Mountain Walks: Big Views, Big Adventures

Ready to earn those summit views? These mountain walks take you up into the high places, across rugged ridgelines, up steep slopes, and onto some of the most iconic peaks in the UK and Europe. From the dramatic drama of Snowdonia to the sweeping plateaus of Scotland and the rocky heights of the Lake District, every walk is a chance to challenge yourself and take in the kind of views you just don’t get from a car window. Pack your boots, layer up, and get ready to climb.

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  Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail – Climbing Japan’s Highest Peak at (3,776m) from Yamanashi, the North Side.
  The Yoshida Trail is the most popular route up Mount Fuji, starting from the 5th Station at around 2,300m and climbing to the summit at 3,776m. It’s busy, especially during the official climbing season (July–early September), but the infrastructure of huts, signposts, and safety patrols make it the most accessible way to reach the top. The reward: standing above the clouds to watch the sunrise from Japan’s highest point.
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  Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Temples 1–6, Tokushima): Starting at Ryozen-ji passing shrines, farm lanes and quiet suburban streets to reach Anraku-ji, Shikoku, Japan.
  This featured day walk covers Temples 1–6 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, starting at Ryozen-ji and passing village shrines, farm lanes and quiet suburban streets to reach Anraku-ji. It’s a perfect first taste of the henro way, as you have easy gradients, good signage, and lots of small experiences like bell rings, incense, and the first temple stamps in your nōkyōchō. You can keep going further (Temples 7–10), or return to Tokushima for the night.
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  Nakasendō Trail (Kiso Valley), Magome to Tsumago – One of Edo-period Japan’s great highways with mountain passes between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).
  The Nakasendō was one of Edo-period Japan’s great highways, threading mountain passes between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Its Kiso Valley section — especially Magome → Tsumago — is the most beloved day walk: 8–9 km of cobbles, forest lanes, tea houses and rice terraces, with an optional continuation to Nagiso for a longer day. It’s living history underfoot, and one of Japan’s most photogenic rambles.
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  Kōyasan Choishi-michi Trail from Kudoyama (Jison-in) to Kōyasan – Sacred Pilgrimage via Mount Kōya, Japan
  The Choishi-michi is the classic pilgrim approach to Kōyasan. Beginning at Jison-in in Kudoyama, it follows stone waymarkers (the choishi) as it climbs into cedar forests and along old mountain lanes to the bright vermilion Daimon Gate on Kōyasan’s ridge. At roughly 21 km, it’s a full day on the feet — but the rhythm of shrines, statues, and tea-stop hamlets turns the climb into a meditative journey.
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  Kohechi Route, Kii Mountains from Kōyasan to Hongu, crossing 1,000m-class passes and dropping into remote river valleys – Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail, Japan
  The Kohechi cuts straight through the heart of the Kii Mountains from Kōyasan to Hongu, crossing multiple 1,000m-class passes and dropping into remote river valleys. It’s shorter than Nakahechi (roughly 65–70 km) but typically feels tougher: steep ascents, equally steep descents, and long, quiet stretches between tiny settlements. This is the pilgrimage route for hikers who like solitude, big climbs, and the reward of onsen towns at day’s end. Recommended for experienced walkers.
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  Hiking the Nakahechi Trail, Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage Route Guide – The Kii Peninsula (Wakayama), Japan.
  The Nakahechi is the most popular section of the Kumano Kodo, one of only two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage networks in the world (the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain). This sacred trail winds through the misty mountains of the Kii Peninsula, taking pilgrims from Tanabe inland through quiet cedar forests, tiny mountain hamlets, and ancient stone paths to the Grand Shrines of Kumano.
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  Waun Fach Circular – 16 km Ridge Walk from Mynydd Du Car Park, via Chwarel y Fan, Rhos Dirion and Pen y Manllwyn.
  This classic high ridge walk (approx. 16 km / 10 miles) explores the eastern escarpment of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Starting from Blaen-y-Cwm, it climbs steeply to the airy summit of Chwarel y Fan, the eastern most 2000-footer in Wales, and follows the remote Cambrian Way over Rhos Dirion, Pen y Manllwyn and the eroded dome of Waun Fach, the highest peak in the Black Mountains.
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  Ben Nevis Walk (Tourist Route) from Glen Nevis Vistor Centre – 15km ascent of the UK’s Highest Peak, near Fort William in the Lochaber Region
  The Ben Nevis walk from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is the classic route up the UK’s tallest mountain. Following the Mountain Track (also known as the Tourist Path), this 15km circular takes you from sea level at Glen Nevis to the summit at 1,345 metres. The path is well-maintained, but it’s still a serious mountain day with steep sections, exposure, and changeable weather.
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  Ben Macdui Circular Walk – 29km Cairngorms Hike to Scotland’s Second Highest Peak. Remote, Wild and incredibly Scenic, this route rewards Strong Hikers.
  The Ben Macdui Circular is one of the most epic high-level hikes in the Cairngorms. At 29km, it’s a full mountain day that takes you across vast plateaus, past alpine lochans, and up to the summit of Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in the UK. Remote, wild and incredibly scenic, this route rewards strong hikers with an unforgettable experience in one of Scotland’s true mountain heartlands.
