What is the highest mountain in the united kingdom

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Mountaineering & Expeditions

Highest Mountain in the UK | Top 10

The highest mountain in the UK is, you guessed it, in Scotland

by Jordan Tiernan

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The United Kingdom (UK), if you didn’t know already, is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Out of all of these countries, Scotland is where the highest peaks can be found. Head north of Scotland’s densely populated central belt of Glasgow, Stirling, Perth and Edinburgh, and you’ll find yourself in the Scottish Highlands – home to all of the UK’s highest mountains (including Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the UK).

With a tiny population of 5.425 million (2.711 million less than that of London) and a staggering size of 30,918 square miles (London is a measly 607 square miles), you can soon tell that the majority of Scotland is going to be pretty wild.

“Ben Macdui is said to be haunted by the ‘Grey Man of Macdui’ – Am Fear Liath Mòr”

If we were to include any of the peaks from Scotland’s neighbouring countries in this article, then we’d have to go all the way down to number 76, where you’ll find Snowdon (1,085m – Wales), number 133 for Carrauntoohil (1,039m – Republic of Ireland) and number 247 for Scafell Pike (978m – England).

All of the mountains on this list are the tallest mountains in Scotland and of course, the highest Munros too. If you’re unaware what that is, a Munro is a mountain in Scotland that’s at least 3,000ft tall, or 914m – there’s 277 of them in all.

Although Scotland is such a mountainous country, nine of the top peaks within this article are concentrated within two regions – Fort William and the Cairngorm National Park. The tenth highest peak, Ben Lawers, falls just south of the Cairngorm National Park and is therefore the highest mountain in the southern part of the Highlands.

As ever, the prominence of a mountain is a pretty contentious issue in these tallest mountain articles. This list is inclusive of peaks with a prominence of 100m and higher (just the same as in our ‘Highest Mountains in Ireland’ article). This has meant that peaks such as Carn na Criche (1.265m), Carn Derag (1,221m) and Cairn Lochain (1,216m) have all missed out.

1) Ben Nevis

Height: 1,345m
Location: Fort William
Scottish Gaelic name: Beinn Nibheis
Gaelic meaning: “Venomous mountain” or “mountain with its head in the clouds”

The highest mountain in the UK and probably the most famous mountain in the UK, for that very reason. Ben Nevis has an estimated 160,000 ascents per year. This popularity however is largely concentrated on the tourist path, with around three quarters of summiteers choosing this route to the top of the UK.

Although the tourist path is the most popular, Ben Nevis holds some of the best climbing and mountaineering routes in the country on its steep and craggy north face. If you’ve got the right experience and skill level, then you’ll be able to find a route up that’s 100 times more exciting and dramatic than that of the ‘Punter’s Path’.

Once you’re at the summit of the Ben, you may be surprised to find ruins at the top. These are the remains of an old weather observatory, which was manned from the years 1883 to 1904. Interestingly, this summit is the highest ground for over 640 km before the Norwegian mountains are reached.

2) Ben Macdui

Height: 1,309m
Location: Cairngorms
Scottish Gaelic name: Beinn Mac Duibh
Gaelic meaning: Mountain of the son of Duff/MacDuff or Hill of the Black Pig (a reference to its shape)

Before proper mapping had been invented, it wasn’t clear for quite some time as to whether Ben Nevis or Ben Macdui was the highest mountain in the UK (much of the local Aviemore community believed that ‘their’ mountain was higher than neighbouring Ben Nevis). It’s of course undisputed now though, with Macdui long since confirmed as the second highest peak in the UK and highest peak in the Cairngorm National Park.

In old Scottish folklore, Ben Macdui is said to be haunted by the ‘Grey Man of Macdui’ – Am Fear Liath Mòr. The Grey Man of Macdui is said to be of ‘extremely tall stature, covered with short hair, or as an unseen presence that causes uneasy feelings in people’.

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the UK

I love hiking, I love mountains, and I love hiking up mountains.

Because I’m from the UK, and because I’ve lived lots of my life in the region, I’ve tackled plenty of the area’s best, biggest and loftiest mountain hikes.

In this article, I’ve given you a little taste, with information on the top 10 highest mountains in the UK. I’ve given you some speedy stats on each one (including how big they are and where you can find them), along with a more detailed description. And at the end, I’ve added a bumper FAQ for all your mountain-related questions.

Before we get started, here’s a little spoiler for you: all of the 10 highest mountains in the UK are actually found in Scotland. So (weirdly) there are only Scottish mountains on this list.

