Hiking in the UK Mountains: A Complete Guide
While many may believe that the UK is a group of nations with vastly flat terrain and afflicted by constant rains, only one of those statements is true. The four nations of the UK are full of some of the most gorgeous landscapes in Europe, inclusive of vast underground cave networks that are perfect for exploring and tall peaks that give you some awe-inspiring views of nature. The constant rains are definitely a thing, thanks to the polar jet stream.
However, thanks to the vast variety of nature that the United Kingdom has to offer, there are plenty of incredible outdoor adventures that people can enjoy across the four nations. One such adventure is mountain hiking. Read on to find out all you need to know about mountain hiking — from what it is to everything that you need to prepare for it, plus some of the best mountains in the UK to go mountain hiking.
Image credit: Red Bull
What is mountain hiking?
In a nutshell, hiking refers to the outdoor spirit where people go on long and often strenuous walks into nature via footpaths or trails. While “regular” hiking tends to be done within the countryside and is used as the overarching term to describe the hours-long activity that people love to do in their spare time. Mountain hiking, however, refers specifically to the type of hiking done on mountain trails.
While both mountain hiking and mountaineering involve the great outdoors and mountains, they are two different outdoor activities. Mountain hiking is not quite mountaineering as it doesn’t require specialist equipment, nor would you be expected to climb up steep cliffsides. Although you might come across a steep section or two during your hike, those wouldn’t need to be tackled in the same way that cliffsides would need to be.
How to prepare for mountain hiking — 4 best tips
While hiking generally is one of the easier outdoor sports to get into, it still requires a bit of preparation — especially when it comes to mountain hiking. Much like the UK weather, Britannia’s mountains are both predictable and unpredictable at the same time. However, that doesn’t mean that you can prepare for your mountain hiking trip!
Here are some of our best tips to prepare for your next mountain hiking adventure:
1. Plan your hike in advance
Honestly, this is really important regardless of which outdoor sport you are looking to do. Although it might seem like a great idea to simply grab a group of friends for a last-minute hiking adventure, it’s not as feasible as you may think. Nature is rather unpredictable, and when you don’t prepare yourself (and your mates) in advance, you might come across quite a number of hiccups that you could have foreseen if you had done a bit of research and preparation.
With that said, you don’t exactly need to prep for a mountain hiking trip weeks in advance because planning for a hiking trip isn’t very complicated. We’ll get into how you should prepare for your next mountain hiking trip in the next section.
2. Check the weather
As we all know, the weather is a lovely yet unpredictable being! Checking the weather a day or two before your planned mountain hiking trip allows you to better prepare for it. Will it be rainy the night before? Be sure to prepare for muddy terrain. Does the weather forecast predict that it might rain during your hike? Grab a raincoat or wear waterproof clothes before you head out. Are you going to be facing sunny, cloudless skies? Make sure you pack extra water and bring along sun protection!
3. Wear the right stuff
While we would love to simply pull on a pair of trainers and head out into the great outdoors, hiking isn’t that kind of sport. Because of the varied terrain that you might face along the trail, especially when it comes to mountain hiking, wearing appropriate clothing is key to an enjoyable experience. When it comes to clothes, be sure to wear something that’s lightweight and moisture-absorbant.
And for shoes? Best to protect your ankles with a good pair of hiking boots. But, more importantly, remember to break in your new hiking shoes before you go hiking in the mountains! Your feet will thank you later.
4. Do a physical prowess check!
If anyone has ever gone hiking, and mountain hiking, in particular, they would tell you that it’s not just a cardio workout but one for the entire body. From the tips of your toes to your core, you’ll definitely feel the hike all over your body for a couple of days afterwards. So, before you head off towards one of the UK’s most gorgeous mountains for a hike, you should make sure that your body will be able to handle it.
But don’t let that deter you from going mountain hiking! While it might definitely be an uncomfortable few days post-hike, the journey and the view will be absolutely worth every ounce of effort. Plus, there are a few easy things you can do to prepare yourself (and your body) for your upcoming trip hiking in the mountains.
