Hollow Moor

Getting up to Hollow Moor from Kendal won't take you long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel like you've earned the views when you reach the top. This isn't one of the headline peaks - no visitors queue for selfies here - which is precisely why it's worth the walk. The moorland spreads out across the summit with proper windswept charm, and on a clear day you get sight lines down to Windermere and across the Kentish landscape. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're not a regular walker; the path is straightforward but unrelenting.

It's brilliant for families who've got kids old enough to manage a steady climb without complaint - say eight or nine upwards - and absolutely the thing for anyone who wants to avoid the Catbells crowds. Walkers doing a longer Lake District loop often throw it in as a side mission rather than a destination in itself, which tells you something about the effort-to-reward ratio. You won't need specialized kit or a guide, just decent boots and a packed lunch if you're in the mood for it.

If you're staying at Limefitt or one of the Parkdean sites nearby, it's a natural morning sortie before heading to Windermere proper. The moorland walking here has a rawer feel than the postcard-perfect lake views, which matters if you're after something that feels less manicured. Not transformative, but a proper little peak that rewards a bit of legwork.