1. Ben Nevis

You’ve probably already heard of Ben Nevis. The most famous mountain in Scotland, and maybe the most famous mountain in the UK, it’s one of the most well-known names in the big hill hall of fame.

But even though Ben Nevis is famous, its surroundings aren’t particularly beautiful. It’s good, but compared to lots more UK mountains, it’s not that good. There are way better mountains to climb than this one, with much better landscapes and scenery. So if you want great views, give Ben Nevis a miss.

That said, if you’re a pure completionist who likes ticking off the tallest, best and longest, you’ll probably still want to complete it.

Even though it’s not my favorite mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis is still a great challenge, and you still get some pretty good views. And on top of that, it’s really accessible and relatively easy (assuming you take the easiest route up).

2. Ben Macdui

Sitting inside the biggest national park in the UK (that’s Cairngorms National Park, in case you’re curious), Ben Macdui is a massive peak set inside an area with lots and lots and lots of massive peaks.

River of Dee viewed from the Ben Macdui mountain

But despite that, it’s surprisingly accessible. Right in the middle of the national park, it’s a pretty popular ascent, and it’s really beautiful, surrounded by little lochs and lots more summits.

Again, like Ben Nevis, there are plenty of routes up Ben Macdui, but the easiest and most popular is from the Cairngorm Ski Center, which sits at around 600 meters (1,968 feet), and has a car park and funicular. From here, you can start loads of hikes (including up Cairn Gorm mountain itself, but more on that big boy later).

On the way up to the summit of Ben Macdui, you’ll pass Loch Etchachan and Loch Avon, both of which are beautiful—and you can even summit Cairn Gorm on the way if you fancy it!

Top tip: be careful at the top of Ben Macdui. A bit like Ben Nevis, the plateau at the top is very flat and very big, making navigation tricky. Pay attention and make sure you don’t get disoriented once you hit the summit.

3. Braeriach

Lots of the mountains on this list are pretty under-the-radar. And this is one of them.

Most people probably haven’t heard of Braeriach. But if you’re reading this, you have now. Lucky you!

Braeriach mountain in the Cairngorms National Park

Also in the Cairngorms National Park, and located just west of Ben Macdui, you can see these two summits from one another.

Some people reckon this is the best peak in the entire Cairngorm range. It’s not my favorite, but it’s definitely one of the most diverse. On the way up, you get pine trees, heather, tiny lochs and loads more. Most notably, you’ll see lots of ‘corries’ dotted along the hike, little divots that usually have year-round snow. Yep, even in summer!

4. Cairn Toul

Just south of Braeriach is Cairn Toul (Ben Macdui, Braeriach and Cairn Toul actually make a cute little triangle), another of the lesser-known Cairngorms.

The Cairn Toul mountain in Scotland

Again, you can hike up to the summit of this one from the Cairngorm Ski Center, if you want a relatively speedy one-day ascent. But if you want to tackle it from a lower level, you’ll probably hike over two days. This two-day trip is a popular but challenging trip for serious hikers and people who like long wanders.

For these overnight trips, Corrour Bothy is a comfy and convenient hideaway to the south of the mountain. On your first day, make your way to the bothy—and on your second, make your way up the mountain from the bothy, and then back down.

(Bothies are rudimentary charity-managed cabins designed for free stays in the wilderness, if you didn’t know that already).

If you want a really good adventure, you can tackle both Cairn Toul and Braeriach on a two-day trip while overnighting in Corrour Bothy. Lots of people come to the western Cairngorms for multi-day, multi-summit hikes, and this is one of the most famous and popular.

5. Sgòr an Lochain Uaine

Another mountain, another massive peak in the Cairngorms.

Just west of Cairn Toul, most people who climb either Cairn Toul or Sgòr An Lochain Uaine climb the other on the same day, because they’re so close to one another, and there’s little elevation change between them. So you can bag two of the UK’s biggest peaks in one easy sweep. Go you!

The summit of Sgor an Lochain Uaine

Equally, if you want to clamber up Sgòr An Lochain Uaine from the north, you can easily add in an en-route ascent of Breariach.

One of the most remote mountains on our list, Sgòr An Lochain Uaine is a good choice if you want to enjoy an isolated hike. Cairn Gorm, Ben Macdui and Ben Nevis are all really popular, and often really busy, but Sgòr An Lochain Uaine isn’t either of those things.

Again, depending on which way you’re walking, you might want to overnight in Corrour Bothy on your way up Sgòr An Lochain Uaine.

