By James Forrest
OS GetOutside Champion James Forrest outlines 10 of his favourite mountains across England and Wales.
Check out James' debut book ‘Mountain Man: 446 Mountains. Six months. One record-breaking adventure', for more ideas and inspiration. Buy Mountain Man with 20% off at Bloomsbury.
1. Ingleborough, 2,375ft, Yorkshire Dales
Blue skies over Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales
One third of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, Ingleborough is the county’s second highest mountain but arguably number one in its affections. Enthusiastic locals have been known to label it the finest mountain in the world. That is an exaggeration, but it is one of the Dales’ most dramatic and rewarding climbs.
OS Explorer Map OL22. High Willhays, 2,037ft, Dartmoor
Enjoying the views near Yes Tor in Dartmoor
Fed up of the usual mountain scenery? Then head to Dartmoor for wild ponies, granite tors, windswept moorland and, in High Willhays, Britain’s highest point south of the Brecon Beacons. Just make sure you check the firing times of Okehampton military range, which covers the area.
OS Explorer Map OL283. Scafell Pike, 3,209ft, Lake District
A dramatic rocky doorway on the Lord's Rake scramble
Scafell Pike is not only England’s highest peak. Gifted to the National Trust after the end of the First World War, it is also a unique war memorial for the nation. So, when you’re toiling up the Brown Tongue route from Wasdale, take a moment to remember the fallen heroes commemorated by this rugged yet poignant mountain.
OS Explorer Map OL44. Blencathra, 2,848ft, Lake District
Gategill Fell, Blencathra
Blencathra is undoubtedly one of the Lake District’s best-loved mountains. And, while the perilous scrambles up the razor-sharp ridges of Sharp Edge or Hall’s Fell might be out-of-reach of beginners, that doesn’t mean the summit has to be. Take the easy Blease Fell route from Threlkeld and you too can indulge in the wonders of Blencathra.
OS Explorer Map OL55. Cross Fell, 2,930ft, North Pennines
Greg's Hut
If you manage to avoid the fierce winds, hordes of Pennine Way thru-hikers and all-encompassing hill fog, Cross Fell offers easy, enjoyable hiking with expansive views. But its best feature has to be Greg’s Hut, a former miners’ house turned rustic mountain bothy. Why not pack a sleeping bag and stay the night?
OS Explorer Map OL316. Glyder Fawr, 3,284ft, Snowdonia
Walking in the Glyders, Snowdonia
Tryfan, which has been voted Britain’s favourite mountain, may get the plaudits, but the nearby Glyders ridge is similarly spectacular. Climb from the shores of Llyn Ogwen into a world of jumbled boulders, craggy outcrops and three grand summits over 3,000ft. And don’t forget to pose for a compulsory photo on the impossibly balanced Cantilever Stone.
OS Explorer Map OL177. Cadair Berwyn, 2,723ft, Berwyns
Bivvying and watching the sunset from Cadair Berwyn
The Berwyns are a seldom-visited area of heather-clad, high moorlands to the east of Bala. Cadair Berwyn is the highest, and grandest, peak – a place to escape the crowds and enjoy the remoteness. Or indulge in the bizarre ‘Roswelsh’ conspiracy theory, which claims an alien spaceship crashed over the mountain in 1974 sparking a government cover-up.
OS Explorer Map 2558. Snowdon, 3,560ft, Snowdonia
Love it or hate it, climbing Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales – remains a rite of passage for British hillwalkers. For some the experience is ruined by crowds of train-hopping, cafe-visiting tourists; others see only the grandeur and beauty of Snowdonia. Hike one of six classic routes to the summit and make your own mind up.
Looking to Crib Goch, Snowdonia
9. Cadair Idris, 2,930ft, Snowdonia
Cadair Idris, or Cader Idris to traditionalists, is a mountain shrouded in myth. It derives its name, meaning ‘Chair of Idris’, from the Welsh legend of a giant who created a mountainous seat for stargazing.
OS Explorer Map OL2370,000 climb the mountain every year, drawn by the dramatic cliffs, lofty ridges, attractive mountain lake, and commanding views.
10. Pen y Fan, 2,907ft, Brecon Beacons
Don’t be fooled by the presence of tough-looking SAS recruits. Walking in the Brecon Beacons, the rounded, grassy hills of southern Wales, is generally easy. Pen y Fan is the highest point, falling just short of the 3,000ft mark, and thus is a logical target. Combine it with the summits of Corn Du, Cribyn and Fan y Big for an excellent horseshoe hike.
OS Explorer Map OL12Get your copy of Mountain Man!
Get 20% off James' debut book ‘Mountain Man: 446 Mountains. Six months. One record-breaking adventure' using code: MOUNTAIN20 when you purchase from Bloomsbury.
Why not give on of his favourite mountains a try? Stay safe with maps and kit from the OS Shop plus here's more walking inspiration to help find your next adventure outside.
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Edited: 05.05.21
By James Forrest
About:
James Forrest – aka ‘Mountain Man’ – is the record-breaking adventurer who climbed every mountain in England and Wales in just six months, the fastest ever time. Solo and unsupported, he walked over 1,000 miles and ascended five times the height of Everest during his 446-peak challenge. And he did it all on his days off from work, proving it is possible to integrate an epic adventure into your everyday life.
His debut book ‘Mountain Man: 446 Mountains. Six months. One record-breaking adventure” was released 2 May 2019.