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  Pen y Fan & Corn Du Circular Walk – 8km Brecon Beacons Hike from Pont ar Daf National Trust Car Park. Highest Points in South Wales.
  The Pen y Fan Circular is one of the most popular hikes in the Brecon Beacons. This 8km loop from Pont ar Daf offers wide-open views, a steady climb to the highest point in South Wales, and a memorable ridge walk that’s great for all levels of walkers.
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  Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk – 11km Coniston Lake Hike passing Brown Pike, Buck Pike & Dow Crag
  The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake District — and for good reason. This route gives you big views, mountain tarns, and a real summit feel without being too technical. It’s a proper day out in the fells, ideal for walkers looking to step up from the lower-level routes.
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  Tryfan South to North Route, Ogwen Valley, Eryri (Snowdonia) – Part of the Glyderay Group. Famous for the Adam & Eve Stones.
  Tryfan is one of the most iconic peaks in Wales, and is in the Eryri(Snowdonia) National Park. Tryfan is a jagged, rocky mountain that offers a proper hands-on scramble from the very start. This is a route for experienced walkers with a good head for heights. If you’re after a challenge beyond your typical hillwalk, Tryfan delivers – big views, boulder-hopping, and the legendary Adam and Eve stones on the summit.
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  Scafell Pike Walk, Lake District – England’s Highest Mountain at 978m, Offering a Strenuous but Rewarding Hike
  At 978m (3,209ft), Scafell Pike is the highest point in England and a bucket-list mountain for walkers across the UK. Most people tackle it from Wasdale, a direct but demanding route with a steady, rocky climb that leads to unforgettable summit views, on a clear day! This isn’t just a walk; it’s a serious mountain hike with some rough terrain, but it’s well worth the effort.
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  Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Walk – Up the Pyg Track, Down the Miners’ Track: A 7.5 Mile Circular Walk from Pen-y-Pass, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, North Wales.
  Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales, standing proud at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet). This classic circular walk from Pen-y-Pass takes you up the rugged and scenic Pyg Track before descending via the gentler Miners’ Track. It’s a fantastic way to tackle the mountain, combining dramatic landscapes, epic views, and a real sense of adventure, all within a manageable 7.5-mile loop. A great option for fit walkers wanting a big mountain day without tackling technical ridges.
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  Helvellyn via Striding Edge Walk – 8 Mile Circular Walk from Glenridding in the Lake District, Cumbria, North England.
  Helvellyn is the third highest peak in England and has become a favourite for walkers thanks to the stunning views and its legendary ridges — Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. This 9 mile circular walk starts from Glenridding and follows a classic route up via Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn, before looping back down via Swirral Edge and past Red Tarn.
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  Llanthony Priory circular up to Hatterall ridge via Black Mountain South Top, along Offa’s Dyke path on the Wales, England border.
  LLanthony Priory is a partly ruined former Augustinian Priory, in the secluded Vale of Ewyas, a steep-sided once-glaciated valley within the Black Mountains area of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Monmouthshire. Above the priory sits ‘Hatterall Hill & Ridge’ on the border of England & Wales, which this route takes you on, before making your way down close to Black Mountain South Top, and returning to the priory, for a great welcome at the cafe/bar.
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  Hay Bluff & Lord Herefords Knob (Twmpa) Circular Walk, near Hay on Wye on the Welsh, English border.
  Llyn y Fan Fach, Picws Du, and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning walk through some of South Wales’ most dramatic landscapes. This 9-mile route takes you past glacial lakes and along rugged ridgelines, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable connection to the natural beauty of the region.
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  Llyn y Fan Fach, Fan Brycheiniog and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk, where folklore connects to the legend of ‘The Lady of the Lake’.
  Llyn y Fan Fach, Picws Du, and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning walk through some of South Wales’ most dramatic landscapes. This 9-mile route takes you past glacial lakes and along rugged ridgelines, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable connection to the natural beauty of the region.
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  Hike to Fantapytten from Høllesliheia – Lysefjord’s Infinity Pool. Return hike along several mountain cliffs and gorges with panoramic view-points.
  Hiking to Fantapytten, Lysefjord’s ‘Infinity Pool’, is a tough task, and should not be tried if you have mobility issues, or you’re not used to hiking. BUT, if you can do it, it will take your breath away, it’s a brand new trail, and you’ll spend approximately 75% of your time close along the fjord.
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  Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway’s Most Famous Trek – 604m above the Lysefjord.
  Hiking to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), the flat top tower that gives you a viewing platofrm 604 metres above the Lysefjord. This is one of the most popular mountain hikes in Norway, with over 300,000 hikers visiting the rock every year.
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  Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord, to see Kjeragbolten the world-famous boulder! Are you brave enough to step onto the boulder? It was too high for us.
  Hiking to Kjerag, the highest peak in the Lysefjord at 1,084 metres above sea level and home to the world-famous Kjeragbolten, otherwise knows as the boulder. A boulder which was wedged into a crevasse 1,000 metres above sea level.
