Explore some of the UK’s most breathtaking peaks with this collection of hilly hikes.
The Vale of Edale, Peak District
Start: Edale Station
Distance: 13.3km (approx. 5 hrs)
Best time to go: Busy in Summer, so aim for spring or autumn.
What an introduction to the Peak District! Arrive by train and stay at the Rambler Inn, two minutes from the station. It’s a walkers’ hotel with basic needs well catered for. This hike starts from Edale station, next door to the Ramblers Inn and beside the Penny Pot Café. Head up the lane to the start of the Pennine Way at the top of Edale Village, beside the Nag’s Head – another very welcoming pub. The path is well defined with the ascent all coming within the first couple of hours. Jacob’s Ladder gives the lungs a decent workout but the payback is enormous as you look back over the beautiful Edale Valley with Mam Tor on the skyline. There is the option of a 20 minute diversion to see the Edale Cross and views towards Manchester. Otherwise, carry on to the Trig Point and views over Kinder Scout and across the Peak District. It’s outstanding and worth every breath you have taken to get here. Retracing your steps and then picking up the path, there are plenty of sheltered picnic spots as you pick your way through the rock scape with Pym Chair towering over you. It’s important to pick up the peaty path to your right, contouring the hill beneath Grindslow Knowle as you start the descent back to Edale. Enjoy a drink at the Nag’s Head or Rambler Inn and reflect on a memorable day out in the Peak District.
The Dark Peak, Hathersage
Start: Hathersage Station
Distance: 14.1km (approx 4.15hrs)
Best time to go: Spring or autumn (book any accommodation well in advance)
This hike is easily accessible by train, alight at Hathersage station, pick up a coffee at The George and a picnic at the Deli and you are good to go. The route traverses the valley with Stanage Edge looming into view. It’s impressive but not intimidating. Almost all the uphill walking comes in the first hour and a half but it is so worth the effort. Enjoy your picnic looking out from Stanage Edge across the northern part of the Peak District. Look and listen out for the curlews, plovers, and (if you’re lucky) ring ouzels. Behind you is Hallam Moor and Sheffield beyond, out of sight but not mind. The descent is interrupted by the easy climb up to Higger Tor with wonderful views along Stanage Edge as well as up the Hope Valley. The final downhill stretch takes you through the churchyard and the resting place of Little John as well as gravestones remembering the Eyre family, subsequently immortalised by Charlotte Brontë. Finish up the day with a drink at The George, Long John Hotel or Bank House in the high street and reflect on a day well spent.
A Break in Brecon
Start: Abergavenny Station
Distance: 21 km (6.5 hrs)
Best time to go: all year
A circular walk with spectacularly rewarding views. How many places are there where you can step off a train, pick up lunch in a great independent shop in the food capital of Wales, and be at the top of a mountain with breathtaking views within 1.5 hours?
After leaving Abergavenny town centre, the route winds up narrow country lanes and then you are offroad and traffic free until 30 minutes from the end. Take in some gnarly oak woods, streamside vales and open mountainside trails to get you to just shy of 600 metres at the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Once back in town, there are several great places to put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned bite to eat.
Maunder in the Malverns
Start: Great Malvern Station
Distance: 12.4km (approx. 4 hrs)
This circular hike begins at Great Malvern station, heading up onto Worcestershire Beacon and along the hills. Mount Pleasant Hotel is 1km into the hike, which is perfect if you want to drop bags before setting off up the hill. The hard work comes in the first half of the day, before reaching The Kettle Sings, a charming café with a homely menu and a friendly atmosphere. The first hour and a half may be all uphill onto the Beacon, but the views make it all worth it. Once you’re up high, the gradient levels out and the magnificent views seem to carry you the rest of the way. With stunning scenery in all directions, you make your way on to Pinnacle Hill, before heading back along the western ridge of the Malvern Hills.
If you like this, check out our 4 Epic Hikes with a Wild Swim
