Eight magnificent pointy to take your mileage to a higher level this year…
BEGINNER SLOPES…
Mam Tor, Peak District (above)
The perfect little mountain: stunning to look at, full of stories (like the way its east face has collapsed over the past century, eating a road) and dead easy to climb, with a view out of all proportion to the effort. Easiest of all is the trip up the flagged steps from Mam Nick car park, but the best is the four-mile circuit from the town of Castleton.
Cat Bells, Lake District
Undisputed king of beginner mountains, Cat Bells (below) has a magnificent setting, sweeping up from the shore of Derwent Water. Handily, this also means you can access it via the Keswick Launch boat service. Easy paths, an adventurous mini-scramble at the top, and breathtaking mountain scenery: it’s the perfect welcome to the magic of the Lakes.
MAGIC MOUNTAINS…
Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales
Ingleborough’s distinctive flat-topped, ramp-fronted profile soars high above the Yorkshire Dales. And it packs in dozens of fascinating features: the woody trails above Clapham; the rocky buttresses above Crina Bottom; the limestone pavement on its western edge; and of course Gaping Gill – gateway to an immense underground chamber that could hold York Minster.
Ben Lomond, Highland
Glasgow’s pet mountain. Easily accessible, with two paths for up and down starting from Rowardennan on the banks of Loch Lomond. A long, steep ascent – but the views from the rocky-ridged summit (above) are chop-slappingly good.
Snowdon, Snowdonia
Snowdon has an ascent route for every walker, from the long-but-gentle hike up the Llanberis Path to the sheer-sided madness of Crib Goch. For the very best day, go up via the Pyg Track and down via the Miners’ Track (above): it’s an unforgettable trip
to the roof of Wales.
…AND BIG BEASTS
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
The most seductive lines of any mountain? Probably. At nearly 3000ft, Pen y Fan isn’t to be sneezed at, but the routes that climb it from the north are simple, straightforward and utterly spectacular.
Helvellyn, Lake District
Reclining like a huge armchair with the arêtes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge forming the arms, Helvellyn is an icon. The ascent from Glenridding is thrilling, and the views over Ullswater are some of the finest in the Lakes. The Striding Edge route is steep, exposed and (to some) terrifying – but for an experienced hillwalker there is probably no equal in the entire country.
Ben Nevis, Highlands
The summit of Britain. For most walkers there is only one viable route up and down it: the Pony Track. It’s a bit of a slog in places – and you’ll have to climb every inch of its 4411ft bulk from damn near sea level. But the sense of height and majesty is overwhelming – and the views over the surrounding Highlands are almost unimaginably big.