Exercises that can help you survive mountain hiking
According to REI, these are some of the best exercises that you can do to ensure that your body is ready for any hiking adventure you might be planning to tackle:
Jump squats
Hip rolls
Step-ups
Heel down
Squat curl to overhead press
Bridge with hamstring curls
Side plank with leg raises
Hip clock
For good measure, be sure to add these three exercises when prepping for mountain hiking:
Crunches
Lunges
Push-ups
How to start mountain hiking
Despite all the prep needed, it’s actually super easy to get started with mountain hiking. Much like with most outdoor sport adventures, preparation is necessary to ensure that you are ready to face any situation that may arise during your trip. As the old saying goes: It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Here’s a closer look at how you can start mountain hiking ASAP:
Planning
Planning is key to an enjoyable day hiking up a mountain. Setting appropriate expectations is crucial before any kind of hiking, but especially before hiking in the mountains. Because you’ll be going uphill (or “upmountain”, rather), you should expect to be taking a much slower pace than you would when you go on a regular hike. Another important thing to consider is that temperatures tend to drop by up to almost 10ºC per 1,000 feet of elevation, depending on weather conditions — so going mountain hiking in shorts might not be the best idea!
Speaking of weather, there’s another important detail that you need to plan for before going on a mountain hike. When it comes to the weather, beginner-level hikers should consider mountain hiking during the warmer months. Don't go out on a mountain hike in the winter unless you've done it before and know what you're doing. Even some of Britain's highest peaks, much like most mountains around the world, can receive significant snowfall and experience harsh conditions from late autumn to early spring.
Gear
We want to say this straight off the bat: ever, ever, go hiking in jeans and sneakers. In fact, you shouldn’t wear those kinds of clothing for any type of outdoor sports adventure. Not only are jeans made out of unbreathable material, but they’re also relatively constrictive, which makes it really difficult to move in them. Sneakers, on the other hand, are great for going out out, but not going out into Mother Nature. They’re uncomfortable for long periods of walking, and they don’t tend to be very supportive on the ankles, either.
So, before you set off on your first mountain hiking adventure, be sure to get yourself the right type of gear. From the right type of clothing to the right type of shoes and even a little first aid kit, it absolutely pays to be prepared when it comes to mountain hiking. Check out our handy checklist for all the things you’ll need on your mountain hiking trips:
Mountain hiking gear checklist
When you’re packing your backpack for your upcoming mountain hiking trip, be sure to go through this checklist of the most important things you need to have with you:
Hiking boots (broken into!)
Hiking-appropriate clothing (breathable, moisture-wicking stuff)
Water (more than you think!)
Small snacks (to recharge at the peak)
Navigation tools (like a map, GPS or a fully-charged phone)
First-aid kit (you never know)
Multi-tool (or small knife)
Sun protection (such as a cap, sunglasses and sun lotion)
Best mountains to hike in the UK
Now that you’re all prepped with everything you need to know about gearing up for a mountain hike and making the best out of your experience, you must be buzzing to find out where you can set off on your great outdoor adventure. As we may have eluded to throughout this article, there are a great many mountains nestled within the boundaries of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with some of these featuring great mountain hiking trails for you to explore. Mountain hiking is a highly rewarding experience, and it’s a great way to spend time alone or even with your loved ones — especially when you book a hiking trip with a provider.
Breathing in the fresh air, hearing the many calls of nature’s inhabitants, smelling newly bloomed flowers and feeling the softness of the ground beneath your feet, there’s really nothing like going on a mountain hike. Although hiking up Ben Nevis would be a great shout, sometimes exploring the roads less travelled is the way to go. With all that said, here are five of the best mountains to hike in the UK:
Sugar Loaf Mountain
The peak of Sugar Loaf in Brecon Beacons National Park captures the enchantment of mountains, hills, and forests despite its comparatively low altitude of 596 metres. The mountain, which towers over Abergavenny, can be reached from any of its gentle slopes. But the south is where all the action is, and if you're up for a lengthier day trip, you can start your ascent right from town.
