If you're looking to get out on a walk on your next campervan trip, we've got some incredible suggestions from the experts at Cotswold Outdoor. They recently asked their customers about their favourite UK mountain and hill walks, and they've pulled together the results to create a selection of fantastic days out that cover the length and breadth of our beautiful island. So, no matter where you’re heading on your next adventure, you’re sure to find some inspiration.
Wales
1. Tryfan, Snowdonia
The iconic Tryfan is a rite of passage for many walkers, with its height and mixture of walking and scrambling, making it a great challenge for those looking to bridge the gap between hillwalking and mountaineering. The dramatic formation looms over the landscape, appearing like the vast three-headed fin of a mythical sea creature, and it’s no less daunting when you’re climbing it. Whichever route you choose to walk up it, you’ll need to use your hands to scramble up sections and if you make it to Tryfan’s two summit pillars called “Sion a Siân” (to the Welsh-speaking locals) or “Adam and Eve” (to most English-speaking visitors), you can take on the challenge of leaping from one to the other to gain ‘the freedom of Tryfan’ – a feat you should undertake completely at your own risk!Pen Y Fan, Brecon Beacons
Reach the top of Pen Y Fan, and you’ll understand why this is such a popular choice for UK hillwalkers. Its name, roughly translates to ‘Top Spot’, and it’s certainly that. Tackle the horseshoe route - a stunning 9-mile circuit from the Taf Fechan Forest up to Corn Du (873m), Pen y Fan (886m), Cribyn (795m) and Fan y Big (719m), and you’ll struggle to find finer views anywhere else.
2. Snowdon Horseshoe, Snowdonia
Snowdon’s Horseshoe route is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic walks in the UK. This ascent of Wales’ highest mountain, via a scramble over the knife-edge ridge of Crib Goch, is certainly no ordinary day out. You’ve been warned! If you’re blessed with good weather, experience and a head for heights, there really is no more spectacular way to climb Snowdon than this unbelievable route along this phenomenal ridgeline.
3. Cadair Berwyn, Berwyn Mountains
Cadair Berwyn is a quieter route than nearby Snowdonia, but still offers plenty of challenges and dramatic scenery including, the renowned 240 ft Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall - regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The Berwyn hills largely consist of bog and heather – beautiful, but also potentially very wet! Tackle them in good weather though, and the outlook from the summit of Cadair Berwyn in all directions is more than worth it, with Cheshire, the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia all visible on a clear day.
Scotland
1. Ben Macdui, Cairngorms
As Britain’s second-highest mountain, Ben Macdui soars above the surrounding Munros. Positioned at the centre of the wild, arctic-like plateau in Scotland’s stunning Cairngorms range, if you manage to reach the summit, you’ll get to gaze down upon one of Britain’s most beautiful mountain panoramas. You may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of golden eagles, ptarmigan, dotterel or snow buntingsalong the way. Or, if you're unlucky, you could get a visit from Am Fear Liath Mòr - a wraith-like Old Grey Man who legend has it haunts the mountain… beware!Ben Lui, Southern Highlands
Known to many as the Queen of the Scottish mountains, the graceful peak of the Ben Lui is considered the finest mountain in the Southern Highlands. It consists of a high and majestic peak with five defined ridges, staggering summit views, a spectacular corrie, and a family of surrounding peaks, all of which add up to make this a bona fide paradise for hill walkers.
2. Ben Lawers, Grampian Mountains
Scenic mountains and some of the finest collections of rare mountain plants in Britain are just a few of the reasons why Ben Lawers – the highest mountain in the Central Highlands – is one of Scotland’s most popular walks. As well as over 600 types of lichen, a walk here could include sightings of wildlife, including skylarks, red deer, ring ouzels and black grouse. That’s before we’ve even mentioned the incredible views…
England
1. The Long Mynd, Shropshire
This large and long-ranging plateau, known as The Long Mynd, truly is in a world of its own. This large expanse of heathland set in the heart of the Shropshire Hills is an unmissable sea of violet in late summer when the heather blooms. Take a walk up to the top from the head of the lovely Carding Mill Valley for picturesque picnic spots, streams to cool off in, an abundance of wildlife and (eventually) fantastic views across Shropshire and beyond.
Check out our favourite campsites in Shropshire.
2. Golden Cap, Devon
Wondering if this sturdy uphill walk is worth the effort? Trust us, the magnificent coastal scenery you’ll enjoy from the great rocky shoulder of Golden Cap will make up for it! The highest point on Devon’s Jurassic Coast - England’s only Natural World Heritage Site - on a clear day, you’ll see right across Lyme Bay to Dartmoor to the west, towards Bridport and Chesil Beach to the east, and the clear blue to the south. You’ll never want to leave!
