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.
- Alpine Summer Holidays, Hiking in Europe: Italy, Switzerland and Norway Walks for Families & Mountain LoversInstead of chasing the hottest temperatures, more people are looking for cooler mountain escapes, scenic hiking trails, alpine lakes, dramatic viewpoints and fresh air. Euronews recently reported that UK search interest for “alpine summer” is up 82% year-on-year, with travellers looking to swap crowded beaches for cooler mountain destinations, hiking trails and swimming lakes.
- Stac Pollaidh Circular Walk – East Summit, Loch Lurgainn & Assynt Mountain Views, Northwest Highlands, ScotlandThis short but spectacular Stac Pollaidh circular walk starts from the car park near Loch Lurgainn and climbs anti-clockwise towards the ridge and East Summit before looping back around the mountain on the Stac Pollaidh trail. It may only be around 4.5 miles, but this is a walk that massively over-delivers.
- Kinder Scout Circular Walk from Edale via Jacob’s LadderThis Kinder Scout Circular Walk is one of the classic Peak District adventures and a route that every UK walker should experience at least once. Starting from the village of Edale, the walk climbs steadily onto the vast plateau of Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District National Park.
- Cwm Llwch Horseshoe Circular Walk from Cwm Gwdi – Pen y Fan, Llyn Cwm Llwch & Tommy Jones MemorialThis is one of the best circular mountain days in the whole of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Starting quietly from the hidden Cwm Gwdi Car Park, the route climbs steadily onto the long ridge beneath Pen y Fan before looping around the dramatic glacial bowl of Cwm Llwch and dropping past the beautiful waters of Llyn Cwm Llwch.
- Mount Toubkal Summit Trek – 3 Day Guided Adventure from Imlil to North Africa’s Highest Mountain (4,167m)Mount Toubkal sits high in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and at 4,167 metres is the highest peak in North Africa. While the summit sounds intimidating on paper, the reality is that for most of the year it’s a challenging mountain walk rather than a technical climb.
- Monte Elmo (Helm) Hike from Versciaco (San Candido) — Panoramic Ridge Walk to Sillianer HütteIf you want the big view day without doing anything sketchy or technical, Monte Elmo (Helm) is perfect. You’re walking right on the Italian–Austrian border ridge, with the Dolomites to one side and wide Alpine horizons to the other, plus a very achievable summit if you use the lifts to get you up high quickly. And there’s a real bit of history up here too: this whole ridge was tangled up in the WW1 era border story, and you still see traces of old military stuff dotted around the top.
- Best Routes Up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – Which Path Should You Take?If you want to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) but avoid the crowds, the Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the best ways to do it. It’s quieter, more remote-feeling, and gives you that proper mountain day without the chaos you get on Llanberis or Pyg/Miners. The route builds gradually, opens out into wide views across Snowdonia, and finishes with a narrow ridge that adds just a touch of edge without being overly technical. It’s a brilliant route if you want the summit, but with a bit more space to actually enjoy it.
- The Ranger Path to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) — The Most Underrated Classic Route to the SummitThe Snowdon Ranger Path is one of the most underrated ways up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It’s quieter than the main routes, more gradual than the Watkin Path, but you still get what you came here for, the mountains and the views and the challenge. Starting near Llyn Cwellyn, it builds steadily before opening into wide views and joining the final push to the summit. If you want a solid all-rounder without the crowds, this is a great choice.
- Llanberis Path – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Easiest and most Straightforward Route to the Summit of SnowdonIf you’re looking for the easiest and most straightforward route up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the Llanberis Path is the one you need. It’s long rather than difficult, following a steady gradient all the way to the summit alongside the mountain railway. There’s nothing technical, no scrambling, and navigation is as simple as it gets, but don’t underestimate it. It’s still a full mountain day, just a more gradual one.