6. Cairn Gorm

After Ben Nevis, Cairn Gorm is the next most famous mountain on our list.

The Loch Avon under the summit of Cairn Gorm

As you’ve probably guessed, it lends its name to the Cairngorm National Park, the place we’ve already mentioned about ten million times.

It’s a pretty busy peak (probably the most busy peak in the entire Cairngorms National Park), but it’s great. North of Ben Macdui, most people hike up Cairn Gorm from the Ski Center. So if you’re looking for an easy hike, or if you’re traveling with kids or whatever, this is a great option. It’ll only take you 3 or 4 hours to get there and back (and likely even less).

If you’re not so short on time, I totally recommend extending the walk by heading down to Loch Avon when you’re done, one of my favorite mountain lochs in Scotland. Alternatively, you can combine a Cairn Gorm ascent with an adventure up Ben Macdui.

7. Aonach Beag

Alright, we’re finally heading away from the Cairngorms to explore other mountains in Scotland. So wave that region goodbye.

Now, we’re heading back towards Fort William, where we imaginarily climbed up Ben Nevis. East of Ben Nevis, you have Aonach Beag, the next lofty peak on our list.

Just like Cairn Gorm, it’s another good option if you’re looking for a relatively easy wander, because you’re with kids, or you’re lazy, or you don’t really like hiking.

This easy route is from the top part of the area’s so-called ‘Mountain Gondola,’ a cable car that takes hikers to a high point of 650 meters (2,133 feet). From here, you can quickly and easily clamber up both Aonach Beag and Aonach Mòr, but more on that second mountain coming up next.

8. Aonach Mòr

That Mountain Gondola I just mentioned… it actually runs up the lower part of Aonach Mòr’s north face, very close to Aonach Beag.

Stunning view from Aonach Mòr mountain

So for an easier hike than the one I’ve just outlined above, you can hike up to the summit of Aonach Mòr from the upper part of the Mountain Gondola track. Again, if you’re looking for great views and a high summit without having to put too much effort in, Aonach Mòr from the Mountain Gondola is a good choice.

If you like bigger challenges and smaller crowds, you can instead head up the mountain from the south by starting in Glen Nevis.

Whichever way you tackle it, the views from the summit of Aonach Mòr are brilliant. You’re surrounded by big peaks (including Ben Nevis), and you can see down into Fort William and its surrounding lochs.

9. Càrn Mòr Dearg

Also close to Fort William, Càrn Mòr Dearg is sandwiched between Aonach Mòr and Ben Nevis.

There’s actually a ridge that connects Càrn Mòr Dearg to Ben Nevis, which offers one of the most impressive (and most challenging) ways of summiting the tallest mountain in the UK. It’s a difficult ascent, but if you’re comfortable with scrambling and scree, it’s a brilliant adventure.

Whether you go up Ben Nevis or not, Càrn Mòr Dearg is great. Vastly underrated, it’s one of my top picks on this list. It’s much quieter than lots of the other peaks in the area, and it offers great views of Ben Nevis and its surroundings.

Fun fact: in winter, skiing here is great.

10. Ben Lawers

Ben Lawers isn’t a family friend or a person you knew from school, even though it might sound that way. Instead, it’s the only peak on our list you’ll find outside of Fort William and the Cairngorms.

Hiking towards the summit of Ben Lawers

Because of that, it’s a great choice for anyone seeking underrated adventures in a lesser-known and lesser-visited part of the UK. Compared to the other regions on our list, this area is much less popular.

The walk to the top of Ben Lawers is surprisingly easy, because the car park (or at least the car park most people access the peak from) sits at around 300 meters (984 feet), giving you a nice little head start.

From the top, you get great views of Loch Tay (one of the best lochs in Scotland—you should definitely explore it), endless ridges, and Beinn Ghlas, which you’ll probably summit on your way up Ben Lawers.

Table of the Highest Mountains in the UK in Order

Highest Mountains in the UK in Order

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest Mountains in the UK

What is the Highest Mountain in the UK?

The highest mountain in the UK is Ben Nevis measuring in at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet), it’s also the highest mountain in Scotland. But despite its size, it’s a pretty accessible climb (assuming you take the easy route), so it’s a good peak for beginners who want a lofty challenge.

What is the Highest Mountain in the UK Outside of Scotland?

That’s Snowdon, in northern Wales.
Clocking in at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet), it’s the tallest mountain in Wales. One of my favorite mountains in the UK, the hike up to the summit is great, no matter which of the many routes you take.
Almost as good as the drive in and around the surrounding area, Snowdonia National Park.

