Scale Force

The walk to Scale Force takes you through proper Lake District terrain, and the waterfall itself is a thin, elegant ribbon of water that drops about 60 metres down a rocky gully. It's the highest waterfall in the Lakes, though you wouldn't necessarily guess it from the modest flow - this isn't a thundering cascade, more of a graceful spill that catches the light on a good day.

You'll need decent legs for this one. The hike from Cockermouth side takes roughly two hours there and back, winding through woodland before emerging into more open fell country. The final push to the base involves some scrambling over loose rock, so wear proper boots. It's entirely free and worth the effort if you're already staying in the area - walkers and photographers tend to get the most from it, though families with older kids comfortable on rough ground won't feel out of place.

Timing matters. Visit after heavy rain and you'll see the waterfall at its most impressive, when water crashes down with real urgency. Dry summers can make it look rather tame. Summer weekends pull a crowd, which seems odd given how remote it feels, so early morning or a weekday visit pays dividends.

If you're camping nearby at Whinfell Hall Farm, Scale Force works as a proper morning expedition. Pair it with a walk round Buttermere if you want to make a longer day of it - the views across the valley are excellent, and you're far enough from the honey-pot attractions around Windermere to feel like you've actually discovered something.