Ten Popular Treks in the UK


Snowdon

North Wales’ Snowdonia national park is home to many adventures and hikes which have been enjoyed for thousands of years. However, its namesake mountain is by far the most popular mountain of them all. On a nice day, you will find scores of people making their way to the summit. If you’re after a challenging, seldom-tread path to follow as you make your way up the mountain, you can climb it via Crib Goch or if you really want to push yourself why not try the Snowdon Challenge

Cadair Idris

At the southern tail of the park, you will find the second most popular peak of the region. Named for the legend that a giant created it who was looking for somewhere to sit, hence the name, which translates to ‘Chair of Idris’. This mountain isn’t as crowded as other peaks such as Snowdon, so you are likely to get a more authentic trekking experience. The nearby down of Dolgellau which lies at the foot of the mountain may provide a perfect place to prep for the trip before making the ascent, as well as somewhere to grab a well deserved meal afterwards.

Scafell Pike

In the North of England’s Peak district you will find the highest mountain in England that is the aforementioned Scafell Pike. There are a number of paths you can take up the mountain, which will earn you the unbelievable treat of the highest vantage point in England, panoramic views of neighbouring peaks and magical countryside landscape. The summit is covered in a rocky boulder field, which is thought to be formed by weathering.

Ben Nevis

The largest mountain in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Ben Nevis towers over the Scottish highlands with a regal aura. The name of ‘Ben Nevis’ is thought to be a contraction of a longer Gaelic name, and so roughly translates to ‘Mountain of Heaven’. The most popular route up here is the ‘Pony Track’ aka the ‘Ben Track’ and provides a nice hike for casual hikers; of course for more experienced mountaineers there are many different routes and climbs to get to the summit.

Helvellyn

Helvellyn, maybe not the highest mountain in England, but it certainly has a claim to one of the favourites. The view is certainly one of the best, with glacial coves and sharp-tipped peaks on its neighbouring summits Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. A small plane once managed to land and take-off from the summit, which is quite a feat. This peak’s beauty is the subject of many romantic poets, and it’s sure to provide you with a very pleasant hike, remember to take care!


Hadrian’s Wall Path

The Roman emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a great wall between Britannia and the wilderness of Scotland to offset any raids by the Celtic scots that resided beyond. The ruins of this wall are now a popular hiking trail, in which people trek along the rough border between Scotland and England. Which was you walk the path is up to you, East to West will provide the best suntan in summer months, but in the winter period you may be walking headfirst into the prevailing wind. Consider this and what time of year you are planning on trekking. Solway estuary provides a brilliant place to reflect on your achievement.

Cornwall Lizard Peninsula

Although you probably won’t see any lizards, the peninsula’s breath-taking coastal views will provide motivation enough to travel the entire distance of the peninsula. Expect rocky caves, sheer-drop cliffs, elegant coves and sub-tropical fauna. Along the peninsula there are many small fishing villages and docks which are defended by impressively constructed granite walls to defend against the Atlantic gales. It is said that a wonderful feeling is standing on the edge of the peninsula and staring into the distance, the most southern point of Great Britain There are loads of things to do and check out on this journey, visit whites and beaches, stand atop rocky overlooks and lose yourself in nature.

Offa’s Dyke

A similar story to old Hadrian’s, it is believed that king Offa of Mercia dug this eponymous trench between his country of Mercia and the Welsh Kingdom of Powys, debated to have prohibited raids from the Celtic warriors of Wales. These days it is a favourite trek of hikers. It involves walking the rough border between England and Wales. It’s a wonderful way of seeing the majestic countryside haven of Wales, The Northwest and Borderlands.

Tryfan

On the cusp of the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, is Tryfan, a large craggy mountain that is a steep and fun to climb favourite of mountaineers, both local and from further afield. Tryfan is to this day one of the favourite mountain routes in the UK, with a classic pointed peak, and rocky outcrops it makes for an exhilarating scramble ascent. Tryfan is also very famous for its twin boulders at the summit ‘Adam and Eve’, which has traditionally been leaped between, in doing so is said to grant you ‘The Freedom of Tryfan’. Don’t attempt this if you lack a head for heights!



Three Peaks Challenge

A legendary challenge, which has been undertaken by many adventure savvy hikers over the years. It involves consecutively tackling the largest peaks in 3 of the UK’s countries; these are the previously mentioned Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and our very own Snowdon. This is undertaken in 24 hours and requires a driver and a lot of organisation to complete. Alternatively you can go along with an expedition group such as Adventurous Ewe, which organises such adventures.

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