There comes a time when one seeks a new challenge, and what better way can you choose to test yourself other than by looking up to the mountains? There are several fantastic highlands and mountains across the United Kingdom for you to enjoy; not only meant for hikers who wish to test their abilities but also beginners who would love to have such an experience of hiking some of the best mountains in the UK.
Here are some of the best 10 mountains to hike in the UK, where you can put yourself to the test by getting to the summit. Create some unforgettable moments but be ready in the best possible ways to embark on this journey.
Ben Nevis, Scotland
Ben Nevis tops the list, with its summit being approximately 1345m above sea level, it is the tallest mountain in the British Isles. Fondly called ‘The Ben’ by the locals, this is the tallest mountain that can test your limit in the UK. Ben Nevis is located deep in the north-western Scottish Highlands near the small town of Fort William, being the tallest mountain around it understandably attracts a lot of tourists. Starting at Glen Nevis, most walkers tackle the ‘easier’ Mountain Track up the mountain. There are other routes up the Ben, and experienced climbers are often attracted to the ‘North Face’, which is one of the highest cliffs in the UK.
Snowdon, Wales
Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales standing at 1,085 metres and is a must for any hikers and trail walkers looking to put their abilities to test. This mountain happens to be one of the busiest mountains you will find, particularly during the summer. It is ideal for all kinds of hikers or walkers. The routes to the top vary with the Llanberis Path being the most popular, from simple walks taking a few hours to some of the most challenging climbs you can find.
Scafell Pike, England
Scafell Pike along with Snowdon and Ben Nevis as listed above make up the Three Peak Challenge and remains the highest peak in the UK. With a height of 978m, the summit of Scafell is the highest point for over 90 miles around and is a standpoint to capture the beautiful views of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Scafell Pike is the home to the highest standing water in England, known as Broad Crag Tarn but has no buildings at the top, unlike other mountains. A number of trails will take you to the top, for varying degrees of experience, the quickest route being roughly 2-3 hours.
Helvellyn
The Lake District is home to many amazing mountains and scenes to which Helvellyn belongs. Helvellyn is the third biggest mountain in England, although it may be down the scale for height, but it remains one of the most popular mountains in England due to its ease of access. There are a number of routes up Helvellyn for various kinds of hikers and provides stunning Lake District views from the top on a clear day.
On your ascent of Helvellyn, you’ll find glacial coves and the sharp ridges of Swirral Edge and the famous Striding Edge. An amazing adventure awaits you at Helvellyn and is sure one of the best 10 mountains to hike in the UK.
Great Gable, Lake District, England
The Great Gable proves to be a real test for real climbers, having some steep ascents near the top which can be difficult and involves scrambling to get to the top. Although ascents can be made from most angles on Great Gable, it wholly depends on what you want to see and how far you want to go on your walk. It is one of the most popular of the Lake District peaks, centrally placed in the National Park.
Perhaps one of its major attractions is the beautiful panoramic views of the whole area, which boasts stunning views and plenty of terrain variations. The summit is strewn with a number of boulders, and it’s highest point is marked with a rock outcrop.
Schiehallion, Scotland
Schiehallion measures over 1,000 metres tall. It is a spot with a unique history and is particularly famous for an experiment that took place here in the 18th century. Scientists tried to use it as a way to measure the weight of the world, by seeing if it had its own gravitational pull. This is because of its uniquely-isolated location in comparison with other mountain ranges.
Despite its notable size, Schiehallion is a perfect introductory mountain, offering easier access to the top than most. Its specially-designed footpath makes it a reasonably comfortable challenge for hikers to enjoy themselves in comparison to other locations on this list.
READ MORE: Best National Parks in the World 2022
The United Kingdom and the British Isles boast several thousands of mountains and highlands that would fascinate any hiker, some of which might prove to be difficult for the best hikers. Those are some of the best 10 mountains to hike in the UK. However, if you are looking for more excitement in the UK, check out some of these tourist destinations.