From the mist-wrapped peaks of Scotland to the coastal summits of Northern Ireland, the UK has its fair share of beautiful mountains.
What they lack in altitude, they make up for in raw natural beauty. Think exposed granite ridgelines, jade green valleys, and spectacular views. In winter, the peaks are often blanketed with snow.
Many hikers aim to climb the four highest peaks in each nation, in order of size: Ben Nevis (Scotland), Snowdon (Wales), Scafell Pike (England) and Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland).
Traveling between these mountains is best done by train. Major cities — like Glasgow, Manchester, and Belfast — are linked up with more remote train stations that act as gateways to Britain’s mountainous regions.
The best months to visit? May to September promises drier days and mild temperatures, making your chance of summiting even higher.
Here’s our guide to the four tallest mountains in the UK for your next trip.
Image Credit: Getty Images, James Osmond. Image Location: Mount Snowdon, Wales
Ben Nevis
Height: 4,413 ft (1,345m)
Closest station: Fort William
Britain’s highest mountain stands sentinel over Loch Linnhe, a 30mi (50km) long sea loch that spills into the Firth of Lorne. On a clear day, the views over the Scottish Highlands are unparalleled.
Novice hikers should follow the Mountain Track (or Tourist Track). But, don’t be deceived; it’s a challenging hike over rough terrain, which takes six to nine hours to complete. The Carn Mor Dearg Arête route is even more demanding, aimed at experienced hikers looking for a long scramble up the mountain.
Temperatures range from summer highs of 61°F (16°C) to 23°F (-5 °C) in the winter. Reward yourself with a cold pint of Cairngorm IPA in The Grog and Gruel pub afterwards.
Snowdon
Height: 1,345m (4,413 ft)
Closest station: Bangor
450 million years ago, Snowdon was carved into the Welsh landscape by glaciers and lava, before becoming the jagged mountain top that we know today. Over 600,000 people summit Wales’ highest mountain every year, with August being the most popular month.
There are six different routes up. The nine-mile Llanberis route is the longest and easiest. Take the Snowdon Mountain Railway back down if you don’t fancy the descent. For a real challenge, follow the Crib Goch route — a difficult scramble along a serrated ridgeline.
Unlike the other summits on this list, there’s a café and shop at the top with toilets, food, hot drinks, and even a mailbox so you can send a postcard from the summit.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Duncan_Andison. Image Location: Scafell Pike and Mosedale, Lake District, England
Scafell Pike
Height: 978m (3,209 ft)
Closest station: Penrith
For postcard-perfect views of England’s countryside, head to the Lake District. Scafell Pike, England’s tallest peak, sits right in the heart, surrounded by impressive crags and glistening Wastwater lake below.
Start at Wasdale Head, where the shortest and most popular route begins. It’s a steep climb to start, followed by a rocky scramble to the summit. However, the view from the top is worth the effort. On a clear day, you can even see the Snowdonia mountains 90 miles away.
Grab a bag of Grasmere gingerbread from its 400-year-old namesake shop on the way back — it’s a must-try Lakeland treat.
Slieve Donard
Height: 850m (2,789 ft)
Closest station: Newry
The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis was famously inspired by the Mourne Mountains, home to Northern Ireland’s loftiest peak, Slieve Donard. The round-topped peak overlooks the Irish Sea and Murlough Beach, making it a favorite with hikers.
At 850m (2,789 feet) high, it’s the easiest of these four mountains to summit. However, it’s still a four-to-five-hour hike with a few steep sections to tackle, including a long stretch along the Mourne Wall. Watch out for the mud!
History buffs will appreciate the storied past of this mountain; two prehistoric tombs are still visible on the top dating back to 3,300 BC.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Darren Vukasinovic. Image Location: Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland
How to get to the UK's four tallest peaks by train
Trains and buses are the easiest ways to travel between the four tallest peaks in the UK.
- For Ben Nevis, there’s a direct train from Glasgow to Fort William, four times per day. Then it’s a short bus ride to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre where the hike begins.
- Next up, Scafell Pike. Take a direct train from Glasgow or Manchester to Penrith. Then, climb aboard the X4 or X5 bus to Keswick, followed by a taxi to the base of England’s highest peak.
- Snowdon is just a one-hour bus ride from Bangor station to Pen-y-Pass at the mountain’s base. There are two direct trains from Manchester every day to Bangor.
- Getting to Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland requires taking a plane from Glasgow or Manchester to Belfast. Alternatively, take a bus from Glasgow to Belfast via a bus and ferry, followed by a bus and a taxi to Slieve Donard.
So, what are you waiting for? Download the Trainline app today to plan your next hiking adventure today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, John Finney Photography. Image Location: Ben Nevis, Scotland, UK
