There’s no feeling like the one you get when you conquer a hill! Hillwalking is one the healthiest, fun and most rewarding past times and in Britain we are fortunate to have some of the most stunningly scenic routes in the world. Here, we have picked just 5 of our favourites.
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
The highest hill in southern Britain, Pen y Fan is challenging for anyone, but still accomplishable for beginners in good weather. Starting from the Storey Arms the route includes a footbridge that crosses Blaen Taf Fawr, which flows all the way to Cardiff. The cairn on the summit plateau was a Bronze Age burial chamber. Near the route to the summit sits a memorial granite obelisk, with an inscription that reads: "This obelisk marks the spot where the body of Tommy Jones aged 5 was found". It is a mystery how such a small boy managed to climb so high.
Beinn Alligin, Wester Ross
Beinn Alligin is one of the giants of Torridon, situated by Loch Torridon in the Highlands. The usual route of ascent starts from the minor road between Torridon village and Inveralligin, following the route of the Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil. Nicknamed the 'Mountain of Beauty', the ascent is obtainable for beginners and offers amazing views of the Isle of Skye, Liathach and Loch a Bhealaich.
Pyg Track, Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park
Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales and one of the most famous in Britain. The Pyg Track is both the shortest way up Snowdon and involves the least amount of ascent, making it ideal for beginners. Despite this, the path is steep and rocky with rough terrain underfoot, ensuring it is still a challenge for experienced walkers. Edmund Hillary, the first man to reach the summit of Everest, used Snowdon in his training for the ascent. The Pyg Track offers the most impressive views of Snowdon's northern face all the way.
Helvellyn, Lake District
One of England's most popular peaks with stunning 360 degree views once you reach the top. Helvellyn isn't the highest peak but still sits 950m above sea level. The Striding and Swirral Edge are the most popular ascents and once you reach the summit you'll notice how unique it is. This difficult route isn't ideal for the inexperienced walker, but offers a great challenge to those who love to scramble.
Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Park
Described by the famed novelist Robert Louis Stevenson as "a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design", Arthur's Seat is the main peak of a group of hills in Holyrood Park. It can be climbed from almost any direction but the easiest ascent is from the east, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch. A hill fort occupies the summit, likely to have been centres of power of the Votadini, who date back all the way to the Iron Age.
Have we missed off your favourite hill walk? Let us know your favourite in the comments section below.
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