Scafell Pike

The lowest of the three peaks may seem a good place to start if you’re new to mountain walking (although also see Snowdon, right). We plumped for the shortest, easiest and most popular route, starting from Wasdale Head. Just driving here is stunning enough, but take care, as the approach roads are narrow and get very busy. The route up the mountain wasn’t always obvious, so a map – as for any hill-walking trip – is a must. We started early to avoid the worst of the crowds and to give ourselves plenty of time, and it didn’t get too crowded until right at the top. There’s usually a queue to get to the small stone cairn at the summit – no surprise, given the estimated quarter of a million people who make the climb every year. It’s worth it, of course, as technically it’s the highest point, as well as England’s highest war memorial – the National Trust was gifted the mountain soon after 1918, in memory of those who died in the First World War.

Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk/wasdale/ features/climbing-scafell-pike