Cockshott Point

The walk down to Cockshott Point rewards you with one of Windermere's finest views - the sort that makes you understand why people keep coming back to the Lake District. You'll find yourself on a rocky peninsula jutting into the lake, with fells rising steeply across the water and the shoreline curving away in both directions. It's properly atmospheric in the early morning before the boats start moving.

This is a nature reserve, so you're here for the setting rather than facilities or attractions. The point itself sits about ten minutes' walk from Bowness town centre, making it ideal if you're camping at Parkdean Resorts Fallbarrow or staying closer in. The terrain's straightforward - no scrambling required - but the path can be muddy after rain. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the round trip if you're just going down and back, longer if you settle in with a coffee to watch the light change.

Walkers and landscape photographers will get the most from this. It's less of a destination and more of a breathing space - the sort of place you slip away to rather than plan an afternoon around. The views across to the Langdale Pikes and towards the south basin make it special. Not ideal for very young children unless they're keen on a gentle woodland stroll, and you won't find cafes or toilets out there.

Best visited when the light's low and the crowds from Bowness haven't materialised. Worth the short detour from any Lake District holiday base.