The Most Dramatic Hikes in Northern England

Length: 14km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Hard

This is a loop of Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Swirral Edge from Glenridding in Patterdale. It’s a much-loved hike and tops most English walking lists. Helvellyn is the third highest peak in England, with easier access and just as much if not more impressive than the taller summits of Scafell Pike and Scafell. This breathtaking landscape of distinctive ridges was formed both by volcanic and glacial activity.

This route, although not the highest, is truly spectacular and there are plenty of places to stop and admire the grandeur. The walk also provides the contrast of the rugged ridgeline with the views of lush and green Patterdale upon your return.

Despite its popularity, this walk should not be underestimated. It’s a grade one scramble in sections and features a narrow ridge that needs a head for heights and some safety nous as it’s an exposed mountain route. Helvellyn summit can be reached via other easier paths and the two edges with Red Tarn between can be admired from above if people don’t want to attempt them.

Length: 11km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Starting from the Saltergate car park on the A169, this walk is surprisingly breathtaking. The Hole of Horcum is a large cauldron shaped hole that spans over a kilometre and is 120 m deep. Legend says a mountain scooped up the earth to throw it as his wife over some heated words, however, it was actually formed over thousands of years of weathering and erosion.

The walk through Lewisham Moor is pleasant (although in wetter weather rather boggy) and passes by various archaeological remains. The ‘standard’ route lists Skelton Tower as an optional add on, but we think it’s a must-see. The tower provides good views down to the steam railway line of the North York Moors Railway and if you’re lucky you might time it with a train passing.

Length: 9km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Hard

Vaguely resembling a pyramid if you’re looking at it from Wasdale, the Great Gable is one of the most popular fells for hiking and climbing in the Lake District. Once you’re up high you get amazing views over Wastwater from Beck Head and a circumnavigation of the mountain on the Gable Girdle path goes below the Great Napes, which is a rugged group of pinnacles and ridges. You can see Cat rock, Sphinx rock, Eagle’s Nest Ridge and Napes Needle. It’s steep ground and quite challenging.

Napes Needle is pivotal in rock climbing history, it was climbed solo by Walter Parry Haskett Smith in 1886 and was seen as the moment climbing became a sport.