Home to countless peaks big & small, the UK is a hill walker’s paradise.
Likewise, due to the island’s small stature, no matter where you’re situated, you’re never too far from a mountain to climb!
Collating a list of my personal favourite UK mountains, I thought it’d be worth creating this post to help those searching for their next peak to tackle.
Gorgeous views & formidable inclines, set out on any of these hikes and you’re certainly in for an invigorating & memorable outing.
Before we begin however, I have to preface this post with a word of warning…
With a blog titled ‘The Walking Northerners’ it’s perhaps unsurprising that the majority of peaks on this list are situated in the more northern regions of the UK.
I’ve still yet to explore many of the southern peaks, so if you’ve any recommendations, please feel free to get in touch.
With that said, let’s crack on with our top mountain list below 👇👇
Best Mountains To Climb
Ben Nevis
There’s no better way to begin this list by jumping straight into the behemoth that is Ben Nevis.
Standing at an imposing 1,345 meters, Ben Nevis is officially the tallest mountain in the UK, with over 150,000 eager visitors summiting the peak each and every year.
The most accessible & popular route is the Mountain Path, which begins at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park. Simply cross the bridge next to the visitor’s centre and away you go.
Nevertheless, while the Mountain Track is the easiest trail to take, it’s still by no means smooth sailing.
The peak has various steep ascents, with the long and winding slate footpath towards the upper half of the climb being particularly taxing.
Given the length and difficulty of this climb, finishing times are unsurprisingly varied depending on your fitness level.
Top tip – For a detailed breakdown of finishing times, be sure to check out our ‘How Long Does It Take To Climb Ben Nevis’ post.
While the climb can be a slog however, the panoramas along the way are simply sublime and help take your mind off those achy legs. Plus, the sense of achievement you enjoy once reaching the summit truly is something else. The squeeze is worth the juice as they say!
Scafell Pike
Despite not being quite as high as Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike is still a formidable climb and is officially recognised as the largest mountain in England, standing at an impressive 3,209 feet.
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park in the charming county of Cumbria, Scafell Pike is actually the smallest of the National 3 Peaks, though the most difficult to navigate.
There are a number of fantastic routes winding up the mountainside of Scafell Pike, all which over a different vantage point from which to admire the epic vistas on offer throughout.
The most popular and shortest route from Wasdale Head should have reasonably fit hikers finishing in an average time of 3-4 hours in decent weather conditions, while some of the alternate trails can take upwards of 6 hours.
For more information on hiking times and a list of all the different trails on offer, I’d strongly recommend you head on over to our Scafell Pike Routes Guide here.
Snowdon
Truth be told, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) could very well be my favourite peak in the whole of the UK.
Nestled in the stunning landscape of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, its officially the tallest mountain of Wales, standing at a striking 1,085 metres.
The easiest and most popular trail – the Llanberis Path – is a steady walk to the summit which can have you up and down in around 4-6 hours when walking at a decent pace.
However, there are plenty of daring and challenging trails on offer for more adventurous types, many of which can be found in our Snowdon Routes Hiking Guide here.
Did you know? – It’s fabled that King Arthur defeating the fearsome giant Rhitta Gawr at the summit of Snowdon, burying his fallen foe beneath beneath a pile of rocks. Hence why The Welsh name for Snowdon is ‘Yr Wyddfa’, which roughly translates to ‘The Great Tomb’.
In addition to the epic climb, one of my favourite things about Snowdon is that there’s also plenty of things to see afterwards.
For fellow wild swimming fanatics, I’d defo head on over to the Watkins Path Waterfall after your ramble. There really is no better way to cool off after a grueling climb.
Kinder Scout (via Jacob’s Ladder)
Laying claim to the highest point in the Peak District at 636 metres (or 633 metres from Kinder Low), Kinder Scout is not only a fantastic hike, but it’s also infamous for being home to one of the most important events in UK rambling history – the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass of 1932.
We often take the right to roam for granted these days, with the UK offering a whole host of public trails up and down the country for us to explore.
However, just less than 100 years ago this was not always the case.
With big, rich landowners hogging the countryside and closing it off to the public, walking through open country was not so accessible.
24th April 1932 marked the spark of change, with over 400 walkers trespassing onto Kinder Scout in direct opposition to the law.
After much commotion a total of five people were even arrested.
