Mountain weather

Four more incredible mountain walks to try this Summer

1. Kinder Scout, Peak District


Category: Challenging

Distance: 12.5 miles

Typical duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

Start: Edale Station

This invigorating circular walk allows you to sample the best of the iconic Kinder Scout by skirting the southern and western edges of this 600m gritstone plateau.

After a stiff ascent from Edale, it's then a relatively straightforward and level walk. You can trace the original route of the Pennine Way from Edale, joining it above Grindsbrook Clough, then return on the current path down Jacob's Ladder into the green Edale valley.

The panoramic views on this walk are truly amazing and the exposed rocky chasm of Kinder Downfall is a real highlight.

View the full Kinder Scout route here

Photo credit: Dean Sas 

2. Cross Fell, Pennines

Category: Challenging

Distance: 16 miles

Typical duration: 8 hours

Start: Kirkland car park

The North Pennines are truly spectacular and in recognition of this the area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This circular walk starts in the tiny village of Kirkland, climbing steadily up Brown Hill then skirting around the side of High Cap, up moorland slopes. You'll then climb up to the summit of Cross Fell, where you should pause to admire the far-reaching views.

From the summit you'll head east-southeast, looking out for the distinctive radar dome on Great Dun Fell, which can be seen from miles away. You'll next climb Little Dun Fell then head down and up again to Great Dun Fell, along the Pennine Way, where you'll head towards Knock Fell and Knock Old Man, eventually making your way back to Kirkland.

View the full Cross Fell route here

Photo credit:  Arg_Flickr

3. Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

Category: Moderate

Distance: 9.3 miles
Typical duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
Start: Nidd Bridge, Pateley Bridge

This route approaches the Brimham Rocks, an amazing collection of weird rock formations, via a delightful waterside path, along the river southeast from Pateley Bridge. Delving into the thickly wooded tributary valley of Fell Beck it then winds towards the hill's base over land inhabited since Neolithic times.

Having crested Brimham Moor and explored the famous boulders, you descend over farmland criss-crossed with ancient dry stone walls. The final leg follows Pateley's Panorama Walk, offering stunning vistas over beautiful valleys.

View the full Brimham Rocks route here

Photo credit: David Pacey

4. The Roaches, Staffordshire

Category: Easy

Distance: 8.6 miles

Typical duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Start: Roaches Gate car park, 1 mile west of Upper Hulme

This route on Staffordshire's Roaches follows in the footsteps of Sir Gawain from the fourteenth century story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

First you'll head along the ridge's high tier and down the far side through a magical tract of oaks and beech trees. Hidden in the depths of this fairytale forest is Lud's Church, a miniature gorge covered in ferns and moss, which scholars have identified as the inspiration for Sir Gawain's Green Chapel. 

From Lud's Church, you'll loop back up to the ridge to the foot of Hen Cloud, the Midlands' answer to the Rock of Gibraltar, which offers the perfect grand finale to this breath-taking walk.

View the full Roaches route here

Photo credit: Simon Harrod