Kendal

Mint cake capital of Britain, Kendal sits where the fells meet proper civilisation. The grey limestone town has fed generations of climbers and walkers before they head into the Lake District proper, and there's something reassuring about its workaday streets after a week on the peaks.

Sizergh Castle dominates the southern approach - a proper 14th-century pile with gardens that'll have you reaching for your camera. The National Trust has done well here, though the crowds can be a bit much on summer weekends. Better to visit Levens Hall if you want something more intimate, with topiary gardens that look like they've escaped from Alice in Wonderland.

Kendal Golf Club offers decent views if you fancy a round, but the real action happens on the surrounding fells. The Helm provides cracking panoramas without too much effort - a proper warm-up before tackling the bigger peaks further north. Banner Riggs and Heversham Head reward those willing to put in a bit more legwork.

Woodland walks thread through Low Park Wood and the atmospheric Scroggs Wood, perfect for stretching legs between pub visits. The town itself is handy for supplies and that essential pre-adventure breakfast.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the M6 junction puts you minutes from the town centre, while the train station connects directly to Manchester and London. It's about as convenient as the Lakes get for those arriving from the south.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough for proper shops and restaurants, but far enough out to hear the curlews calling from the fells. Several sites offer glamping if canvas isn't your thing, while traditional pitches suit those who prefer to rough it a bit.