Despite the harsh sentences imposed upon the leaders, the Trespass ignited a wave of public interest and sympathy, and proved to be a catalyst in eventually securing the right to roam that we all enjoy today. Legends.
Along the way you’ll come across moorlands, woodlands, steep inclines, wildlife, scrambles and even optional boulder climbing – all before heading back down to Edale for some well-earned home made ice cream at the Penny Pot Café.
There are several routes to choose from, though the Jacob’s ladder route tends to be one of the most popular.
From the top, you can check out the Edale rocks before heading to Kinder Low trig point to take in the glorious views from above.
For the fill walk breakdown, be sure to check out our Kinder Scout Via Jacobs Ladder Walk Guide.
Pavey Ark (via Jack’s Rake)
Pavey Ark via Jack’s Rake is one of the UK’s best grade 1 scrambles so there was no way this wasn’t making the list.
Nestled within the stunning Langdale Valley in the heart of Cumbria, Jack’s Rake can be found on the imposing Pavey Ark crag.
Did you know? – A grade 1 scramble is a climb which doesn’t require any specialist equipment. Blurring the lines between hiking and rock climbing, they’re a great option for adventurous ramblers.
Popularised by walking legend Alfred Wainwright, who described Jack’s Rake as ‘just about the limit’ for the ordinary fell walker’, you’ll struggle to find a more technical grade 1 scramble than this.
Rich in history, Jack’s Rake has actually been an established scrambling route since Victorian times.
While Richard Pendlebury holds claim to the first recorded climb in the 1850s, there is a circulating rumour that Jack’s Rake actually derived its name from Hollywood star Jack Nicholson, who apparently once climbed the precious cliff-face.
A strong hunch tells me this is a load of codswallop! But still funny nonetheless 😂
While climbing Jack’s Rake is undoubtedly an exhilarating experience however, it’s also particularly hazardous. That’s why its imperative to do your research beforehand, prepare accordingly and adhere to all the recommended safety advice.
For more details on Jack’s Rake, feel free to head on over to our scrambling guide here.
Whernside
Best known as one of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, Whernside resides in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, measuring in at a staggering 736 metres (2,415 ft) above sea level.
Attracting thousands of hikers each year for its challenging climb and incredible panoramas on route, Whernside is also popular due to its close proximity to the historic Ribblehead Viaduct.
A varied & steady climb to the summit, the views along the ridge looking out towards Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and the viaduct are absolutely awe-inspiring.
Plus the gentle ramble through the luscious green fields and farmsteads after the steep descent is the perfect way to top off an all-round fantastic day out – especially if the local ice cream van is conveniently parked at the end of the footpath!
For the full lowdown, why not check out our ‘Detailed Guide To The Whernside Walk’ here?
Ingleborough
While not quite as high as Whernside, in my opinion Ingleborough is arguably the most challenging mountain of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.
Officially the second highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, there are numerous picturesque trails winding up the mountaintop, though the most popular route for the 3 Peaks Challenge is via the northern path from Chapel-le-Dale.
Only 3 miles (4.8 km) from village-to-summit, this is the shortest route up the mountaintop, but also one of the more taxing since it involves the steep scramble up Simon Fell.
From up top, enjoy unrivaled vistas which extend as far as Manod Mawr mountain in Snowdonia on a clear day, and also be sure to explore the Iron Age hill fort ruins which were once believed to be a Roman military camp.
Pen-y-ghent
A circular trail starting from the charming village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, for years Pen-y-ghent has remained a standout fell of the Yorkshire Dales.
The smallest & easiest mountain to climb of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, it’s not surprising that Pen-y-ghent has long been a popular choice for hikers of all abilities.
Looming over the countryside on the western side of the Dales, Pen-y-ghent is often described as having the shape of a crouching lion or even the prow of a boat.
Standing at an impressive 2,277 feet (694 metres), Pen-y-ghent is still sure to prove a challenge and comprises of several steep sections, plus a light scramble towards the top that’s sure to get your legs burning.
For experienced climbers the scramble won’t be much of an issue, but for rookies or those not fond of heights it’ll certainly push prove a challenge. Basking in the glorious views from up top make it all worth it however!
Top tip – Hiding on the western side of Pen-y-ghent, while you’re in the area it’s also certainly worth checking out the Hunt Pot and Hull Pot caverns.
Click here to read up on our detailed Pen-y-ghent walk guide!
