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The 9 best mountains to climb in the UK

You don’t need to summit Everest to call yourself a mountain climber—there are many scenic mountains and peaks to climb right here in the UK. 

Our doorstep has vast natural beauty, from the ancient woodlands of the Scottish Highlands to the rugged countryside surrounding the Lakeland Fells.

Here are some of the best mountains to climb in the UK in ascending order, so you can choose a hike that suits your ability, or tackle them all if you feel up to the challenge. 

 

1. Catbells, Cumbria (1,480ft)

Often nicknamed a ‘family fell’ due to its accessible nature, Catbells is one of the most popular peaks in the Lake District.

It provides stunning views over Derwentwater and the surrounding valleys, and is known for introducing first-time walkers to the area. You can glimpse Skiddaw and Blencathra in the distance, calling you to climb them once you’ve got some experience under your belt.

Beatrix Potter based the home of Lucie in The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle on Catbells, which might interest young walkers (and those who are young at heart).

 

2. Mam Tor, Derbyshire (1,700ft)

Mam Tor is an accessible walk with unrivalled views from the Peak District Great Ridge. It’s a moderate walk but is one of the best peaks for beginners to climb in the UK, as it ascends gradually without a scramble.

It overlooks the hills and moorlands where the mass trespass of 1932 took place, including the summit of Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, which only adds to the atmosphere.

Castleton is just a seven-minute drive from the Mam Nick car park at the end of the route. If you fancy a reward after your hike, you can head to one of the charming pubs or cafes and catch a glimpse of Peveril Castle, one of the first Norman fortresses in England.

 

3. Pen-y-Ghent, Yorkshire (2,280ft)

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Many refer to Pen-y-Ghent as one of the best mountains to climb in the UK as it’s beginner-friendly yet comes with a sense of accomplishment thanks to being one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

The circular route from Horton-in-Ribblesdale takes you up Brackenbottom Scar and through Hunt and Hull Pots, two impressive caverns in the mountain’s surface.

You can see the surrounding peaks of Fountains Fell, Ingleborough, Whernside, Simon Fell, and Pendle Hill from the summit, and even Morecambe Bay on a clear day. It’s certainly worth every step.

Related: The best hiking shoes on the market

 

4. Slieve Donard, County Down (2,796ft)

  • Difficulty: moderate 
  • Suggested route: Slieve Donard via The Glen River (5.7 miles/4-5 hours)
  • Our favourite pitstop: Quinn’s Bar
  • Did you know? Gaelic Lords, Viking raiders and Anglo-Normans all contribute to history in the area

Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland and the tallest in the Mourne Mountains—if you can climb this one, you can conquer them all.

It features the Mourne Wall, constructed between 1904 and 1922 and spanning 15 mountains across 22 miles.

Many pilgrimages were recorded between the 17th and 19th centuries, and the Mourne Mountains are said to have inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

The summit overlooks the surrounding Mournes alongside the Wicklow Mountains, and on a clear day, you can even spot the Isle of Man alongside the peaks of Donegal, Scotland, and Wales.

It’s earned its spot as one of the best mountains to climb in the UK thanks to its rich history and glorious views over the Northern Ireland countryside.

 

5. Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons (2,910ft)

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  • Difficulty: moderate 
  • Suggested route: Pen y Fan and Corn Du (4 miles/2.5 hours)
  • Our favourite pitstop: The Tai’r Bull Inn 
  • Did you know? The summit features a Stone Age cairn once used to hold the ashes of the deceased

Pen y Fan is the tallest peak in South Wales and is in the Brecon Beacons National Park, a protected natural area containing the Old Red Sandstone peaks that sit to the south of Brecon.

Over 120,000 people attempt Pen y Fan annually, which speaks volumes of the surrounding area’s beauty and the excitement it instils in those who climb it.

The weather is extremely changeable over Pen y Fan, helping it secure its reputation as the most dangerous mountain in Wales. Still, if you’re lucky enough to summit on a clear day, you’ll be treated to panoramic views over Wales and the Bristol Channel.  

