Silver How

Standing at 394 metres, this modest fell just west of Ambleside offers one of the finest panoramic views in the southern Lakes for surprisingly little effort. The walk up takes about 45 minutes from the town centre, following well-marked paths through woodland before emerging onto open fellside.

What makes Silver How special isn't its height - plenty of peaks tower above it - but the 360-degree vista from its rocky summit. You'll see Windermere stretching south, the Langdale Pikes dominating the western horizon, and on clear days, glimpses of Coniston Water. It's particularly stunning at sunset when the light catches the water.

Families with older children will manage this one easily, though toddlers might struggle with the steeper sections near the top. Proper walking boots are essential as the final scramble over rocks can be slippery when wet. Allow two hours return from Ambleside town centre.

The fell works brilliantly as a morning warm-up if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites like Great Langdale or Skelwith Fold. After conquering Silver How, you'll feel ready to tackle something more challenging like the Langdale Pikes. Just don't expect solitude - this is a popular route precisely because it delivers big views for modest effort.