Make the Most of the Long Weekend
Forget the festival queues—grab your boots and head for the hills this August bank holiday. Whether you’re chasing sunrise summits or a weekend of peak-bagging, here’s your guide to plotting the perfect long-weekend escape.
1. Why the August Bank Holiday is Prime Time for Hiking
- Longer daylight hours (~16 hrs) for sunrise-to-sunset walks
- Summit conditions generally safer—drier, warmer, clearer
- One last summer push before autumn sets in
- Perfect for combining adventure with relaxation: hikes + pub gardens
2. Quick, Scenic One-Day Hikes
Pick a classic day-walk to maximise time and view potential:
• Mam Tor Ridge, Peak District
- Distance & Time: ~5 km / 2 hrs
- Why It’s Great: Panorama without a punishing climb; ideal for groups
- Crowd Tip: Get an early start to beat the crowds and sunset walkers
• Cadair Idris via Minffordd Path, Snowdonia
- Distance & Time: ~12 km / 5–6 hrs
- Why It’s Great: Craggy ridge with rewarding summit lake and vistas
- Crowd Tip: Steady traffic—arrive by 8 am to avoid jams
• Bidean nam Bian Circular, Glencoe
- Distance & Time: ~10 km / 4–5 hrs
- Why It’s Great: Dramatic Highland valley and peak scenery
- Crowd Tip: Roadside parking fills fast—plan a secondary option
3. Weekend Mini-Adventures
Plan a 2–3-day trip with fells, camping, or bunkhouse stays:
• Langdale Pikes + Helvellyn (Lake District)
- Route: Stickle Tarn → Harrison Stickle → Helvellyn
- Overnight Options: Campsite at Patterdale or bunkhouse at Glenridding
- Highlights: Tarn reflections, Striding Edge drama, endless ridge views
• Torridon Ridge + Liathach (Scotland)
- Route: Beinn Alligin → Beinn Eighe → Liathach (full ridge)
- Overnight Options: Altnafeadh bothy or campsite near Torridon
- Highlights: Granite scree, remote wild beauty, coastal alpine scenery
• Moel Siabod + Snowdon Horseshoe (Wales)
- Route: Combine Moel Siabod & Snowdon Horseshoe over two days
- Overnight Options: Youth hostel in Capel Curig or campsite nearby
- Highlights: Midweek sunrise on Snowdon + quieter mountain companions
4. Essential Planning & Logistics
- Book early: campsites, bunkhouses, & ferry/steamer spots
- Avoid the midday rush: start hikes before 7 am
- Layer smart: alpine top temps can drop fast post-sunset
- Mobile tip: download GPS or OS maps offline
- Stay adaptable: have Plan B in case weather changes
5. Bank Holiday Adventure Bonus Ideas
- Night Hike + Sunrise Summit: Pack a lightweight head torch
- Wild Swim Endings: Cool off in Llyn Idwal, Stickle Tarn, or Glenridding
- Pub Loop Finishers: Low-level loops ending in beer garden rewards
6. Final Thoughts
August’s long weekend is your final summer chance for a bold peak push or weekend break—no gimmicks, just hills and fresh air. Whether you’re chasing summits, sunsets, or just scenic trails, there’s no better time to walk.
Photo by Michael Cummins on Unsplash
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