Although Wales and Scotland have higher mountains, England has a lot of mountains too, mostly in the Lake District (made from volcanic rock, limestone and Ordovician slates.
You’ll also find mountainous regions in Northumberland National Park (the Cheviot Hills), the Pennines (the ‘backbone of England’ and the Peak District.
Obviously only attempt mountains if you’re fit and carrying proper gear. And don’t take dogs near high peaks or cliffs. Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep dogs and livestock safe.
There are even mountains in the Midlands. The Malvern Hills are notoriously difficult to climb, often used as practice for mountaineers ascending Mount Everest (nicknamed ‘the mini-Himalayas’)
. From the top (Worcestershire Beacon), you can see (on a clear day) several counties at once, and Wales!
For more info, read The Mountains of England and Wales, a walking guide to climbing all 254 summits in a series of 60 walks.
The book covers mountains by region (Lake District, Chevoits, North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales) along with Peak District and Dartmoor. Discover some famous peaks including Coniston Old Man (Lake District), Kinder Scout (Peak District), Blencathra and Great Gable (and ‘mountains with no name’ on OS maps).
The Lake District Mountains
If you like hiking up mountains, Cumbria’s your man! Near the Scottish border, you may wonder why all 10 of England’s highest mountains are in the Lake District. It’s just geology really: lands are formed by tectonic plates and when they collide, the fold until rocks are forced up to make a mountain.
England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike) is a staggering 978 metres, with amazing views from the top, though it’s really only for serious climbers. Old Man Coniston lies a short distance from the charming village of Coniston. ,
Helvellyn features the famous Striding Edge, a narrow ridge that tests the mettle of even seasoned hikers (but with amazing sights of the shimmering Thirlmere reservoir below). For a more accessible hike, Catbells has a gentle ascent, with panoramas of Derwentwater and surrounding peaks.
Yorkshire Dales: Unique Mountain Scenery
Two of the famous “Yorkshire Three Peaks,” Ingleborough and Whernside provide exceptional views over the Dales and towards the distant hills. Standing at 723 metres, Ingleborough offers a dramatic view of the Ribblehead Viaduct, while Whernside (736 metres) delivers sweeping vistas that stretch into the horizon.
Malham Cove presents a unique geological feature, with limestone cliffs that rise from the ground. The views from the top offer a different angle of the surrounding countryside.
Often called the “backbone of England”, the Pennines stretch majestically across the north. This range of rolling hills and gentle peaks offer timeless scenery, reaching 893 metres at Cross Fell. You can truly unwind in this range of mountains surrounded by green fields, dry-stone walls and quiet tracks.
Take a Zero Waste Mountain Hike
If you enjoy a nice mountain hike, then there are few environmental tips to be aware of:
- Rapanui organic cotton jumpers are as warm as wool, worth the investment and the company often offers sale bargains.
- Follow the 7 steps of Leave No Trace (leave nothing but footprints). Dispose of waste responsibly when you get home (or in designated bins) and never leave behind litter (nor have barbecues, which cause wildfires).
- If you smoke, use a personal ashtray (which extinguishes butts immediately, to safely store until you find a proper bin).
- Use a battery-free torch, stored in a sustainable rucksack. Also take a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated as you climb!
- If hiking low slopes with (fit) dogs, read The Essential Guide to Hiking with Dogs for safety tips (by Jen Sotolongo).
Reusable Food Flasks (for mountain hikes)
Reusable food flasks are ideal for when you want to take soup or a hot meal with you. They are good for taking to the office, and ideal if you’re hiking or mountaineering – for when you reach the summit! Don’t drink boiling soup or drinks from wide-open flasks.
Kept for Life makes beautiful food flasks. These are made from quality stainless steel, and have colourful powder coatings. They also include a spork (a combination of a fork and spoon) that attaches to the food flask.
Easily recycled at end of use, the food flask keeps meals hot for up to 6 hours, or cold for up to 12 hours. The food jars are leakproof, as long as you ensure the lid is properly secured.
A portion of profits is given to Surfers Against Sewage, a charity that is helping to clean up our beaches. You can also buy matching reusable water bottles (these hold 600ml – fill twice each day, to get your recommended daily water intake.
To use a reusable food flask, pour hot water inside for 5 minutes, to warm the interior. This will ensure the food stays hot for longer, once poured in. Then add your soup, stew or meal (choose chunky meals like vegan chilli).
After use, clean with warm soapy water and rinse well, then dry upside down to prevent odours. Store with the lid off, to allow air to circulate. Ensure it’s completely dry before storing away, ready for your next hike!
Organic Cotton Beanie Hats
Rapanui also makes organic cotton beanie hats, made from offcuts from other clothes. Ideal to keep your head warm on a mountain, they are sold for men and women, made with green energy and sent in zero-waste packaging.
Or buy this beanie from organic cotton, funds help a charity that helps caged animals.
Vegan Walking Shoes & Boots
Will’s Vegan Shoes (London) also sold at Shop Like You Give a Damn offers good vegan walking shoes and boots. Focusing on quality (there are no Black Friday sales and a whopping 365-day return), they are also sent in zero waste packaging.
Everything is made ethically in a solar factory in Italy (or ethically in Portugal) and shipped quickly from Essex, the uppers have scuff-resistant materials to avoid discomfort on long walks.
And feet/ankles are supported with padding on the tongue and around the collar. Lab-tested to be waterproof, these are also easy to take on and off.
