony if they're used to more dramatic terrain. The views, though, are genuinely good - far better than you'd expect from the height.

If you're based at Kendal Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site, this makes an excellent half-day expedition. Two Acre Glamping Pods is a bit further out but still within striking distance. Spring and early summer are best - by late summer, the fell can look rather brown and the tourists are everywhere. Winter is magical but needs mountain sense. Free, obviously. No facilities at the top, so bring water.