- Rhyd Ddu Path – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via the Quietest Route to the Summit of Snowdon, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.If you want to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) but avoid the crowds, the Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the best ways to do it. It’s quieter, more remote-feeling, and gives you that proper mountain day without the chaos you get on Llanberis or Pyg/Miners. The route builds gradually, opens out into wide views across Snowdonia, and finishes with a narrow ridge that adds just a touch of edge without being overly technical. It’s a brilliant route if you want the summit, but with a bit more space to actually enjoy it.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circular Walk from Rifugio Auronzo (Classic 3 Peaks Loop) – UNESCO site, Dolomites, Italy.This is the classic Tre Cime di Lavaredo walk, the one most people picture when they think of the Dolomites. By driving (or bussing) up to Rifugio Auronzo, you start high and keep the walk to a very manageable loop while still getting huge views almost the entire way. The route circles the Three Peaks on wide, well-made trails, passes some of the best rifugi in the area, and never really feels remote or technical. It does get very busy, and once you’re there ready to start you’ll see why.
- Cinque Torri Circular Walk from Bai de Dones via WW1 Open Air Museum (Cortina d’Ampezzo), Dolomites.This is a brilliant circular walk that shows off Cinque Torri with it’s big limestone towers, easy-going alpine paths, cracking rifugios, and a real dose of First World War history. Starting from Bai de Dones, you climb steadily up to the towers, loop past Rifugio Cinque Torri and Rifugio Scoiattoli, explore the open-air museum.
- Japanese Alps Hike: Kamikochi to Karasawa (Karasawa Cirque), Matsumoto – Chubusangaku National Park, Northern Alps, JapanKamikochi → Karasawa is the kind of hike that feels like it belongs on a “best of Japan” list. The first part is a gentle valley wander (rivers, bridges, forest, that clean alpine air), then it gradually gets more serious as you push towards Yokoo and up into Karasawa Cirque. You don’t need ropes or anything technical for the standard trail, but you do need decent legs, it’s a long day if you’re not staying overnight.
- Gospel Pass, Twmpa (Lord Hereford’s Knob), Capel-y-ffin & Offa’s Dyke to Hay Bluff Circular Walk – Black Mountains, Bannau BrycheiniogThis 10-mile circular from Gospel Pass strings together some of the best bits of the Black Mountains in one hit. You start high on Wales’ highest road pass, climb up to Twmpa (Lord Hereford’s Knob), then drop into a wild, glaciated-feeling valley where the Nant Bwch stream runs away below you. From there you wander right down to the tiny Church of St Mary the Virgin in Capel-y-ffin, before a steep zig-zag haul puts you back on the tops at Black Mountain South Top.
- Corvara → Col Alt lift, Piz d’Arlara, Ütia de Bioch & Pralongià Plateau Circular – DolomitesThis is an easy-to-love plateau day from Corvara: walk up (or take the lift) to Col Alt, wander the rolling meadows across Ütia Bioch and the Pralongià area, then loop back via Piz d’Arlara to town. Big views the whole way, loads of hut options, and simple navigation. You can make it short and relaxing or you can stretch it out if the legs are feeling good.
- Corvara to Pisciadù Waterfall via Tru dles Cascades, Passo Gardena & Rifugio Jimmy to Colfosco Loop – DolomitesStarting right in Corvara, this loop stitches together a bit of everything: the waterfall walk on Tru dles Cascades (Path 28), a steady climb to Passo Gardena on Path 650, a short pop up to Rifugio Jimmy on Path 8, then a scenic cruise down through Colfosco back to town. It’s a full, satisfying day out with constant views of the Sella towers and Sassongher, plus easy food/water stops if you want them.
- Pralongià Plateau Panorama Loop from Corvara, viewpoints of the Sella, Marmolada and Sassongher – Dolomites, ItalyPralongià is the easy win in Alta Badia: you ride up from Corvara, land on a rolling meadow plateau, and spend the day linking viewpoints and huts with the Sella, Marmolada and Sassongher in constant view. The paths are wide and well signed, you can keep things short or stretch it out, and there’s always a rifugio not far away for a coffee or a bowl of soup.
- Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) Panorama Loop, Europe’s biggest high Meadow from Ortisei – Dolomites, ItalyThis is a laid-back day out on Europe’s biggest high meadow. The cable car from Ortisei take you to the Alpe di Siusi plateau, where wide paths and rolling grassland make for easy going. You’ll loop past viewpoints and huts for lunch and coffee, with views of the Sassolungo/Sassopiatto group most of the way. You can keep it short and sweet, or wander further if the legs are happy.
- Alpe Resciesa Hike & Holy Cross Chapel Loop from Ortisei. Resciesa Funicular Ride, Rifugio Malga Brogles & Ridge Walk – Dolomites, ItalyThis walk is a crowd-pleaser without being over the top. From Ortisei, the Resciesa funicular takes you straight to the ridge so you can spend your energy on the walks: experiencing the rolling meadows, sweeping views, and you’ll get to visit to a couple of classic alpine spots. The highlights are Rifugio Malga Brogles, tucked under the Odle peaks, and the Holy Cross Chapel which sits out on the edge of the pasture overlooking the valley below.
- Seceda Ridgeline Hike from OrtiseiFrom the town of Ortisei (1,245m), you’ll take the Ortisei–Furnes gondola, then transfer onto the Furnes–Seceda cable car which whisks you up to 2,500m in minutes. At the top it’s just a short stroll to the famous Seceda viewpoint — the sharp ridgeline of the Odle–Geisler peaks is one of the Dolomites’ most iconic sights.
- Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail: Distance, Time & DifficultyThe 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kōyasan Choishi-michi Trail from Kudoyama (Jison-in) to Kōyasan – Sacred Pilgrimage via Mount Kōya, JapanThe 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.
- Kohechi Route, Kii Mountains from Kōyasan to Hongu, crossing 1,000m-class passes and dropping into remote river valleys – Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail, JapanThe 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ben Nevis Mountain Track from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre – Out-and-back ascent of the UK’s Highest Peak, near Fort WilliamThe 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.
- 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.
- Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk from Pont ar DafThe 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.
- Mam Tor Circular Walk from CastletonThe Mam Tor Circular is one of the most iconic ridge walks in the Peak District. This 8km loop from Castleton offers unbeatable views, steady climbs, and dramatic landscape shaped by landslides and geology. It’s a classic hike that packs in a lot without needing a full day out.
- Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk – 11km Coniston Lake Hike passing Brown Pike, Buck Pike & Dow CragThe 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.
- Tryfan South Ridge: Grade 1 Scrambling RouteTryfan 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.
- Scafell Pike Walk, Lake District – England’s Highest Mountain at 978m, Offering a Strenuous but Rewarding HikeAt 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.
- Cat Bells Walk, Lake District – A Classic, Short, Circular Ridge Walk with Big Views over Derwentwater.Cat Bells is a small but iconic fell standing proud above Derwentwater. It’s one of the most walked routes in the Lake District, and with good reason. It’s a short walk, it’s accessible, and it rewards you with classic Lakeland views across lakes, fells and valleys. If you’re looking for a perfect half-day hike, this is it.
- Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Walk, Yorkshire Dales – Limestone Cliffs, Waterfalls, and Wild SceneryMalham Cove is one of the most spectacular short walks in the Yorkshire Dales. Starting from the pretty village of Malham, this circular route takes in dramatic limestone scenery, including the mighty Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss waterfall, and the iconic Malham Cove, a huge curved limestone cliff featured in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*.
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Walk – Up the Pyg Track, Down the Miners’ Track Circular Walk from Pen-y-Pass.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.
- Helvellyn via Striding Edge Circular Walk from GlenriddingHelvellyn 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.
- Llanthony Priory Circular Walk via Hatterall RidgeLLanthony 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.
- Hay Bluff and Lord Hereford’s Knob (Twmpa) Circular WalkLlyn 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.
- Llyn y Fan Fach, Fan Brycheiniog & Llyn y Fan Fawr CircularLlyn 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.
- Blorenge easy hike from Pen-ffordd-goch (Keepers Pond). Flat walk to the Trigg and Blorenge edge and back, via Fox Hunter car park.The Blorenge is an iconic mountain in the Black Mountains, and this easy walk is a 4 mile there and back walk without hardly any steep parts, in fact it is practically flat, but you get to see exactly the same views as those doing it the hard way.
