 Two or three friends have said they would love to see what "...all the fuss is about" with hill walking. So I have suggested they accompany me on my next trip out, weather permitting. They will probably only have basic kit so I'm looking for ideas of something not too testing, a bit of excitement, decent height and good views. Lakes or N Wales are my preffered destinations. I've thought about Langdales, Wetherlam, Old Man of Coniston and discounted them all for one reason or another (including selfish ones like I've done them once this year) so thought I'd pick your collective brains for some good suggestions.
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How about Catbells? Everyone likes Catbells- good views,pointy summit, not too taxing (but still a good taster) and with the advantage of being able to continue on the Newlands round for a bit if your friends feel up to it. Other good 'starter' possibilities that spring to mind include Causey Pike, St Sunday Crag from Patterdale, Place Fell (with the advantage of dropping off the far end and walking back along Ullswater) and Mardale Ill Bell (via Smallwater).
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 For a North Wales alternative:
Crimpiau from Capel Cruig is nice walk, with great views across to the Glyderau and Snowdon. There's a steep(ish) slope up to Crimpiau itself, but it doesn't last for long and the rock formation and autumn colours can be spectacular.
If your friends are up for it, you can carry on to Craig Wen and Creigiau Gleision, then return on a lower path to the west.
If the weather is pants, then you could miss out the summits, stay low and go down the pass to Llyn Craffnant, where there's a pleasant little tea room towards the far end on the eastern shore (not sure if it's open all year though).
Have fun!
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The photo above was taken along the path towards Crimpiau, but looking back towards the west. Here's a link to a shot taken from Creigiau Gleision towards the Glyderau.
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Cnicht, in North Wales, always struck me as a good mountain for beginners. Looks very impressive, but is actually a nice shortish walk.
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Cnicht is good Yewbarrow in Wasdale? I'd imagine any number of Waingwright walks would be suitable. Haystacks from Buttermere, for example.
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 a cheat walk is to park at Dunmail Raise and walk east getting to Hevellyn, so less of a climb but still good view at the top all around. Typically you get warning if weather turning bad by looking towards Scafell. Farely hard to get lost on due to wide path and the tarn as your turning north point.
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 Striding Edge? Not too hard and very exciting!
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If they are new to the "sport", why not go for a short walk - I know tarn hows is overwalked but it is a beautiful short walk, and if you catch it early enough it will be empty, or maybe a walk around rydal water - nice easy short walk, beautiful views across the water that you can extend to include grasmere if they are up for it. Actually talking of grasmere, there is a classic wainwright walk, which is another short walk, but it takes in a "mountain", which is helm creg (lion and the lamb) above grasmere - about 8 miles so bit of a sharp ascent but not too long (say 3 - 4 hours for a leisurely walk), and beautiful views back over grasmere and the surrounding fells. Just thought that if they weren't used to long walks then a shorter walk would be a better introduction rather than knackering them with an all dayer.
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 agree with the idea about Loughrigg: remember going up in on my first trip to the Lakes with school! Would also suggest a Welsh walk: park at Ogwen and go up Cwm Idwal and the Devil's Kitchen onto Y Garn, coming back down the NE ridge to Ogwen. Lovely walk with exciting bits, but not overly exposed or difficult.
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Striding Edge? Not too hard and very exciting! Hmmm. Like I said, theyre only likely to have very basic kit (i.e. timberland type boots if I'm lucky and showerproof jackets) and theyve never climbed anything before so I think Striding edge might just be a teensy bit too much. Like the idea of Helm Crag - I'd forgotten about that one. Might also do High Street via Nan Bield as its one of my favourite routes and not too testing.
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Didnt mean to be a clever d**k  I did come across a few people in the sort of gear you were mentioning up there and if they are the types who like some adrenaline and excitement it might be just the thing for them. They dont have to walk the top of the edge, they can easily follow the big wide safe path just to the right of the edge. The panda (gone bad) guy made a good point about going out early in the morning. Really early on the hills is my favorite time: there are so few people (usually none) around and you get stunning views, for me part of getting out there is all about. In any case, I think it is cool you are giving them a shot at some time outdoors! I hope it goes well and it is a success! Do let us know
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 Striding Edge? Not too hard and very exciting! Hmmm. Like I said, theyre only likely to have very basic kit (i.e. timberland type boots if I'm lucky and showerproof jackets) and theyve never climbed anything before so I think Striding edge might just be a teensy bit too much. Like the idea of Helm Crag - I'd forgotten about that one. Might also do High Street via Nan Bield as its one of my favourite routes and not too testing.
In that case why not do Adams seat Harter fell then Nam Bield pass,small water....simple path up a short trot along the tops with stunning views over Haweswater area and the Kentmere horseshoe Ill Bell etc etc... My fav area too....
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Nick - no worries, didnt come across like that. Some people would definitely go up in that gear but I wouldnt take anyone up. Didster - Its a good suggestion, cheers.
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