Where would you go?

[woodsorrel]

Hi Everyone!

A recent thread described a trip I took to the mountains (in the US) to hike up some granite domes (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126047). The top of the dome I hiked was at an elevation of 9,449’ (2,880 m).

I was wondering where you would recommend people visit in the UK to see mountainous terrain? I was thinking about this question today and realized I was too unfamiliar with the UK to know where to go. Are there national parks you would recommend to foreign visitors? Are there opportunities for backpacking or "hut-to-hut hiking" through mountainous terrain in the UK?

I searched the forum and could not come up with anything.

- Woodsorrel

 

[crosslandkelly]

Here are our National parks, and their proximity to major cities. http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/351355/map-parks-cities-motorways.pdf.

 

[Macaroon]

We don't have too much in the way of "mountainous terrain" in the way people from the 'states and elsewhere mean; don't get me wrong, what we have is glorious and well loved but you're really looking at the Scottish Highlands
and North Wales. Outside of these, the way to experience these islands is by doing a selection of the many long distance walks; there are a good few of them and they cover a very mixed selection of what's on offer.

 

[brambles]

Bear in mind that our highest mountain, Ben Nevis, is 4409' high, so our hills and mountains do not have the scale of the Alps or Rockies ( too much glaciation erosion ). Then bear in mind that our country can be dropped entirely into one of the Great Lakes and disappear - we have massively different weather conditions to the US, with weather fronts tearing in from the Atlantic on the west and the Arctic and North Sea on the east and tearing across a small land mass. It will almost always be wetter and windier than you have experienced before here!
Yes, we have National Parks but they are not the same sort that you have in the US. In Scotland there is no restriction on access to the hills, and you can walk, climb and camp just about anywhere you want. Have a look around online for the Cairngorms ( my back yard ), Glencoe, the Cuillins and Torridon for an idea of the sort of landscapes we have to offer, or have a look at this guy's YouTube account, he has a lot of very nice vids on there

https://www.youtube.com/user/wilkiemurray

 

[woodsorrel]

Here are our National parks, and their proximity to major cities. http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/351355/map-parks-cities-motorways.pdf.

Thanks for the map, crosslandkelly ! I like that slogan, "Britain's breathing spaces."

- Woodsorrel

 

[woodsorrel]

... Outside of these, the way to experience these islands is by doing a selection of the many long distance walks; there are a good few of them and they cover a very mixed selection of what's on offer.

I remember seeing several episodes of a Ray Mears program called, "Wild Britain". In it he visits a wide variety of habitats in different locations (very cool!). Macaroon, are you suggesting something similar when you refer to combining walks for a "very mixed selection of what's on offer"?

- Woodsorrel

 

[woodsorrel]

... Have a look around online for the Cairngorms ( my back yard ), Glencoe, the Cuillins and Torridon for an idea of the sort of landscapes we have to offer, or have a look at this guy's YouTube account, he has a lot of very nice vids on there

https://www.youtube.com/user/wilkiemurray

Thanks for the information and the link! I looked at the "Ben Nevis" video and thought it was very cool.

- Woodsorrel

 

[crosslandkelly]

Are there opportunities for backpacking or "hut-to-hut hiking" through mountainous terrain in the UK?- Woodsorrel

Not mountainous, or hut to hut, more B&B to B&B, Wainwrights coast to coast walk. 190+miles moderate to challenging, depending how quickly you want to complete the route. Excuse the advert, but the video is quite good.
[video]http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/britain/wccrc.asp?gclid=CjwKEAjw8O2hBR DKur2lseLW6C8SJAC-r1J3qOsnao7OdxzX7XYYMQ00Wrmk-7qptx-m6HMEJ1GabBoCEyXw_wcB[/video]

 

[Macaroon]

I remember seeing several episodes of a Ray Mears program called, "Wild Britain". In it he visits a wide variety of habitats in different locations (very cool!). Macaroon, are you suggesting something similar when you refer to combining walks for a "very mixed selection of what's on offer"?

- Woodsorrel

I'd be looking at doing exactly that, at least for part of your visit; you could even base some of your walking on the places Mr. Mears visited. How long will you have to play with? As has been said we're a very small island and you can cover a lot of stuff in a shorter space of time than would be possible on your side. What time of year would you be here? Firstly, there would be a good few walks/hikes which would be better seen and experienced to advantage at certain times of year, and some that would not be possible in Winter; although we don't have the climatic extremes that you guys do, only a very rash person would fail to give the weather we do have the respect it demands for both safety and comfort.