What is the Smallest Mountain in the UK?

The smallest mountain in the UK is Calf Top (assuming your definition of a mountain is a peak that summits over 600 meters / 1,969 feet). Calf Top is in the western part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and its summit sits at 610 meters (2,000 feet).

Does England Have Mountains?

Yeah, England has loads of mountains—and loads of them are beautiful.
The biggest mountain in England is Scafell Pike, which sits at a height of 978 meters (3,209 feet). Scafell Pike is in the Lake District, where most of England’s most popular mountains are. But there are even better ones in Northumberland, the Peak District and the North Yorkshire Moors.

How Many Mountains Are There in the UK?

That depends on how you define a mountain. In the UK, anything over 600 meters (1,969 feet) is typically considered to be a mountain—and if that’s the way you want to measure it, the UK has around 700 of them.

Which Country in the UK Has the Most Mountains?

Scotland has way more mountains than any other country in the UK, with 282 of the big boys.
The top 43 mountains in the UK (and no, you haven’t read that wrong!) are all in Scotland, so the nation has the most peaks, the loftiest peaks, and the most impressive peaks. If you like mountains, explore Scotland over any other UK country.

How Many of the UK’s Mountains Are over 3000 Feet (914 Meters)?

The UK has around 300 mountains over 3000 feet (914 meters). Again, the vast majority of these are found in Scotland—only around 20 of the UK’s over-3000ft mountains are found outside of the nation.

What is the Hardest Mountain to Climb in the UK?

There are lots of contenders, but the Black Cuillin ridge on the Isle of Skye has a pretty hardcore reputation. It’s a very dangerous scramble, requiring 12 hours of concentration and a whole load of peril.
Other difficult hikes in the UK include Suilven, the Five Sisters of Kintail, and multi-peak challenges the Welsh 3000s and the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

What is the Easiest Mountain to Climb in the UK?

Again, there are lots of choices. Conic Hill and Ben A’an in Loch Lomond are both pretty easy, but any smaller mountain is usually a good choice.
For a big mountain, Ben Nevis is surprisingly easy. In most countries, tackling the highest peak is a big challenge. But with Ben Nevis, that’s not the case.

Which is Harder to Climb? Ben Nevis or Snowdon?

Ben Nevis, because it’s a lot loftier.
Neither are easy, and both have lots of different routes. But if you compare the easiest Ben Nevis route with the easiest Snowdon route, getting up Ben Nevis is harder.

Is Scafell Pike Harder to Climb Than Snowdon?

It depends which route you take. But from experience, I think Snowdon is slightly harder to climb. Scafell Pike is steeper, but the Snowdon climb is longer and higher. That said, both are pretty easy and accessible, and they’re both massively popular.

What is a Good First Mountain to Climb in the UK?

For your first ever challenge, a good choice is any mountain that’s well-marked and easy to navigate. If you’ve heard of it, and you know people who’ve casually climbed it, it’s usually a good choice.
My picks for beginners are Conic Hill (Loch Lomond), Cat Bells (the Lake District) and Roseberry Topping (North Yorkshire).

Which Animals Live in the Mountains of the UK?

A huge number of different creatures and critters. Depending on where you hike and explore, you might see snakes, wild goats, foxes, rabbits, deer, polecats, pine martens, wildcats, red squirrels, otters, slow worms, mountain hares, eagles, owls, and loads more birds.
As a wildlife-spotting destination, the UK is massively underrated.

Final Words and Further Reading

That’s everything you need to know about the top 10 highest mountains in the UK.

Thanks for reading!

If it’s a UK outdoor adventure, we’ve probably already covered it. We have guides on hiking, cycling, skiing, beaches, multi-day adventures, and more. So stick with us!

What is the highest mountain in the united kingdom

Lake District (SW)

Are you looking to summit one of the highest mountains in the UK? Why not take on one of our UK trekking challenges. You’ll be supported by a highly experienced event team who will be motivating you from start to finish. Our trekking challenges range from something for the complete beginner to those looking to push themselves out of their comfort zone and take on a multi-peak adventure!

Our UK Trekking Adventures

Summit the highest mountain in the UK on our Ben Nevis Trek. This weekend challenge takes us to the heart of the Scottish Highlands, as we trek along the Tourist Path to summit the magnificent Ben Nevis.

