Whinlatter

The walk up Whinlatter is steep, honest to God steep, but that's rather the point. At 1,362 feet, it's not Helvellyn or Scafell Pike - you're not here for bragging rights about bagging fells. What you're after is the view across the Derwent Valley and beyond, and frankly it delivers the goods without requiring a full day's expedition.

From Cockermouth, it's barely twenty minutes' drive to the carpark. The ascent takes most people about forty minutes depending on fitness, though you could do it slower and still not lose the will to live. The track's well-maintained and obvious enough, cutting through conifer plantations before opening out as you climb higher. Walkers and fell runners use it regularly, which tells you it's a proper route rather than a tourist trap.

The summit itself is humble - no stone shelter, no trig point, just fell and sky and the kind of unobstructed view that makes the leg burn worthwhile. On a clear day you're looking across to Skiddaw and the northern fells. Cloudy days are, well, cloudy, so check the forecast.

It's excellent for families who want a genuine walk that doesn't demand scrambling or serious height. Kids who've done a few miles already will manage it fine. Older walkers who prefer something less demanding than the bigger peaks will appreciate the relative brevity.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Whinfell Hall Farm is closest at under three miles - it's an ideal morning or early-afternoon outing before heading back for a feed. Bring water. Allow ninety minutes return if you're being leisurely.