Adventure has long been a big part of the British lifestyle. We love to challenge ourselves and we love to push ourselves to the limit. Mountain climbing is one of the many ways in which we embrace and express our need for adventure. Whether you are an experienced mountain climber, just starting out, or are thinking about giving it a go, there are climbing locations available for everyone. Here we feature just 6 of the many incredible mountains to climb right here in the UK…
Mount Snowdon – Snowdonia, Wales
Standing at an imposing 3,560ft, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and England. It is one of the UK’s most famous mountains, attracting tourists from all over the world year round. Mount Snowdon is on many bucket lists for hikers and mountain climbers alike and for good reason.
This first UK mountain to climb on our list is set in the stunning Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. Climb it and, depending on cloud conditions, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of a stunning part of the country!
Climbing Snowdon takes on average 6 to 7 hours depending on weather conditions. There is also the choice of routes to take, with some being more challenging than others. And, if you’ve had enough hiking for one day, there is the option of the Snowdon Mountain Railway too.
Scafell Pike – Lake District, England
Slightly smaller than Snowdon, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. It stands at 3,209ft above sea level. Scafell Pike is situated within the beautiful Lake District National Park and is part of the Southern Fells.
Like Snowden, it is another highly popular destination for walkers and is one of three British peaks climbed as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge.
The climb to the top of Scafell Pike is certainly one you shouldn’t underestimate. There are a variety of routes you can take but each offers a tough climb over hard terrain. As with most mountain climbs, ensure you take the right clothing and equipment and plan your trip thoroughly.
Ben Nevis – Lochaber, Scotland
Third on our list of incredible mountains to climb in the UK is the infamous Ben Nevis. A mountain that requires little introduction… the highest mountain in the British Isles! If you feel that you’re up for the challenge and an adventure of a lifetime then you’ll have to scale its enormous structure. Ben Nevis is much bigger than the previous 2 mountains and stands at 4,411 ft above sea level.
The Scottish mountain is very popular among tourists and attracts roughly 100,000 ascents a year. Its summit is a collapsed dome of an ancient volcano and features ruins of an old observatory. Ben Nevis should definitely be close to the top of your list of UK mountains to climb. You really can’t get any higher than this in the British Isles!
There are plenty of walking routes to take up Ben Nevis however if you are feeling more adventurous then the popular North Face offers a thrilling experience for rock and ice climbing.
Great Gable – Lake District, England
Great Gable, based in the heart of the Lake District is a fantastic mountain surrounded by exquisite scenery. It stands at 2,949 ft so is a little smaller than the other mountains we have spoken about so far.
Getting to the summit can be achieved via a number of routes that offer incredible views over 4 Lakeland valleys. Great Gable is a must-do in our mountains to climb list and is possibly one of the most popular in the Lake District!
Pen-y-Ghent – Yorkshire Dales, England
Coming in at number 5 is Pen-y-Ghent, situated in the scenic Yorkshire Dales. This is the smallest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and stands at 2,277 ft tall.
Adventuring up this mountain, however, is still a challenge and you are rewarded with spectacular views over the areas natural formations. One route in particular “Pennine Way”, leads to Hull Pot (pictured above). This is a superb sight that really can’t be missed. Hull pot is the single largest hole in England with two sunken waterfalls that look particularly graceful when in full flow.
Ben Macdui, Cairngorms, Scotland
Last but certainly not least, our list of incredible mountains to climb comes to a close with the remarkable Ben Macdui. The highest point stands at 4,295 ft making it the second highest mountain in the UK.
If you’re up for a real hiking challenge, Ben Macdui will provide that. Whilst there are good, steady routes on the ascent to the plateau, it is not to be taken lightly. When you get to the plateau itself, the real adventure kicks in. It is extremely exposed here and considered difficult to navigate especially in poor weather conditions. However, in good weather and if you have the level of fitness and experience required, the climb to the top is well worth it as you’ll be able to take in a fantastic mountain panorama.
Preparing for your trip
To really make your mountain climbing experience one to remember you need to ensure you are fully prepared. Here are some top things to consider in your preparation:
Weather
Before you leave, take a look at the weather forecast for that day and plan your clothing and your route accordingly. Remember that some views may not be as spectacular if the mountain is shrouded in cloud. Also bear in mind that weather conditions can be a lot different at the top of a mountain than at ground level. The day may start out bright and sunny but can change rapidly with elevation, so layering and bringing extra clothes for warmth is wise and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Research
Make sure you do your research. Check out all of the available routes to the summit and look on forums and information websites for advice on these different routes. Some will involve trickier terrain and provide more of a challenge, whilst others will offer better views and scenery. Mountain safety offer lots of great advice here: http://www.mountainsafety.co.uk/Advice-Info_B3-3.aspx
Food and drink
Taking the right amount of food and drink is essential on any trip, let alone a mountain climbing one! Ensure you have enough to get you through the day with some extras in reserve for emergencies. Take plenty of fluids with you to drink so you stay well hydrated.
The drive
Accessing some of these more remote rural areas can potentially involve driving a long way, so comfort is going to be important so that everyone can enjoy the journey. If you have a lot of hiking gear in the boot (which is highly likely if you’re travelling as a group) then a vehicle-specific barrier such as a Travall Guard would be worth the investment. The Travall Guard is perfect if you are travelling with unsecured cargo as it keeps your belongings securely at the rear of the vehicle. It will help to give you peace of mind whilst behind the wheel. Find out more here: https://www.travall.co.uk/dog-guard
We hope you’ve been inspired to explore some of the most incredible mountains to climb in the UK and hope you enjoy your adventures! Just remember though… “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves” — Edmund Hillary.
