15 Best Mountains To Climb In The UK
Did you know that there are many great mountain summits to climb in the UK?
The UK may not be known as a hiker's paradise, but there are some excellent mountains and ranges across the country for the best in UK adventure travel.
From pretty English mountains to climb to impressive mountain ranges in Scotland’s Highlands, hikers here have many choices with our exciting climbing holidays at Skyhook.
While none of these peaks will be considered in any list of the highest mountains in the world, they still offer great hiking experiences.
Let’s explore some of the best mountains to climb in the UK in more detail.
Best Mountains to Climb in the UK
Although it’s not highly regarded as a hiking destination, there are many great mountains to climb in the UK. UK mountains to climb are diverse and offer a range of different experiences and difficulty levels for different hikers.
If you’re interested in guided hikes here, then here are some of the best UK mountains to climb.
Ben Nevis
Mountain Height: 1,345 meters / 4,413 feet
Location: Scotland, UK
Ben Nevis stands proudly as the highest mountain in the British Isles and one of the best mountains to climb in Scotland.
Situated in the Grampian Mountains in the Scottish Highlands, it attracts climbers from all over the world. The most popular route for hiking Ben Nevis is the Pony Track (also known as the Mountain Track).
Starting at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, this well-maintained path gradually ascends, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As you ascend, you'll pass the Red Burn, a picturesque waterfall, and navigate through the zigzagging path known as the 'zig-zags.'
The trail continues, passing Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, a small loch before reaching the summit plateau. The final stretch involves navigating loose rocks, and in winter, it requires proper mountaineering equipment due to ice and snow.
On a clear day, the summit rewards climbers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands and the surrounding area. The descent follows the same route, and caution should be taken, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Of course, Ben Nevis is a crucial part of the Three Peaks Challenge.
At Skyhook Adventure, we offer a Ben Nevis guided walk and guided National 3 Peaks tour which are excellent ways to experience the peaks of Ben Nevis up-close.
See also: best time to climb Ben Nevis
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Mountain Height: 1,085 meters / 3,560 feet
Location: Wales, UK
Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales and England, is nestled within Snowdonia National Park, offering a variety of routes for climbers of all levels. This is top of the list of mountains to climb in Wales.
The Llanberis Path, often considered the easiest route, starts near the village of Llanberis. This path gradually ascends, providing stunning views of Llyn Padarn and the surrounding landscapes, making it one of the easiest mountains to climb.
Another popular route is the Pyg Track, which begins at Pen-y-Pass. This moderately challenging route passes by the glacial lake Llyn Llydaw and offers breathtaking views of the Snowdon Horseshoe.
For more experienced climbers seeking adventure, the challenging Crib Goch ridge route presents a thrilling and exposed scramble, requiring caution and experience in scrambling and navigation.
Regardless of the chosen path, reaching Snowdon's summit rewards climbers with mesmerizing vistas across Snowdonia and even to the coast on clear days.
You can also join the 3 Peaks Challenge in Wales with our 3 Peaks (3 days) challenge expedition and 24-hour UK 3 Peaks Challenge tours at Skyhook.
Scafell Pike
Mountain Height: 978 meters / 3,209 feet
Location: Lake District, England, UK
Scafell Pike, the highest of the mountains to climb in England, is situated amidst the stunning landscapes of the Lake District and one of many bucket list mountains to climb in the UK. Climbers can choose from various routes to reach the summit.
The Wasdale Head route offers a direct path that leads through scenic valleys and gradually ascends towards the mountain.
For a more challenging ascent, the Corridor Route presents an exciting path, starting from Sty Head Pass and passing breathtaking landmarks like Styhead Tarn and the dramatic Lingmell Col.
It's one of the hardest mountains to climb in England, involving lots of rocky terrain. In adverse weather conditions, it can be challenging, requiring proper gear and navigation skills.
Upon reaching the summit, climbers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding fells and valleys, including views of Wastwater, England's deepest lake.
This is absolutely one of the best mountains to climb in the UK in terms of views and scenery.
Tryfan
Mountain Height: 917 meters / 3,010 feet
Location: Snowdonia, Wales, UK
Tryfan, known for its distinctive shape and rugged beauty, offers a thrilling ascent for experienced climbers.
The mountain provides various routes, but the north ridge ascent is particularly popular. The North Ridge route starts at the Tryfan car park and involves scrambling over rocky terrain, including the famous Adam and Eve twin monoliths, where many climbers make the exhilarating leap between them.
The Glyderau mountain range nearby adds to the scenic beauty of the climb. The summit rewards climbers with stunning views of Snowdonia's expansive landscapes and the surrounding peaks.
Descending Tryfan can be as challenging as the ascent, requiring careful navigation over rocky terrain.
Ben Lomond
Mountain Height: 974 meters / 3,196 feet
Location: Scotland, UK
Situated on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond offers a popular and accessible climb.