- Hike to Fantapytten from Høllesliheia – Lysefjord’s Infinity Pool, A return hike along several Mountain Cliffs and Gorges with Out of this World 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.
- Preikestolen Hike: My Pulpit Rock Trail GuideHiking 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.
- Kjerag Hike to Kjeragbolten in NorwayHiking 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.
- Sugar Loaf Circular Walk via St Mary’s Vale and Deri AlltThis is the very first mountain I hiked up, and for a long time it was the only one I did every Sunday morning, and gradually I built up the confidence and the kit to go explore other places, but this mountain is a classic, and it has fantastic views, and the good thing is, it has easier & harder routes up and you can add it into other routes just as easily.
- Yr Wyddfa via the Watkin Path & South Ridge CircularThe 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!
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) Circular Trail from Lago d’Antorno, Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.Region: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy Places To Stay: To hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can stay in Dobbiaco, San Candido or slightly further away you… Read more: Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) Circular Trail from Lago d’Antorno, Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls Circular Walk: Fan y Big & Bomber MemorialThe 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.
- Blorenge Circular Walk from Llanfoist via the Punchbowl and Keeper’s PondThe 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.
- Lago di Sorapis Hike via Trail 215Region: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ampezzo Valley, Dolomites, Italy This is my firsthand guide to the Lago di Sorapis hike from the SR48 near Passo Tre Croci. We followed Trail 215 to… Read more: Lago di Sorapis Hike via Trail 215
- Hiking the Croda da Lago Circuit Trail – Route 434 + Lago Federa & Forcella Sonforcia. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites.Croda da Lago, is a very distinctive small mountain chain in the Dolomites, its jagged peaks offer a great hiking adventure, and you’ll have to go a long way to beat the beauty of Lago Federa. Being close to Cortina where we stayed, this trail is very popular all summer long.
- Talgarth Walking Festival – The Three Pens of Crickhowell Circular: Pen Gloch-y-pibwr, Pen Allt-mawr & Pen Cerrig-calchThe 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).
- South Wales Three Peaks Trial: Gold and Platinum GuideThe South Wales Three Peaks Trial is an organised challenge walk arranged each year in March by the Cardiff Outdoor Group. Since 2010 Longtown Mountain Rescue Team provide support with marshalls on all the mountain top checkpoints.
- Pen y Fan Horseshoe Walk: Four Peaks from Neuadd Car ParkThe 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
- Dragon’s Back Walk: Waun Fach Circular from PengenfforddThe 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.
- Sugar Loaf Circular Walk from Abergavenny – 7-Mile RouteThis is the very first mountain I hiked up, and for a long time it was the only one I did every Sunday morning, and gradually I built up the confidence and the kit to go explore other places, but this mountain is a classic, and it has fantastic views, and the good thing is, it has easier & harder routes up and you can add it into other routes just as easily.
- Day 2 – Hiking from Interlaken to Grindelwald via Schynige Platte & Berglauenen, to see The North Face of 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.
- Day 3 – Big hike from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg (7000ft), next to The North Face of the Eiger, then Walk & Train 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.
- Day 4 – Lauterbrunnen Walk back to Interlaken, via Stechelberg & Piz Gloria – James Bond Lair On her Majestys Secret Service.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.
- Crickhowell to Sugar Loaf Circular Walk via LlangennyIt’s amazing how many of our walks have started in Crickhowell, and they are all different, and this is another special one as on the way you pass by some of the most beautiful Welsh cottages I have ever seen, and the lush green fields and woods as you head to the Sugar Loaf in Abergavenny, makes this really special.
- Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge: Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and SkirridRegion: Abergavenny and the Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Monmouthshire, Wales The Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge is a huge 21-mile circular walk linking the three mountains surrounding the town:… Read more: Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge: Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid



























