Helvellyn (via Striding Edge)
Speaking of scrambles, that segues us nicely into the next mountain on our list…
One of the country’s most celebrated hill climbs, it’s estimated over one hundred thousand hikers conquer Helvellyn each & every year, with many of these reaching the summit via the notorious Striding Edge scramble.
Standing at an imposing 950 metres (3,117 ft ) tall, Helvellyn is officially the third highest mountain in England, and you’ll often be above the clouds when navigating along the craggy Striding Edge.
At first glance, this imposing knife-edge ridge sweeping over the landscape does look pretty darn daunting, but once you begin the climb and get accustomed to the exposure, it surprisingly becomes quite pleasant.
There are no particularly technical maneuvers to hoist over, and for much of the scramble there are several routes to choose from, meaning you can avoid any sections you may find beyond your ability.
In all honesty, words struggle to do Striding Edge justice. It’s just something you really need to experience for yourself.
Interested? Then be sure to check out our Helvellyn post going into more detail here.
Pendle Hill
Last but not least, Pendle Hill is a climb I hold dear to my heart.
Residing in the east of the charming county of Lancsahire, Pendle Hill is popular amongst locals and visitors year-round due to its challenging climb, breathtaking views and dark history around witchcraft.
Now, in truth, Pendle Hill isn’t technically a mountain. Standing at 557 metres (1,827 feet) above sea level, the hill actually falls 53 metres short from official classification.
Nevertheless, after having grown up in the local area, Pendle Hill and Barley were always regular visiting spots with my family as a kid and I still attest to it being one of the top hill climbs in the whole country.
Overlooking Lancashire and into the Yorkshire Dales, summiting the fell provides the perfect vantage point for observing the county’s idyllic landscape. On a clear day you may even be able to spot Blackpool Tower looming in the far distance!
While the hike is relatively easy and doable for most, the short but steep ascent up the ‘Pendle Hill Steps’ will still get you huffing and puffing momentarily. Plus there are lots of other walks in the Pendle area if you fancy extending your ramble.
With several walking routes to choose from when climbing Pendle Hill, I tend to take the scenic trail starting from the small village of Barley.
For detailed step-by-step instructions, feel free to head on over to our Ultimate Pendle Hill Walk Guide.
Tips for tackling a peak
For those unaccustomed to hill walking, preparation is key. Before your hike, please bear the following tips in mind:
Wear the correct clothing
Walking at such high altitudes, the weather can take a turn for the worst in a heartbeat.
Always pack extra layers and bring essentials such as a hat and gloves to keep your body temperature regulated. It’s also just as important to stay dry – have waterproof overtrousers and a jacket to hand in case the heavens open.
Bring the right kit
A good pair of walking boots are absolutely vital for grip and ankle stability. Other crucial equipment includes things like a map, a head torch (if you’re still walking when it gets dark), walking poles (if needed) and even crampons if there’s the possibility of snow.
Pack plenty of water & snacks
It’s always better to have too much food & water rather than not enough.
If you’re hiking on a particularly hot day, remember to pack even more water since you’ll be sweating a lot. In regards to snacks, high energy foods are the way to go. Jelly babies are a personal favourite of mine; the sugar really gives you that extra burst of energy!
For food tips, be sure to click through to our ’10 Best Hiking Snacks To Fuel Your Next Adventure’ blog post.
Climb with a friend
No matter how safe and precautious you are; it’s always safer hiking with a friend.
Whether you take a wrong turn or take an unfortunate tumble, having extra support there can help you avoid getting stuck on a mountain alone. At the very least, be sure to inform somebody you trust about your climbing plans prior to your excursion
Have your phone handy
Granted that signal may not always be the best, but needless to say it’s always worth having a phone to hand in the unlikely case of an emergency.
Check the weather
Research what the weather conditions are looking like beforehand. It’s just not worth the risk if the weather is looking dangerous. Let common sense prevail and come again another day.
Physically Prepare
Start hill-walking and clocking up the miles to ensure you’re physically capable of finishing the hike come the big day. And if you do start a climb but aren’t confident in your ability to finish, don’t be afraid to turn around and try again once you’ve built your fitness.
More resources
For fellow hiking enthusiasts, why not check out our ’12 Brilliantly British Walks To Try’ post for some more outdoor inspiration?
Likewise, be sure to stick around and explore more of our blog; I’m sure there’s something that’ll perk your interest!
Happy walking 🚶🚶