Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, want to raise money for charity or just feel guilty about your lack of exercise, the UK offers many fantastic hiking opportunities. There are loads of peaks and mountains to be discovered in England, Scotland and Wales so you’ll never be short of great wild escape to test your physical and mental strength. If you fancy undertaking something a little more challenging than you’ve done before then check out these tough climbs:
#1 Welsh 3000s
Forget the Three Peaks, this challenge can include well over 10! The Welsh 3000 challenge involves hiking all the peaks in Snowdonia that are above 3,000 feet and all in less than 24 hours! It’s a gruelling experience with knife-edge peaks and difficult terrain, making it suitable only for the more experienced climbers. The fastest time it was completed is a staggering 4 hours 19 minutes.
#2 Lyke Wake Walk
40 miles long with an ascent that takes you to 5,000 feet, this Yorkshire challenge includes the word ‘wake’ probably because you’ll think it’s going to kill you. Crossing the North Yorkshire Moors, through a seemingly infinite swathe of heather, all in less than 24 hours will earn you entry into the Lyke Wake Club.
#3 The Lakes 3000s
Yet another beast of a challenge to be completed in less than a day, the Lakes 3000s will take you on a journey of 44 miles and to the heady heights of 7,479 feet. If you can’t quite face the 44-mile trek then transport is possible between the peaks with cycling an option too. It’s a 44-mile epic due to the distances between the peaks in question, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Skiddaw and Helvellyn.
#4 Cairngorms 4000s
You’ll imagine you’re in the arctic, such is the icy desolation of these peaks. Located in the East Highlands of Scotland, the peaks form a natural loop meaning you can take them all in on one magnificent walk. The route is 21 miles with some tricky passes and lots of ascents and descents but if you’re looking for a great wilderness hike then the Cairngorms deliver every time.
#5 Ben Nevis
The highest mountain in the UK has got to be the greatest challenge. It’s a mammoth 4,408 feet above sea level and yet more than 100,000 climb the summit each year, so it can be done people! It’s cold, rarely sunny and rains a lot so hikers must be wearing and carrying the correct equipment. For all your hiking needs, visit an Online Bushcraft Store at http://www.angloforro.co.uk/
#6 Pen Y Fan, Brecon Beacons
This is one of the most exposed mountains, so much so that the military uses it for winter and SAS training. They may not be the biggest but that can mean that people underestimate how tough and challenging they can be. The weather can turn quickly and it gets very cold so if you want to attempt this hike, be sure you know good mountain skills and have all the essential equipment.