 

6. Helvellyn, Cumbria (3,120ft)

This is where our list of the best mountains to climb in the UK takes a more serious turn. Helvellyn is England’s third-highest peak, attracting around 250,000 people annually.

You’ll be standing around 3,120ft above sea level at the summit and be rewarded with views across southwest Scotland and the Pennines. You can even spot Blackpool Tower on a clear day.

While it isn’t a particularly dangerous climb, Helvellyn is certainly not a light walk. Inexperienced climbers should ensure they’re at a good level of fitness and are adequately prepared with the correct walking gear before tackling it.

That said, only experienced climbers should attempt the Striding Edge route as it can turn dangerous, especially in tough weather conditions.

Related: 10 essential items to pack for a hike

 

7. Scafell Pike, Cumbria (3,210ft)

  • Difficulty: hard
  • Suggested route: Scafell Pike via Wasdale (5.5 miles/3-4 hours)
  • Our favourite pitstop: The Riverside Bar (Scafell Hotel)
  • Did you know? Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in England and was donated to the  National Trust in 1919 by Lord Leconfield in memory of the men of the Lake District who fell in WW1

We couldn’t overlook the highest peak in England on our list of the best mountains to climb in the UK. 

Scafell Pike looms over the Wasdale Valley and Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. It’s breathtaking, and famous British fellwalker Wainwright aptly described it as ‘every inch a mountain’.

The views from the summit are phenomenal. Not only do you benefit from standing at the tallest point in England and overlooking sweeping vistas of rural beauty, but you can even see the mountains of Snowdonia in good conditions.

You might even be climbing Snowdon next if you’re taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, which brings us to our next peak.

 

8. Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park (3,560ft)

It’s seen as one of the hardest mountains to climb in the UK, but summitting Snowdon doesn’t require any technical skill—this is great news if you’re an amateur looking to work your way up.

There are six paths to choose from, with Llanberis being the easiest, so you can increase the difficulty if you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge.

Standing atop this mountain gives you spectacular views over Snowdonia, Anglesey, and Pembrokeshire if you’re lucky enough to summit in clear conditions. However, remember that the peak can be covered in snow between October and early June.

If you’re travelling with friends or family members who don’t want to climb the mountain, they can even take the Snowdon Mountain Railway and meet you at the summit to enjoy the views. You don’t get this opportunity on any other mountains in the UK.

 

9. Ben Nevis, Scottish Highlands (4,413ft)

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  • Difficulty: hard
  • Suggested route: Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track (10 miles/6.5 hours)
  • Our favourite pitstop: Ben Nevis Inn
  • Did you know? It’s the tallest mountain in the UK, but was once a colossal volcano that exploded over 350 million years ago

Last but certainly not least on our list of the best mountains to climb in the UK is this monster of a peak in the Scottish Highlands.

Ben Nevis towers dramatically over the region of Lochaber, which is famous for its natural beauty. Aside from the glorious surroundings at the mountain’s base, you can see as far as Northern Ireland on a clear day, alongside other peaks such as Ben Lomond, Morven, and the Torridon hills.

The route is demanding, even if you’re an experienced hiker, and it should only be attempted if you’ve completed training beforehand and are aware of the weather conditions.

The summit is typically snowy from November to May and sometimes during other months. It can also be impossible to judge the conditions at the summit at times, as it can be shrouded in clouds.

That said, Ben Nevis is one of the best mountains to climb in the UK due to the magnificent backdrop of the Highlands and the sense of achievement that comes with summiting it.

 

Specialist mountaineering insurance from Ripe Sports 

Unfortunately, as with all sports, mountaineering comes with risks, so you may want to consider specialist mountaineering insurance.

At Ripe, you can include a range of cover options for peace of mind, such as Public Liability, Personal Accident, Loss of Earnings and Equipment cover.

That way, you can find the right cover to suit your needs, whether you want to protect yourself against injury or cover the investment you’ve made in your equipment.  

Read more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote today.

Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.

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