Ever wondered what are the highest mountains in the UK? This blog post will answer that question.
England may not be a country renowned for its mountains, however, this doesn’t mean there isn’t some amazing mountain experiences to be had.
The mountains in England and further afield in Wales and Scotland are some of our favourites.
Our UK mountains are the perfect starting point for those looking to challenge themselves in hikes and experience a wide range of mountain ranges, scrambles, hiking, weather and altitudes.
So let’s get in to our list of the UK’s ten highest mountains so you can start planning your next adventure…..
1. Ben Nevis
Height: 1,345 metres
Location: Scotland
Main routes: The Mountain Track (sometimes called the Tourist Track or the Pony Track) and the Carn Mor Dearg Arête
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland, the United Kingdom and the British Isles and is one of the most famous hikes in the UK. The summit is 4,411 feet above sea level (1,345 metres) and is the highest land in any direction for 459 miles. Ben Nevis stands at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Highland region of Lochaber, close to the town of Fort William.
Note: This is also the highest point in Scotland!
2. Snowdon
Height: 1,085 metres
Location: Snowdonia, Wales
Main routes: Snowdon Ranger, Miner’s Track, Llanberis, Pyg Track
Located in Wales Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and the second highest mountain in the UK. The vast landscape offers nine mountain ranges, and twenty-three miles of coastline to explore, which is perfect for enjoying the natural landscape and stargazing. The rugged mountains offer ample opportunities to discover new activities from climbing, and bouldering to hiking and caving.
Note: This is also the highest point in Wales!
3. Scafell Pike
Height: 978 metres
Location: Lake District
Main routes: Corridor Route, Wasdale Path, Langdale
The title of highest mountain in England and one that a lot of people look to climb is Scafell Pike, located in the heart of the Lake District. This mountain offers something for everyone, whether that be beautiful scenery, challenging hikes, or an adventurous day exploring the valleys surrounding it.
Note: This is also the highest point in England!
4. Helvellyn
Height: 950 metres
Location: Lake District
Main routes: Striding Edge, Swirral Edge, Thirlmere
England’s second highest mountain is Helvellyn, located in the Lake District it is part of the Helvellyn mountain range. On a good day you can get views as far as Blackpool but the weather can be dicey so come prepared and also offers some scrambling to the summit via Striding Edge.
5. Skiddaw
Height: 931 metres
Location: Lake District
Main routes: Jenkin Hill trail, Carl Side
If you’re looking for an epic hike, Skiddaw is your best bet! This mountain is England’s third highest mountain and sits close to Keswick in the Lake District. The area is popular with tourists because of the well-trodden path to the summit following the Jenkin hill trail from Keswick. This is a favourite of mine in the list for the highest peak in England.
6. Great Gable
Height: 899 metres
Location: Lake District
Main routes: Wasdale, Wainwrights Gable Girdle, Honister Pass
Great Gable is another one of the best Lake District mountains and it is also the fourth highest mountain in England. It is famous for its rock-climbing history, with cliffs of the Napes and Kern Knotts, and photo spots Napes Needle and Sphinx Rock. A must-do hike if you want to really explore some of the highest mountains in England.
7. Cross Fell
Height: 893 metres
Location: Cumbria
Main routes: Pennine way
Another highly popular mountain in England is Cros Fell in Cumbria Cross Fell and part of the Pennine hills area. Cross Fell is a challenging hike along part of the Pennine Way and is not for the faint hearted, with snow reported for up to 140 days out of the year, so make sure to prepare appropriately.
8. Pillar Mountain
Height: 892 metres
Location: Lake District
Main routes: Black sail pass, Wasdale Head
Known as being the birthplace for rock climbing in the Lake District Pillar Mountain is an area of special scientific interest and has an unusually flat summit with areas of grassland.
9. Fairfield
Height: 873 metres
Location: Lake District
Main routes: Ambleside, Fairfield Horseshoe
Fairfield is one of the Lake Districts most beautiful mountain standing at 873 metres above sea level making it England’s 7th highest mountain. It is home to the famous Fairfield horseshoe, which includes eight wainwrights.
10. Blencathra
Height: 868 metres
Location: Lake District
Main routes: Sharp Edge, Halsfell Ridge Scramble, Blease Fell
Blencathra mountain (once known as Saddleback) is in the Lake District and is one of the most popular mountains in the Lake District because of the wide variety of different routes to the summit. It is most known for Sharp Edge however there are plenty of routes to choose from; including shorter routes which only take 3km to reach the summit! This is another favourite of mine in the list for the highest peak in England.
Other mountains in the UK
- Grasmoor
- St Sunday Crag
- Tryfan
- The Cobbler
- Glyder Fawr
- Scafell Pike
- Helvellyn
- Carnedd Llewelyn
- Great Gable
- Ben Macdui
- Blencathra
- Cairn Gorm
- Nantle Ridge
- Red Pike
- Old Man Of Coniston
- Cross Fell
- Moel Siabod
- Buachaille Etive Mor
- Great Dun Fell
- Cùl Mor
- Ben Lawers
- The Cheviot
- Moelwyn Mawr
- Whernside
- Bidean nam Bian
- Ben Lomond
- Wild Boar Fell
- Cader Idris
- The Calf
- High Willhays
- Cnicht
- Pen Y Fan
- Aonach Beag
- Suilven