The Ptarmigan Trail, often the preferred route, starts at the Rowardennan car park. The trail initially meanders through woodland before opening up to panoramic vistas of Loch Lomond.
As the climb progresses, the path becomes steeper, leading through rocky terrain. The summit rewards climbers with stunning views of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Scottish Highlands and even the peaks of Arran.
The descent follows the same route, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Care should be taken in wet conditions, as some sections of the trail can become slippery.
Helvellyn
Mountain Height: 950 meters / 3,117 feet
Location: Lake District, England, UK
Helvellyn, located in the Lake District, is famous for its challenging routes and stunning scenery.
The ascent via Striding Edge, a prominent ridge, provides an exhilarating climb that demands careful footing and some scrambling skills. The ridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and lakes.
Swirral Edge offers an alternative, slightly less challenging route to the summit, making this peak one of the best beginner mountains to climb in Europe.
The top rewards climbers with breathtaking views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells. Definitely one of the most rewarding mountains to climb in the UK.
Cairn Gorm
Mountain Height: 1,245 meters / 4,085 feet
Location: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, UK
Cairn Gorm, situated in the Cairngorms National Park, offers various hiking and climbing opportunities. The most common route starts from the Cairngorm ski area, ascending gradually toward the summit.
The climb provides stunning vistas across the Cairngorms and the surrounding mountain ranges. During winter, the mountain transforms into a playground for snow sports enthusiasts.
Blencathra (Saddleback)
Mountain Height: 868 meters / 2,848 feet
Location: Lake District, England, UK
Blencathra, also known as Saddleback due to its distinct shape, offers several routes for climbers. The ascent via Sharp Edge is renowned for its challenging scramble, demanding careful navigation along the exposed ridge.
An alternative route through Hall's Fell Ridge offers a less technical climb with equally stunning views across the Lake District.
Cadair Idris
Mountain Height: 893 meters / 2,930 feet
Location: Snowdonia, Wales, UK
Cadair Idris in Snowdonia National Park boasts several trails for climbers. The Pony Path is a popular route, starting at the Ty Nant car park. It winds through picturesque landscapes before ascending steeply toward the summit.
The views from the top encompass Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia. Once you see the views, you’ll understand why this is one of the best mountains to climb in the UK.
Great Gable
Mountain Height: 899 meters / 2,949 feet
Location: Lake District, England, UK
Great Gable, part of the Lake District range, offers stunning views and challenging climbs.
The route from Honister Pass involves a steep ascent, leading climbers to the famous Napes Needle and continuing through rocky terrain. The summit rewards with unparalleled vistas across the Lake District.
Skiddaw
Mountain Height: 931 meters / 3,054 feet
Location: Lake District, England, UK
Skiddaw, one of the Lake District's most prominent peaks, offers a relatively straightforward climb. It’s got to be one of the easiest mountains to climb for beginner hikers in the UK.
The main route starts at Keswick and ascends gradually to the summit. The climb offers panoramic views of the northern Lake District, including Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake.
Tryfan's East Face
Mountain Height: Varies based on ascent
Location: Snowdonia, Wales, UK
Tryfan's East Face presents a thrilling challenge for climbers seeking more technical routes. This area boasts several climbing routes, varying in difficulty, catering to experienced climbers looking for vertical ascents and challenging rock faces.
Mountains to climb in the UK may not be known for their challenging and technical routes, but this climb is a different story.
Pillar
Mountain Height: 892 meters / 2,927 feet
Location: Lake District, England, UK
Pillar, situated in the western Lake District, offers stunning views and challenging climbs.
The ascent via Pillar Rock involves rock climbing and scrambling, requiring technical skills. The summit rewards climbers with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding fells and the Scafell range.
Ben Macdui
Mountain Height: 1,309 meters / 4,295 feet
Location: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, UK
Ben Macdui, the second-highest mountain in the UK, is located in the Cairngorms. The climb from the Cairngorm ski area involves a long but straightforward ascent, offering panoramic views across the Cairngorms plateau.
Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr
Mountain Height: 994 meters / 3,261 feet (Glyder Fach); 1,001 meters / 3,284 feet (Glyder Fawr)
Location: Snowdonia, Wales, UK
The Glyderau range, comprising Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr, offers stunning rock formations and challenging climbs. The ascent via the Bristly Ridge involves scrambling over rocky terrain with incredible views of Tryfan and Snowdonia.
The summits offer breathtaking panoramas across Snowdonia's rugged landscapes.
Conclusion
Each of these mountains in the UK presents its own set of challenges and rewards, appealing to climbers and hikers alike seeking diverse landscapes and varying levels of difficulty.
If you enjoy hiking holidays, then you have plenty of options in the UK with us at Skyhook Adventure.
Sure, you can't expect the deadliest mountains to climb, the most technical ascents, or the tallest peaks, but there is plenty of beautiful scenery to be enjoyed in these famous mountains of the world situated in the UK.