I'm sure if we had details of when you plan to be here and for how long, and also an idea of what you're likely to be interested in, you'd be bombarded with suggestions from members here who know the place inside out

 

[woodsorrel]

Not mountainous, or hut to hut, more B&B to B&B, Wainwrights coast to coast walk....

Wow, that looks like a terrific walk! A nice aspect is that you carry a daypack instead of a full pack. Thanks, crosslandkelly!

- Woodsorrel

 

[woodsorrel]

I'd be looking at doing exactly that, at least for part of your visit;... How long will you have to play with?... What time of year would you be here?

... I'm sure if we had details of when you plan to be here and for how long, and also an idea of what you're likely to be interested in, you'd be bombarded with suggestions from members here who know the place inside out

These are great questions, Macaroon! I don't have answers yet. I am at the formative stage where I am still exploring the possibilities. I had imagined an 11-day visit in spring. But a walk like crosslandkelly mentioned would require 15-18 days.

At this point, I think I will take the helpful suggestions from this thread and do some thinking about what I would like to do.

Thanks to everyone for their helpful advice!

- Woodsorrel

 

[feralpig]

Wales is fairly mountainous, but, as said, it's not really mountain country in the sense that you may think of it.
The Black Mountains, and Brecon Beacons chain is worth a look. Your not going to need defence against bears or wolves, and will probably be able to see some other people most the time, but the views from the top are worth it.
Another walk that is worth doing is the Pembrokeshire coast national park trail, or at least some of it. Not really mountains, more like hilly. Gets a bit boring after a while though. Look out to sea one way, and at a field the other way.
Epynt common is pretty remote, and not used much by walkers, if that is what you are looking for. If you get over here, gimme a shout and I can point you around some of Epynt.

 

[woodsorrel]

Wales is fairly mountainous, but, as said, it's not really mountain country in the sense that you may think of it.
The Black Mountains, and Brecon Beacons chain is worth a look. Your not going to need defence against bears or wolves, and will probably be able to see some other people most the time, but the views from the top are worth it.
Another walk that is worth doing is the Pembrokeshire coast national park trail, or at least some of it. Not really mountains, more like hilly. Gets a bit boring after a while though. Look out to sea one way, and at a field the other way.
Epynt common is pretty remote, and not used much by walkers, if that is what you are looking for. If you get over here, gimme a shout and I can point you around some of Epynt.

Thanks for the information, feralpig!

- Woodsorrel

 

[Goatboy]

One of the training grounds for UK folk for trips to the Alps is the Cuillin Ridge. Some brilliant climbing and pretty exposed. The indomitable Danny Macaskill took his bike up there recently!

[video=youtube;xQ_IQS3VKjA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ_IQS3VKjA[/video]

Though being an east coast lad I still love the Cairngorms like Brambles does. Brilliant country to travel through.

 

[bushcraftkid2001]

Peak District, Snowdonia, Scottish Highlands and the Lake District are all the good. The Peak District isn't as high as the others, but is my favourite (not being biased or anything

 

[Brynglas]

Dependent upon technical ability Scotland has to be on your list. You can access Fort William or Aviemore by rail easily and both towns provide good access to some of the best of the UK's mountainous terrain. The Cairngorm are fantastic and whilst they may not reach the altitude of The Rockies etc. They're not to be underestimated as the weather can cause all sorts of problems for the unprepared.

 

[boney gumbo mcgee]

The Ridgeway is a nice walk it starts at Avebury in Wiltshire and finishes at Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. No mountains, but stunning scenery a lot of history and plenty of places to stay enroute if you just wanted to take a daysack. Distance is 90 miles approx.

I have walked it twice and would love to again.

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway

There are some other very good walks on the site too. Wales and Scotland have fabulous scenery and walks to be had too.

 

[Brynglas]

I'd second The Ridgeway. Fantastic history and some beautiful scenery.

 

[woodsorrel]

This information has been very helpful. I suspect that this thread will also help others who are considering an outdoors vacation in the UK.

Thanks!

- Woodsorrel

 

[Tiley]

If you're constrained by an 11-day visit, I would suggest having a go at Wainwright's Whitsuntide Walk. Over the course of the Whitsuntide break, he came up with a route that would get him to the top of or sight of every lake and summit in the Lake District. It is tough going if you follow Wainwright's distances and timings but, taken at a more relaxed pace, is a lovely way to enjoy the area. In good weather, you can even begin to understand why Wordsworth found the place so appealing.

Alternatively, heading farther north to the Cairngorms is always fantastic, whatever the weather. The combination of mountain, plateau, steep crags, chilly lochs and the Caledonian Forest, along with the freedom to camp and plan your route to suit make the journey to Scotland totally worthwhile. It's the scale, age and emptiness of the area that is the attraction.