Hartsop Dodd

The walk up Hartsop Dodd from Patterdale is straightforward enough - a proper fell rather than a mountain, which means you can be up and down in a couple of hours without needing to strap on serious kit. The summit sits at 1,848 feet, giving you clear views across the Ullswater valley and down to the pikes beyond.

What makes it worthwhile isn't the height or the crowds - there aren't many - but the fact it's gentle enough for families with older kids while still feeling like a real walk. The ascent is gradual, mostly following the fell side above Brothers Water, and the terrain underfoot is manageable even when it's been wet. On a clear day the views south towards the Helvellyn range are genuinely good.

Go on a weekday if you can. The car park at Patterdale fills quickly on weekends, and you'll have the fell largely to yourself. Allow two and a half hours for the round trip, maybe more if you're taking photographs or moving slowly with children.

If you're staying at Sykeside Camping Park, it's practically on the doorstep - less than a mile away. Lakeside Retreat Glamping over towards Windermere is further but still workable as a base for exploring this corner of the park. It's not a destination walk that'll blow your mind, but paired with nearby Ullswater and a stroll round Glenridding, it makes for a solid day out.