3. Leith Hill, Surrey
Climb all 74 steps of the spiral stairs at Leith Hill Tower atop the majestic Leith Hill, and you’ll be at the highest point in South-East England, looking towards London and the English Channel. It was built in 1765 by Richard Hull as a place for people to enjoy the ‘glory of the English countryside’. It certainly achieves that. We recommend tackling it in the low season, as the woodlands on the way up are gloriously golden in autumn and vibrant in spring.
4. Helvellyn, Lake District
When it comes to hill walking in the UK, there was no doubt that the Lake District would make the list. Helvellyn is England’s third highest peak and a stone-cold classic. There are many great ways to climb Helvellyn, but an ascent via the narrow ridge of Striding Edge has to be the most spectacular. Majestic and dramatic, it’s an iconic walk on which you’ll experience the full glory of the Lakeland fells.
5. Bellever Tor, Dartmoor
There is no better way to take in the stunning Dartmoor landscape than a hike. From Bellever Forest in central Dartmoor, you can take an exhilarating walk to the granite outcrop of Bellever Tor. Follow your hike with a tranquil picnic by the East Dart River. On the way, you’ll discover numerous archaeological sites and see a variety of wildlife, including the famous Dartmoor Ponies. Climb up the granite stacks at the top for unrestricted 360-degree views.
6. Whernside, Yorkshire Dales
From a sideways glance, Whernside looks like a long, slumbering monster. It’s the highest summit in North Yorkshire at an impressive 2,415ft and forms part of the popular Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. On your way to Whernside, you’ll walk by the impressive 104ft high, 440 yards long Ribblehead Viaduct, which Harry Potter fans are sure to recognise the viaduct from the films, especially if you’re lucky enough to see the steam locomotive crossing it.
7. Cat Bells, Lake District
Situated enticingly above Keswick and Derwent water, Cat Bells is relatively small compared to its bigger Lakeland neighbours. Yet what this mountain lacks in height, it certainly makes up for in accessibility, views and atmosphere. Cat Bells is universally loved for its relative ease to climb and navigate, and is considered to be perfect for old legs, little legs and the four-legged alike. The panorama from its summit is a rich reward and a fantastic introduction to the Lake District’s mirror-like lakes, lush valleys and wild mountains.
8. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire / Herefordshire
The Malvern Hills that divide the beautiful English countryside of Herefordshire and Worcestershire are a great destination for walkers of all ages and abilities. This 18km gem of a walk traverses the entire ridge before crossing over Worcestershire Beacon and clambering the iron age hill fort of British Camp. Throughout are a series of iconic vistas offering views across the Severn Valley, Cotswold Hills and Welsh Mountains. A walk here is one of the best ways to experience some of England’s finest countryside.
9. Cheviot Hills, Northumberland / Scottish Borders
Which hardy walker could resist the lure of the Cheviot, Northumberland’s highest point in this glorious range of uplands that straddle the Anglo-Scottish border? Not us. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Lake District and even, some claim, Edinburgh. This stunning walk is also full of history; north of the summit, amidst the peat bogs, are the remains of a B-17 aircraft bomber, a sad victim of a navigational error during World War II.
10. High Cup Nick, Pennines
Often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the North’, this glorious U-shaped glacial valley is carved deep into the western flanks of the Cumbrian Pennines. It is considered one of England’s most spectacular geological features and is certainly a sight to behold. Looking down upon it, this huge scar in the landscape looks like it could have been caused by a meteor strike rather than 500 million years of natural erosion. If you’re not already out of breath from the walk, the views will take your breath away.
11. Derwent Edge, Peak District
A walk along Derwent Edge overlooking Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs and their spectacular dams has everything you could want from a walk in the Peak District. At the top, look out for an extraordinary series of rock formations, carved out of the millstone by aeons of weathering, all of which have been given names according to their fancied resemblances – including The Wheel Stones, The Salt Cellar and Cakes of Bread. It feels like walking through an enormous art exhibition of statues curated by mother nature herself.
Northern Ireland
Slieve Bearnagh, Mourne Mountains
Belfast-born writer C.S. Lewis is said to have based Narnia on the mighty Mourne Mountains, and you’ll soon see why. On this glorious uphill walk to the distinctive, jagged summit of Slieve Bearnagh (‘gapped mountain’), you’ll be following a 100-year-old wall over peaks and cols, and enjoying remarkable views right across Ulster to the distant Sperrin Mountains. Slieve Bearnagh is truly one of Northern Ireland’s natural wonders.
No matter where you are in the UK, an incredible walking adventure is never far away! Hire a campervan for the weekend to enjoy an active getaway, and as a Goboony customer, you can enjoy 15% off* when you shop for all the kit you need for your trip in-store and online at Cotswold Outdoor.
*Offer valid until 31/12/2022 T&Cs apply.
