Start your hillwalking season with summits that don’t break the legs or the spirit
Spring is the perfect time to get back into the hills. With longer days, blooming valleys, and (fingers crossed) drier trails, it’s an ideal season to bag some accessible peaks before tackling bigger challenges later in the year.
Whether you’re a beginner, training up for tougher hikes, or just want a weekend win, here are 7 easy UK summits to get under your boots this spring — each offering big views for relatively little effort.
1. Mam Tor – Peak District (517 m)
- Route: From Mam Nick car park
- Distance: ~3 km return
- Why it’s easy: Paved paths, short ascent, and panoramic views across the Hope Valley. Great for first-timers or a quick win before lunch in Castleton.
2. Ben A’an – Trossachs, Scotland (454 m)
- Route: From Ben A’an car park near Loch Achray
- Distance: ~3.7 km return
- Why it’s easy: A short, steep trail leads to one of the best viewpoints in Scotland. Ideal for sunrise hikes and spring wildflower spotting.
3. Latrigg – Lake District (368 m)
- Route: From Keswick or Gale Road
- Distance: ~6.5 km circular from town
- Why it’s easy: A gentle climb with minimal effort for max reward — incredible views over Derwentwater and the northern fells. Also has an accessible route to the summit.
4. Meall a’ Bhuachaille – Cairngorms (810 m)
- Route: From Glenmore Visitor Centre
- Distance: ~9 km loop
- Why it’s easy: Well-made paths and steady gradients make this Corbett feel surprisingly manageable. An early-season confidence booster.
5. Sugar Loaf – South Wales (596 m)
- Route: From the car park near Llanwenarth
- Distance: ~6.5 km return
- Why it’s easy: Classic Brecon Beacons scenery without the crowds of Pen y Fan. A clear route and a grassy, gradual ascent make it beginner-friendly.
6. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh (251 m)
- Route: From Holyrood Park
- Distance: ~4 km loop
- Why it’s easy: A city summit with a volcanic twist. Quick, steep, and rewarding — and you can be back down for brunch with a castle view.
7. Hallin Fell – Lake District (388 m)
- Route: From St Peter’s Church, Martindale
- Distance: ~1.5 km return
- Why it’s easy: Possibly the easiest Wainwright to bag, with a short grassy path straight to the summit. Views over Ullswater are stunning — ideal for families or gentle days.
Spring Peak Bagging Tips
- Check weather – Spring is unpredictable. Windproofs and layers are still essential.
- Use local maps – OS Maps app or Explorer series are great for even low peaks.
- Start early – Especially on sunny weekends when car parks fill up fast.
- Pack snacks and water – Even short climbs can be exposed and energy-sapping.
- Leave no trace – Stick to paths, keep dogs on leads near livestock, and respect early-season ground conditions.
These summits prove that you don’t need to go high to go hiking. With a few hours and a pair of boots, spring is yours to explore — one summit at a time.
Photo credit: Nathan Staz
