Mountain Walks for Novice Walkers

The Three Highest UK Walks

There are three main mountain walks in the United Kingdom that are real achievements for the novice walker - Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike. Think these are too much for you? Think again!

Every year thousands of tourists ascend these mountians and triumph in their achievement. But many start to attempt the climb and give up before the top because they are not well prepared.

This site aims to give you some pointers to help you be one of those who succeed.

Holiday Destination or Day Trip

Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike are all situated in some of the most picturesque scenery in Britain. These areas are fantastic for holidays in themselves, even if you don't have the desire to climb to the top. This site is aimed at people who would like something different, to reach the summit and then be content that they have pushed themselves and have achieved something.

So why are you looking at this site? Maybe you are on holiday and have seen the hundreds of walkers equipped with hiking boots and back packs, have seen the leaflets describing the routes and are wondering whether you would be able to make the climb? Maybe you are sitting at home planning your holiday, and are toying with the idea of doing something really memorable this holiday?

This site will tell you some of the tips to help you be one of those who make it to the summit, and preparations you should make to help you along the way. In addition we will attempt to describe these most lovely walks. Walkers have also shared their experiences with us so you can get an idea of what these walks are like.

Ben Nevis

Alright, so they say there is a hotel at the top but don't get over excited - the Temperance Hotel is long gone, and little remains of the obsevatory either nowadays. The walk will take around 10 hours, and you have to climb every one of 4406 feet as you will be starting from close to sea level. You will suffer from aching limbs the next day, so plan your walk carefully, as you won't want to do anything too energetic the next morning - and by that we include climbing stairs!

Lots of people climb Ben Nevis for charity, and for some it's harder than others! Read Robin's story here about conquering the highest mountain in the UK - on crutches!

Snowdon

There is a cheat's way up the highest mountain in Wales - you can take the train! Or even if you choose one of the many paths to walk up you can treat yourself to a nice warming cup of tea or soup in the restaurant at the top, or have an ice cream on a sunny day! Serious walkers may well spurn such luxuries, but for the novice walker it makes a welcome break before tackling the descent. Read read experiences about walking the Llanberis Path and the Miners' Path.

On this page:

Ben Nevis
Snowdon
Scafell Pike
Three Peaks Challenge
Equipment Suggestions

Mountain Walk -
Serious Walks for Novice Walkers

Scafell Pike

This is probably the hardest of all the peaks - even though it is the lowest! There's not much to find at the top either, except for a stone platform and a huge sense of achievement that you've actually made it! The walk up Scafell means tackling the boulder fields, and you will need stout footwear for this one - as well as a map and a compass as it is easy to get lost - even in fine weather!

While you're there...

All these mountains are situated in the most beautiful and scenic parts of the UK. To help you make the most of your holiday we also include information on other, less strenuous things to do and see whilst you are in the area.

Have you climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon or Scafell Pike? Or taken part in the Three Peaks Challenge? We'd love to here from you! And with your permission include your story (and any pictures) on this site. Send us an email.

The Three Peaks Challenge - are you ready for it?

Are you thinking of doing a real challenge? The Three Peak Challenge where you climb all three of the highest mountains in Great Britain in one day - read what it's really like!

Many people walk these mountains for fun - and many for charity. For everyone it's a challenge, be it one mountain at a time, or all three in 24 hours as on the Three Peaks Challenge. Mountain Walk is proud to promote charity walks. Why not make climbing one - or all - of these mountains your challenge for 2012?

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Ben Nevis Tourist Path
Ben Nevis Facts and History
Holidays around Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis on Crutches
A Night on Ben Nevis
Walkers share their Stories
Ben Nevis part of Three Peaks
Pole Dancing on Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis c1960

Walks up Snowdon
Snowdon Facts and History
Holidays in Snowdonia
Travelling to Snowdon
Miners and PYG Tracks
The Llanberis Path
Miners Path/Rangers Path

Scafell Pike Walks
Scafell Pike Facts and History
Holidays in the Lake District
Foggy Scafell Pike

Three Peaks Challenge
Three Peaks Part 1
Three Peaks Part 2
Three Peaks Driver's View
Three Peaks Plus

Yes - you can do it! Melissa writes:

Hello! I went up Snowdon last year with my friends. I'm not very fit at all! I felt unwell before we started purely due to nerves. We started walking and it was fine. We found a half way house up the mountain which was a very welcome break. It did get steeper and harder after but we managed it to the top where we celebrated! We went on the descent after, it was easier, but hard to see through the fog and rain.

Once we reached the bottom my legs were numb and couldn't feel them all night :0) We all celebrated again because it was a huge achievement and we have never looked back and are doing Ben Nevis next month!