The 6 best mountain walks in the UK
From full-day hikes to introductory routes, our expert shares her choice of mountain walks with the best views in the UK.
From full-day hikes to introductory routes, our expert shares her choice of mountain walks with the best views in the UK.
A tough category to choose, but this three-hour walk up Cat Bells ticks all the boxes. It is short, steep and hugely rewarding with views over Derwentwater.
This mini mountain is universally loved and makes a great introduction to hill walking, or a quick treat for the more experienced.
Follow the clear path from the car park at Hawse End steeply uphill. As you climb the views will become more spectacular. There’s a final short but straightforward rocky scramble to reach the summit and you’ll be treated to one of the best views in the Lake District.
Return by following a path heading south and then forking left onto the Cat Bells bridleway. Return to Hawse End along this route.
This hugely popular Peak District walk visits the dramatic summit of Mam Tor and takes in the Great Ridge that separates Edale from the Hope Valley.
Distance: 9.2 miles
What's it like: Moderate. Steep to start, a classic ridge walk, navigation needed in poor visibility
Parking: Forestry parking at Neuadd
This is a walk I do several times a year. It's challenging but rewarding with a stiff climb onto the ridge line but after that a wonderful day out, enjoying amazing views. Best kept for a day with great visibility to make the most of it.
It may only be 612m high, but Stac Pollaidh is Scotland’s biggest little mountain. This walk is short, steep and wildly scenic – delivering a true Highland feel without an all‑day slog.
The whole walk has great views over Assynt to the north and the Summer Isles and Achiltibuie to the south and west.
While the Pyg track is one of the shortest routes up Yr Wyddfa, it is also a rugged and challenging route to the summit. Experienced hikers will be rewarded by epic views.
At 850m (2,789ft), Slieve Donard is the highest of the Mourne Mountains. If you pick a clear day the views are breathtaking, across to the Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales and Scotland.
This is the most popular and straightforward approach to the summit: an out-and-back ascent via the Glen River Track. There’s a rough mountain path all the way, but it's still a high mountain, so not to be underestimated.
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