Arguably, for what is a small island nation, Britain offers an incredible variety of mountainous landscapes to trek through. While few peaks on these shores are high enough to challenge Alpine altitudes, the UK’s peaks possess a more varied beauty, from Scotland’s sweeping Munros to Wales’s wind-carved ridges and the isolated islands dotted around the coasts. Subject to ever changing weather conditions, which offer the type of variety that hikers in need of a challenge crave, the best mountain hikes in the UK offer more than scenic vistas, but exhilarating adventures outdoors.
Each of the routes below offers something unique. From the rolling ridges of the Brecon Beacons to the mysterious natural formations of the Old Man of Storr, these locations boast walking routes that are accessible throughout most of the year to those of all abilities, and pack in a fair share of scenery along the way.
Ben Nevis
At 1,345 metres, Ben Nevis is the tallest peak in the UK, rising dramatically from the throes of Glen Nevis near Fort William, its massive flanks dominating the western Highlands of Scotland. The lower slopes are alive with ferns and heather in summer, while higher up the world turns to scree and shattered rock, the terrain treacherous in winter as it falls beneath a blanket of ice and snow. The classic Mountain Track (once known as the Pony Track) goes up from the visitor centre, winding through scenery that becomes increasingly austere as it climbs higher.
On clear days, views from the summit of Britain’s highest peak stretch across the Inner Hebrides, where the Atlantic glimmers beyond Loch Linnhe. Whilst in winter in particular, Ben Nevis poses a suitable challenge for any seasoned climber, those craving a more demanding experience can approach Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg arête, a narrow ridge linking two summits in a sweeping curve of rock. The stretch requires sure footing and good weather, but this is a rewarding trek that will unleash no amount of bravado and bragging rights for any climbers skilled enough to make the ascent.
Read More: Hiking Adventures Near London
Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon
Mount Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa as it is known in Welsh, stands at the heart of Eryri National Park and carries both cultural and natural significance. The mountain’s name translates to “tumulus” and is said to mark the grave of a giant from Welsh legend. Eryi is famous for its many scenic treks through deep valleys past Alpine lakes, with paths leading towards the coast and Caernarvon's famous ruined castle. But the pathways up to the top of Wales’ highest mountain are the area's biggest attraction, of which there are many to choose from, all vastly different in terms of difficulty and each with its own unique approach to the summit that sits just over 1000m above sea level. At the top is Hafod Eryri, the summit café and visitor centre, where the views stretch across Anglesey and, on clear days, the coast of Ireland, offering a brief shelter from the elements and the arduous trek before turning round to make one’s way back down again.
The Llanberis and Ranger’s Path are the most popular routes, both offering a broad, steady climb to the summit, travelling past waterfalls and grassy slopes into a realm of steep stones and biting wind during the colder months of the year. More adventurous walkers often opt for the Pyg or Miners’ Tracks from Pen-y-Pass, which climb steeply through mountain corries before merging for the final ascent. Alternatively, the famous Crib Goch ridge offers a much more serious challenge across a knife-edge scramble, with sheer drops on either side, and beset by thick fog and even snow at odd times of year. It’s a route not for the faint-hearted or those lacking a head for heights.
Read More: Best Walks Outside London
Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain, yet more of a rugged hill than a towering peak, with a labyrinth of boulder fields and gullies to traverse on the way up. It rises from the heart of the Lake District like a natural obelisk of rock and stone, surrounded by tarns and deep valleys that change shape and shade with the light and seasons. The approach from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route is a particularly scenic and satisfying way to reach the summit, winding past waterfalls and a succession of dramatic crags.
As the path climbs towards the summit, the scenery becomes truly breathtaking, with views stretching far and wide across the Lake District. The views range as far as Mount Snowdon in Wales and the mountains of Mourne across the Irish Sea. At the foot of the mountain, Wastewater Lake looks particularly inviting after a trail hike on a hot summer's day, although England’s deepest lake is much colder than some might expect even on the hottest days. It makes the most sense to include Scafell as one stop on a tour of the Lake District, with interconnecting footpaths leading hikers all over this outstanding corner of northern Britain.
Read More: 10 Best Walks And Hikes In The Lake District
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr is one of the most photographed locations in the British Isles, and a prime destination for hikers that are up for a true adventure into ancient landscapes. Located on Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula, this towering pinnacle of rock is surrounded by cliffs and grassy slopes that drop towards the sea. The approach begins in woodlands not far from the shore, before breaking out into the open hillside, where the iconic spire dominates the view ahead. Scotland is famous for its storms that come billowing out of the North Sea, and on Skye, it’s easy to see how millennia of howling gales have helped shape the natural monolith-like feature of the Old Man of Storr.
Although relatively short, the climb can be steep and slippery, particularly after rain, and with this being Scotland, the weather is rarely predictable. However, venturing up during the summer months is the surest way to secure the driest possible conditions, as well as sure footing. For those up for the challenge of an elongated hike, continuing along the Trotternish Ridge takes one along Scotland’s most beautiful cliffside walks, with views stretching out far across the sea and isles.
Read More: Best Walks in Surrey
Snaefell, Isle of Man
Standing at 620 metres, Snaefell is not among Britain’s highest peaks, yet it commands attention for both its stunning views across the Irish Sea and the diverse walking options for hikers to ascend the mountain. The epicentre of the Isle of Man, it offers an extraordinary 360-degree panorama encompassing the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland on the clearest days. A firm favourite for holiday makers over the last two centuries, the introduction of the mountain railway has increased accessibility to the peak, but the real joy comes from starting almost anywhere on the island and reaching the summit in half a day’s walking.
The walk from Laxey is a wonderful introduction to the island’s varied terrain, beginning near the heritage tramway and following a gentle climb along the Mountain Road before striking out over open moorland. However, starting from either Kirk Michael or Orrisdale will bring walkers up through the transfixing Tholt y Will Glen, and its array of cascading waterfalls. At the summit, hikers will be rewarded with clear views on most days of the nearby isle of Anglesey in North Wales, with Mount Snowden peaking out in the distance, or possibly even catching a glimpse of Scafell Pike to the North West.