Take on the tallest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales on our classic Three Peaks Challenge. This trekking adventure will test us both mentally and physically as we hike to the summit of some of the UK’s giants, one after another! The aim of the challenge is to keep our trekking time under 15 hours. The sense of achievement as you reach the bottom of Snowdon, will be second to none!

Climb to the highest point in Wales on our Snowdon at Night adventure! Conquer Snowdon with a twist as we take on Wales’ highest mountain at night.

If you are looking to push yourself outside your comfort zone, then our 24 Peaks Challenge is for you. The aim is to conquer 24 peaks in the stunning Lake District, over two consecutive days.

For more trekking challenges, head over to the challenge pages on our website, or call us on 01244 676454 and a member of our events team will be happy to discuss our challenges!

Mountains in the United Kingdom

United Kingdom Mountains

The highest mountains in the UK are in Scotland in the Scottish Highlands. A mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 feet (914.4 m) is called a Munro.

Munros are named after Sir Hugh Munro (1856–1919), who produced the first list, known as Munros Tables, in 1891.

In the 2012 version of the tables, the Scottish Mountaineering Club maintains that there are 282 Munros. The best known Munro is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Highest mountains in Scotland

Highest Mountains in Wales

A Marilyn is a mountain or hill in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland or Isle of Man with a prominence of at least 492 feet (150 metres). The name was coined as a pun to go with the designation Munro. Thus the names when spoken together sound like the legendary American starlet, Marilyn Monroe. There are 158 Marilyns in Wales.

The Lake District, home of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, North West England, UK

Highest Mountains in England

There are 176 Marilyns in England with the higest peak at Scafell Pike in the Lake District National Park in north west England.

The Top 10 Highest Mountains in England and Where to Find Them

We have been all over the UK looking at the biggest mountains. From the high peaks of Scotland to the lower peaks of Wales and Ireland. But the one part of the UK we have not been to yet is England and there are some pretty impressive peaks to be found here…

The Top 10 Highest Mountains in England and Where to Find Them

St Sunday Crag Mountain, England

10 – St Sunday Crag – 841m (2759 ft)

This prominent feature in the Patterdale skyline is St Sunday Crag which is a fell in the English Lake District, part of the Fairfield group in the Eastern Fells. With a very distinctive rounded shape, it is known for its great views.

Grasmoor Mountain, England

9 – Grasmoor – 852m (2795 ft)

Grasmoor gets its name from the Old Norse element grise, meaning wild boar and is located in the north-western part of the Lake District and is the highest peak in a group of hills between the villages of Lorton, Braithwaite and Buttermere.

Blencathra Mountain, England

8 – Blencathra – 868m (2847 ft)

For many years, Ordnance Survey listed Blencathra under the alternative name of Saddleback which is a group of northerly hills in the English Lake District. Its name refers to the word “chair” or seat like mountain.

Fairfield Mountain, England

7 – Fairfield – 873m (2864 ft)

Fairfield is the highest of a group of hills located in the Eastern Fells and it stands to the south of the Helvellyn range. Fairfield has connecting ridges to several other fells and in plan view can be likened to a bow-tie.

6 – Pillar – 892m (2926 ft)

The Pillar is part of a Pillar group with dozens of “fells” clustered around it. The fell (A high and barren landscape feature) takes its name from Pillar Rock, a prominent feature on the Ennerdale side, regarded as the birthplace of rock climbing in the district

Cross Fell Mountain, England

5 – Cross Fell – 893m (2929 ft)

Said to be the highest mountain in the Pennine Hills is a stony plateau they call the Cross Fell mountain. Its cross-shaped dry-stone shelter located at the summit has been formed from years of snow and ice.

Great Gable Mountain, England

4 – Great Gable – 899m (2949 ft)

Great Gable is one of the most popular mountains within the Lakeland fells and it said to look like a pyramid from one direction and a dome the other.

Skiddaw Mountain, England

3 – Skiddaw – 931m (3054 ft)

Skiddaw lies just north of the Keswick town in Cumbria and from the lake below it the mountain fills the skyline to make some truly majestic boat trips.

2 – Helvellyn – 950m (3116 ft)

Helvellyn is located once again in the Lake District and is the highest point of the Helvellyn range which is a north-south line of mountains to the north of Ambleside, between the lakes of Thirlmere and Ullswater. It is said to be part of a violently explosive eruption in that area that took place about 450 million years ago.

Scafell Pike Mountain, England

1 – Scafell Pike – 978m (3208 ft)

Located in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria is Englands highest mountain, the rest that surrounds it make up the group of hills they call Southern Fells.