I did a walk last summer staring from Gt Langdale NT camp site (good place to leave car).
The first day involved walking over Great Gable, Haystacks and staying over at Honister YHA.
The second saw me going over Dale Head and the Newlands fells to Keswick (handy as you can buy as opposed to carrying food).
The third day, I got the bus to Seatoller and then walked over Glaramara, Allen Crags, Esk Pike and Bowfell and returned to my car.
Plenty of valley alternatives.