Malvern Hills
Nestled between the counties of Worchestershire and Herefordshire is a gorgeous five-mile route through the Malvern Hills. The route takes you through history as you begin from the British Camp Hill Fort — a hillfort dating back to the Bronze Age around 3,500 years ago. There are a few trails to choose from here, one of which is a loop which brings you back to the British Camp fort, but we highly recommend that you go along the route and enjoy its natural splendour as you make your way to the historic spa town of Great Malvern!
Wharfedale Three Peaks
While taking a hike across the Yorkshire Three Peaks is a great trip to make, we definitely recommend checking out the Wharfedale Three Peaks, too. These Peaks are high-level horseshoes around the top of glacier-gouged Upper Wharfedale. Birks Fell, Buckden Pike, and Great Whernside may resemble wide whaleback ridges rather than typical mountains, but their unique structure means you can enjoy the magnificent view for longer. To wrap things up in the most British way, grab a pint at the White Lion Inn in Cray. It’ll definitely make all that effort worthwhile!
Slemish
The peculiar hill that you might have seen as you drive across County Antrim in Northern Ireland is actually home to a great mountain hiking trail. Not only does Slemish feature beautiful nature, but the location is also steeped in rich history — both factual and fictional alike — making it an important area for the Ulster Scots. Slemish's importance as a historical monument is inextricably linked to its connection to Saint Patrick. That’s right, the very one and the same! It is believed that the saint was enslaved for six years on the mountain by the local chieftain, Mulchi, while herding animals.
Snowdon
No hiking or mountaineering list is complete without mentioning the highest mountain in Wales. It is at 3,560 feet in elevation that Snowdon, known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa, stands as one of the UK’s tallest peaks. During the nineteenth century, the Snowdon range, which spans 16 square miles, became the focal point for Welsh rock climbers. This seven-mile trek up Snowdon will take you through some of the roughest terrains in all of Wales and also some of the most beautiful.
FAQ
What is the difference between regular hiking and mountain hiking?
"Regular" hiking usually takes place in rural areas and is used as a catch-all term to represent the lengthy activity that so many people enjoy in their leisure time. Nevertheless, when we talk about "mountain hiking," we're referring to the specific kind of hiking that takes place on mountain routes.
Is mountain hiking good for you?
Mountain hiking, much like hiking in general, is an activity that features some incredible benefits. Not only will you be able to recharge in nature with hours of fresh air, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a full-body workout while you’re out mountain hiking!
What is the difference between hiking and trekking?
Hiking is the act of setting out on foot through an uninhabited wilderness along established trails or tracks for an extended period of time — usually a few hours but sometimes overnight. On the other hand, trekking entails a multi-day, arduous hike across an undeveloped wilderness environment.
How can I beat altitude sickness?
While you might believe that altitude sickness only afflicts those planning to climb Mount Everest, it can actually affect anyone regardless of altitude — especially anyone who hikes or treks anywhere above a thousand feet above sea level. Experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness is your body's response to breathing in less oxygen due to the "thinner" air found at higher altitudes.
Here are the most common symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS):
Throbbing or steady headache
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
One option is to work on getting fit. To improve your body's ability to use oxygen, try to incorporate some form of cross-training into each week. This teaches your body to make the most of the oxygen you have. You'll have to work much harder to get your extra weight up the mountain, too — whether it’s the pack on your back or your own self. Therefore, losing weight is definitely beneficial for mountain hiking.
However, the best way to beat altitude sickness is to slowly get your body used to higher altitudes. Take it a few thousand feet at a time and as soon as you start to feel any symptoms of AMS, stop immediately and reduce altitude by around 3,000 feet. Don’t ignore the symptoms or force yourself to push further; it will only cause you harm.