The new year is a perfect time to set your sights on new summits. Whether you’re working through a peak list like the Wainwrights, Hewitts, Munros, or Marilyns, these early-season hikes are ideal for building momentum. They’re all achievable in a winter or early spring weekend, and with reasonable planning, they make for safe but satisfying outings — even in colder conditions.
1.
Mam Tor via Great Ridge, Peak District
- Height: 517 m
- Route Type: Circular
- Start Point: Mam Nick or Castleton
- Distance: ~9 km
- Why Now: One of the most accessible and scenic ridge walks in England, Mam Tor is ideal for shorter winter daylight hours. The stone-paved path along the Great Ridge is usually passable even in frost and offers spectacular views over the Hope Valley — especially at sunrise.
2.
Ben A’an, Trossachs
- Height: 454 m
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Start Point: Ben A’an Car Park
- Distance: ~3.7 km
- Why Now: A short, steep hike with massive visual payoff. Ben A’an is a go-to for early-year sunrise hikes, with views over Loch Katrine and the surrounding snowy tops. The trail is well-maintained and short enough to avoid issues with cold exposure or early darkness.
3.
Latrigg Circular from Keswick, Lake District
- Height: 368 m
- Route Type: Circular
- Start Point: Keswick
- Distance: ~6.5 km
- Why Now: One of the most approachable Wainwrights, Latrigg is ideal for winter legs and low visibility. The views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells are stunning, and the route is short enough to squeeze into a crisp winter afternoon.
4.
Pen y Fan via Cwm Gwdi, Brecon Beacons
- Height: 886 m
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Start Point: Cwm Gwdi
- Distance: ~9.5 km
- Why Now: A quieter, steadier route up South Wales’s highest peak. With good preparation and favourable weather, this is a brilliant early-year goal. The Cwm Gwdi path avoids the crowds of the Pont ar Daf route and gives expansive views over frost-dusted ridges.
5.
Rydal Water & Loughrigg Loop, Lake District
- Height: 335 m (Loughrigg Fell)
- Route Type: Circular
- Start Point: White Moss or Pelter Bridge
- Distance: ~9 km
- Why Now: A great mix of woodland, lakeshore, and fell walking that’s lower level but still rewarding. Ideal for icy or unstable weather when higher fells might not be safe. Bonus: Loughrigg offers surprisingly wide-ranging views for its height.
🧭 Tips for Early-Season Peak Bagging
- Check daylight times: January and February hikes need an early start. Use headtorches if needed.
- Plan for ice and snow: Even lower hills can be slippery — microspikes or poles can help.
- Watch the weather: Use local forecasts like MWIS or Mountain Forecast and avoid summits in poor visibility or high winds.
Know your goals: Whether you’re ticking off Wainwrights, Munros or Marilyns, early wins help keep motivation high through the year.
Photo credit: Michael Hamments