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  Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri National Park via Watkin Path and South Ridge Circular Walk, Snowdonia.
  The Watkin Path is one of six routes up to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, and in my opinion it is the toughest, the steep slopes near the top particulary from the Rhyd Ddu Path are challenging, and not to be underestimated. The first part however is an easy gradual climb through the tree’s and then as you enter the clear, you will see the peak and also the Rhaeadrau Waterfalls which you will pass, and maybe as we did, have a little swim in!
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  Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) Trail from Lago d’Antorno, Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage area, one of the most unique places on the planet. Close to Cortina where there are plenty of high quality places to eat and stay.
  Region: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy Place To Stay: Cortina d’Ampezzo is the largest closest town to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, there are also plenty of rural villages… Read more: Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) Trail from Lago d’Antorno, Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage area, one of the most unique places on the planet. Close to Cortina where there are plenty of high quality places to eat and stay.
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  Blaen-Y-Glyn Waterfalls Circular Walk, Wellington Bomber Memorial & Fan-Y-Big Diving Board
  The Brecon Beacons Blan-y-Glyn Waterfalls has many circular walks you can follow, and this is right up there with one of the best, and is also I’d say in the difficult range, especially if you are doing this in winter. This loop takes in a large number of waterfalls at the start and at the end, a World War 2 Canadian Wellington Bomber memorial, the diving board at Fan-Y-Big then glacial ridge walks most of the way around, it’s a challenging walk, but so rewarding and beautiful.
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  Blorenge Circular Walk, from Llanfoist nr. Abergavenny – via the Punchbowl & Keepers Pond
  The Blorenge is one of three mountains that surround the town of Abergavenny, the other two which you can see from the top are the Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid. These are a part of the Black Mountains at the foot of the Brecon Beacons and at the bottom of the Blorenge is the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, which you will walk under as you start this walk.
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  Lago Di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) Trail. A breathtaking Hike in the Dolomites on Path 215. Close to Cortina where there are plenty of high quality places to eat and stay.
  Region: Lago di Sorapis, Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy Place To Stay: Cortina d’Ampezzo is the largest closest town to Lago di Sorapis, there are also plenty of rural villages where you… Read more: Lago Di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) Trail. A breathtaking Hike in the Dolomites on Path 215. Close to Cortina where there are plenty of high quality places to eat and stay.
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  Talgarth Walking Festival – The Three Pens of Crickhowell Circular: Pen Gloch-y-pibwr, Pen Allt-mawr & Pen Cerrig-calch
  The 2023 Talgarth Walking Festival, the 9th event, took place between Friday April 28th and Monday May 1st. This year they had 26 walks which covers all tastes and abilities, and we choose one on the Sunday which was called ‘The Three Pens of Crickhowell’. The three Pens being ‘Pen Gloch-y-pibwr’ (675m), ‘Pen Allt-mawr’ (720m) & ‘Pen Cerrig-calch’ (711m).
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  Horseshoe Ridge Walk Circular – Brecon Beacons – Fan-Y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-Y-Fan & Corn-Du
  The best place to start for the Horseshoe Ridge Walk is in my opinion the Neuadd Car Par, it has the same postcode as the others, but if you’re using Google Maps to drive there, then use Neuadd Car Park Brecon Beacons
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  Dragons Back & Waun Fach Circular – Pengenffordd, Black Mountains in the Bannau Brycheiniog
  The Dragons Back as you can imagine is named because you have a collection of up and down mounds that resemble the back of a sleeping dragon, as you walk up to the ‘Waun Fach’ (Small Moor) peak. This peak is the highest mountain in the ‘Black Mountains’ and the second highest peak in Southern Britain at 811m, after Pen Y Fan, which isn’t too far away.
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  Day 2 – Hiking from Interlaken to Grindelwald via Schynige Platte & Berglauenen, to see The Eiger!
  The day before, we looked up at the mountain (Schynige Platte) we were heading to and all seemed fine, no snow, no rain, and it was pretty clear, which wasn’t the case the next morning. We woke up to pretty much a monsoon whilst we were getting ready, and then we discovered that 6 inches of snow had fallen over night at the top of the mountain.
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  Day 3 – Big hike from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg (7000ft), next to The Eiger, then down to Lauterbrunnen.
  The walk ahead means you are walking literally in the shadow of The North Face of the Eiger, and you can peel off at one point and do the Eiger Trail which takes you up higher, but we didn’t have time as the plan was to walk down the other side to Lauterbrunnen.
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  Day 4 – Lauterbrunnen, Stechelberg, Piz Gloria – Schilthorn & back to Interlaken
  Waking up in Lauterbrunnen on the final walking day, we decided that we didn’t want to walk straight back to Interlaken, as it’s only a 3.5-hour flat walk back, so we decided to do some sightseeing, and it was easily the right decision, as you will see below. I have only included in the downloads the hike back to Interlaken from Lauterbrunnen, and not included the sightseeing as it is optional, and in any case, you will be returning from Piz Gloria on the Schilthorn back through Lauterbrunnen, and then following the route back to Interlaken.