Harrot

Harrot's a proper fell rather than a mountain, and from Cockermouth it's within spitting distance - ideal if you're based at one of the local caravan parks like Castle Guards Farm Retreat or Skiddaw View and fancy a half-day walk without committing to the big peaks. The climb itself is straightforward enough, nothing technical, and the views westward across the Solway Plain are genuinely worth the effort, especially on a clear day when you can see right into Scotland.

What makes it appealing is the accessibility. You're not slogging up loose scree or navigating tricky paths - it's moorland walking at its most forgiving. Most walkers allow two to three hours for a round trip from the car park, which means you could easily fit this in before lunch or as an afternoon jaunt. The summit's bare and windswept but there's a decent cairn to prove you've made it.

Historically, this corner of Cumbria's dotted with industrial archaeology - old slate quarries, lead workings - and Harrot sits right among that landscape, so there's more to notice than just fell and sky if you pay attention. Families with older kids will manage it without complaint; younger children might find the moorland a bit monotonous, truth be told.

Free to access, naturally - it's fell walking. Go in settled weather though. The ground gets boggy, and the mist can roll in fast, turning an easy afternoon into something considerably less pleasant.