Beacon Hill

The walk up Beacon Hill rewards you with proper fell views across the Eden Valley and towards the Lake District fells beyond. It's a straightforward climb from Appleby-in-Westmorland - nothing too technical, but your legs will know about it by the top. The summit itself is modest, just a cairn and some stones, but the panorama justifies the effort. On a clear day you can pick out High Cup Nick to the south and the Pennines stretching away eastward.

Walkers will find this one satisfying rather than gruelling. Most people manage the round trip in two to three hours depending on fitness, and it works brilliantly as a half-day outing from one of the nearby campsites - Crossfells or Lowther Holiday Park are both close enough for a quick dash. Families with reasonably confident hill-legs will get on fine with it; younger children might find the last stretch dull without the promise of ice cream in Appleby afterwards.

There's no visitor infrastructure up here - bring water and something to eat - and you'll want decent boots on stony ground. The best light comes in late afternoon, when the valley floor turns golden and you can actually see what you're looking at. Avoid it in clag or you'll spend your time staring at cloud. It's free, naturally, and accessible year-round, though winter can be muddy on the descent. If you're based at one of the Holiday Parks in the area, this deserves a morning of your time before heading into the market town for lunch.