Top 10 Most Beautiful Mountains in the U.K

Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi

Walking is the best way to experience the United Kingdom. Depending on your stamina, the experience of summiting a mountain in England is likely to be one of the most rewarding of your life.

The United Kingdom has many mountains that are perfect for hiking, complete with well-marked trails. Beautiful mountains, such as Ben Macdui, can be found in the Cairngorms. Just over fifty miles to the west of Fort William is Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak; further north are the stunning Torridon and Assynt; and further south are the likes of Ben Lomond.

And that's not even counting the time it takes to get to England and start exploring the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, or Dartmoor. While Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons sit at opposite ends of Wales, Northern Ireland's Slieve Donard towers over the rest of Ulster.

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Top 10 Most Beautiful Mountains to Climb in the U.K

1. Snowdon, Gwynedd

Photo: Countryfile.com

The prospect of climbing Wales' highest mountain may appear daunting, but no technical skills are required to reach its 1,085-meter summit. There are eight well-trodden paths to choose from, the most popular of which is the Llanberis Path. This peak is popular in the summer, and there is a visitor center on the summit, which is unlikely to appeal to seasoned climbers. But for good reason, this is the UK's most popular mountain: not only is it accessible to climbers of all levels of experience, but the view from the summit is spectacular and well worth the effort.

If that's not enough, there's always the Snowdon Challenge, which includes a 17km cycle to the bottom, a 7km hike to the summit and back, and a 4km paddle across Lyn Padarn - all in less than 12 hours.

2. Slieve Donard, County Down

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Slieve Donard is Northern Ireland's highest peak, rising majestically from the Mourne Mountains. The 850-metre-high summit has a small stone tower and the remains of two ancient burial cairns, one of which is said to be the highest Neolithic Passage Tomb in the UK.

People used to climb this mountain as part of a yearly pilgrimage until the 1830s, and today's walkers face the same landscape of granite ridges, boggy paths, and - usually - strong winds. You'll walk alongside the Mourne Wall, which was built between 1904 and 1922 to enclose a reservoir that spans 15 mountains in the Mournes.

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3. Scafell, Cumbria

Photo: GetOutside - Ordnance Survey

Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, stands at 978 meters in the heart of the Lake District. Its summit is the highest point for nearly 100 miles, providing panoramic views of Wales, Scotland, and even Ireland on a clear day. The mountain also contains Broad Crag Tarn, England's highest standing water, and its summit is devoid of buildings. The hike, which usually takes at least two hours and can be done in a variety of ways, is difficult and involves scrambling over steep, difficult terrain. This is also the location of England's highest war memorial, which was donated to the National Trust in 1919 in memory of those who died in World War I.

Scafell Pike is also included in the infamous Lakeland 10 Peaks Challenge, a 27-kilometer route that covers 10 peaks in a single day.

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4. Blencathra, North Lakes

Photo: Sally's Cottages

You'll enjoy climbing this mountain because of its unusual shape, which earned it the nickname "Saddleback." The main feature of this mountain is its six-parted fell tops.

Climbing to the top can be difficult because most of the spots have steep inclines, but you'll love the natural beauty you'll see once you reach the top. You will also be able to see the Lakes of Derwent Water, the Isle of Man, and the Mourne Mountains.

5. Cat Bells, Cumbria

Photo: The Hiking Photographer

Look no further for the ultimate beginner mountain. Cat Bells is a low-key Lake District summit, rising only 451 meters above sea level. But that doesn't make it any less appealing, and it's a particularly good option for people just starting out in mountain climbing.

This rugged miniature mountain is steep in places and will take your breath away, not only from the physical effort but also from the panoramic views of the mighty Skiddaw and Derwentwater below. Beatrix Potter loved this peak, and Mrs Tiggywinkle is said to have lived behind a tiny door on Cat Bells itself.

6. Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales

Photo: Countryfile.com

With an elevation of 2,372 feet, this mountain is the second highest in the Yorkshire Dales. If you want to see the remains of Iron Age huts, you'll have to work up a sweat to get to the top of the mountain. If you want to save your energy for other mountains, make a point of visiting the White Scars, a massive limestone plateau, on the western side. The White Scar Caves can also be visited.

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7. Buckden Pike, Yorkshire Dales

Photo - Wikimedia Commons

Despite the 2,303-foot elevation, most hikers prefer to ascend to the summit to see the memorial cross. The cross was erected in memory of five Polish Royal Air Force airmen who died in a plane crash on January 30, 1942.

Some climb to see the spectacular views of Yockenthwaite Moor, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and the Firth Fell.

8. Ben Macdui, Cairngorms

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Ben Macdui is the second highest mountain in Britain, standing at 1309 meters. It is the highest point in the Cairngorms, and because it is less well-known, climbing it is an even more thrilling experience than climbing Ben Nevis.

The desolate passes and summit are said to be haunted by "The Big Grey Man," so it's not for the faint of heart in terms of fitness and being scared. The peak is blasted by freezing temperatures and snow in the winter, attracting skiers to the nearby Cairngorm Ski Centre. As you approach from Speyside, you will pass through the vast, exposed Cairngorm plateau. This is one of Scotland's best hikes, but good navigation skills are required.

9. Great Gable, Lake District

Photo: karlswalks.co.uk

With an elevation of 2,949 feet, the mountain appears to be shaped like a pyramid. When you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views and massive boulders.

You will also have the opportunity to explore one of the well-known Adventure Peaks Lake District Guided Walks. Even if you don't want to climb to the top, there are numerous routes that allow you to explore the mountain.

10. Helvellyn, Lake District

Photo: Herdy

If you want to take in the breathtaking views stretching from Wales to Scotland, you must ascend this mountain. Believe me, it is well worth the effort to reach the top. Helvellyn is the third highest peak in England, standing at 3,000 feet. Many experienced climbers have successfully made their way to the summit via Striding Edge, a narrow path with huge drops on both sides.

You can also enjoy a variety of hiking routes, both easy and difficult, making climbing this mountain even more interesting.

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