Cragged Head

The walk up Cragged Head rewards you with one of those views that makes the slog worthwhile. Starting from Cockermouth, it's an honest climb but nothing that will break you - the summit sits at a decent height without requiring scrambling or technical gear. The fell itself is craggy (hence the name, I suppose), with proper rocky outcrops that give it character rather than the rounded fells you get elsewhere in the Lake District.

On a clear day, you can see right across to the Solway Firth. The surrounding hills make sense from up here - you start to understand the geography rather than just trudging blindly from one viewpoint to another. It's the sort of walk that takes three to four hours including breaks, so don't expect a quick afternoon jaunt.

Family groups will find it manageable if everyone's reasonably fit; younger children might struggle with the sustained gradient. Serious fell walkers won't rate it as anything special - it's a decent warm-up rather than a destination in itself. That said, if you're based at Whinfell Hall Farm Campsite just down the road, it's worth having on your list. The Camping and Caravanning Club site near Keswick is only a few miles further, making Cragged Head a natural addition to a broader park holiday exploring Cumbria's better-known peaks.

No facilities on the fell itself. Cockermouth has cafes and shops for supplies. Weather can change quickly, so pick a settled day - you'll thank yourself for the visibility.