hills
16 easy mountains to climb for beginners – chosen by experts
The prospect of climbing to the top of a mountain can be a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Discover some of the UK's most beautiful mountains with our guide to the easiest climbs for beginner hikers.
Arthur's Seat: geology, volcano, walk and viewpoint
Rising from the city of Edinburgh, this dormant volcano is both a perfect walking escape and fascinating geological study.
Walk: Church Stretton and Cow Ridge, Shropshire
History surrounds you in this ancient pocket of Shropshire, inhabited since Saxon times. Walk its age-old tracks, root around in its cavernous antiques market, and end the day at a tradition country pub.
Best hill walks in Britain
Our guide to hill walking explores the most beautiful ridges, tors, pikes and crags in the UK
Walk: Malvern Hills, Worcestershire and Herefordshire
Hike along the Malvern ridge from British Camp, a magnificent Iron Age hill fort, before descending into the picturesque town of Great Malvern for a well-earned pub meal
Virtual escapes: Britain's most beautiful hills
Experience the sights and sounds of the countryside with our round-up of inspiring films about Britain's most beautiful hills.
Day out: Tomen y Mur, Gwynedd
Transport yourself back in time while exploring a Roman military site on a lonely hillside in southern Snowdonia
Podcast: Rewilding in the Black Mountains with woodsman Rob Penn
A massive tree-planting project promises to return a bracken-smothered hill in the Black Mountains to a wildlife-rich haven for wildlife, walkers and livestock. We talk to one of the brain behind the project, Rob Penn in episode 14, season 9 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast
Guide to Britain's upland wildlife: species, identification and where to see
As the days cool, head for high land and discover some of our hardiest creatures
Day out: Slemish, County Antrim
Climb an iconic little peak bursting with religious and geological significance
Walk: Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire
Discover dramatic views, a white horse, a hidden lake and deep woodland on the edge of the North York Moors National Park
Day out: Win Green, Wiltshire
Explore the old hunting grounds of King John on one of Wiltshire’s highest hills
Day out: Moffat Hills, Dumfries and Galloway
The quiet hills, rambling rivers and vibrant forests surrounding the town of Moffat are a serene alternative to Cumbria’s lakes
Walk: Burrow Mump, Somerset
Rising from the winter wetlands, Burrow Mump not only takes you by surprise – it transports you back in time
Day out: Rhymer’s Stone and the Eildon Hills, Scottish Borders
Visit the Eildon Hills in southern Scotland, a landscape famed for its distinctive peaks and mysterious folklore
Art meets nature: 10 must-see hill figures
Where to see the most impressive hillside rock carvings in the UK.
Day out: The Nine Standards, Cumbria
Feel the time-weathered presence of the nine guardians of stone that look over the Eden Valley
