Climbing, hiking, and cycling are some of the most adventurous outdoor activities in which you can partake. However, walking and hiking are the best ways to explore the wilderness. If you are interested in mountaineering, then the United Kingdom does not fall short of breathtaking mountains. You can find all sorts of mountains, ranging from gigantic snowy mountains to spectacular rocky mountains.
Whether you are a solo traveler or moving in a group, it’s better to have professionals guiding you along the way while planning to expedite. Sherpa expeditions is a fantastic group offering cycling and walking holiday expeditions across the United Kingdom and Europe.
If you plan on a mountaineering expedition in the United Kingdom, here is a list of the five most exciting mountains you can climb.
1. Helvellyn
The first mountain on the list is England’s third-highest mountain, situated in the Lake District. Visit the mountain during the summer months, and you will find green ridges along your way. However, the same green ridges are covered in a dense layer of snow during the winter season.
So, climbing the mountain in winter can be challenging as the temperature near the summit can be – 5 to 10 degrees than the valley. Lake District is a renowned national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are multiple routes to climb the mountain, and climbing up top is not that hard. Even if you are a novice hiker, you can manage yourself up without any hassle, provided you carry the necessary gear, mainly a hiking stick.
2. Ben Nevis
Next up on the list is the tallest mountain in the entire United Kingdom. Standing tall at 4,413 ft, Ben Nevis offers some of the best views of the Scottish Highlands. While climbing is open for adventure enthusiasts in both the summer and winter months, the experience during each season can be very different and dramatic due to climatic conditions. Needless to say that the weather can be windy, cold, and snowy during the winter months.
The best time for a summer ascent would be from May to October, whereas November to April would be ideal for the winter climb. You can begin your ascent either from the Visitor’s center or the Achintee Inn. If you are a novice hiker, stick to The Mountain Path, the easy and accessible route to climb the Ben Nevis mountain.
3. Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in England, with an altitude of 3,209 ft. You can start your ascent from the Wasdale National Trust Car Park. The terrain of the Scafell pike is rocky and uneven, mainly if you chose the Wasdale route, which is steep and rocky. However, once you’ve made it to the top, you can enjoy picturesque views of Northern Ireland, the beautiful summits in Scotland, and the Lake District.
The summer months, May to October, are ideal for climbing this mountain. For that matter, the perfect time to climb any mountain in the Britain region is during the summer months.
4. Blencathra
Next up on the list is Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, with an altitude of 2,848 ft. This mountain is also situated in the Lake District and is a favorite for many adventure enthusiasts. One reason for that could be the beautiful view of the sunrise from the summit. While the Halls Fell Ridge is a sharp and steep route to climb the mountain, you can also choose an easy route up.
Start your ascent from the Blencathra Field Studies Centre if you wish to take an accessible route. The mountain is open to hikers and adventure enthusiasts all year round.
5. Snowdon
Snowdon is one of the magnificent mountains of the United Kingdom that stands tall at 3,071 ft. It is the highest mountain in Wales, located in the Snowdonia National Park. You can finish the total ascent of eight miles (roundtrip) within six hours. There are six routes to reach the summit, and all vary in terms of distance and difficulty. Not a hiking person? You can enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit by traveling via train as well.
So, you can still enjoy the spectacular views without climbing the mountain, through the train ride. Don’t mind the crowd, especially during the summer months, because around 350,000 adventure enthusiasts reach the summit every year.
Final Thoughts
Those were the five most exciting mountains to climb in the United Kingdom. All the mountains mentioned above offer picturesque views of the surrounding regions. Even though most of the mountains in the United Kingdom are open for ascent all year round, the summer season would be ideal, especially for novice climbers. Also, don’t forget to carry the necessary gear and equipment to have a safe and memorable climbing experience. Meanwhile, if the expedition requires more days, carry canned food and eatables.
Recent Comments