Make the most of the remaining daylight with these rewarding UK ridge walks before the clocks go back. High, scenic, and seasonally perfect.
Autumn always feels like it speeds up as the clocks prepare to roll back. By late October, each hour of daylight counts, especially if you’re planning a big hill day. Ridge walks are some of the most rewarding in the UK, offering long views, steady elevation, and the satisfaction of a full journey rather than an out-and-back.
This is the time to fit in one more high-level traverse before winter tightens its grip. The colours are rich, the air is sharp, and the trails, often busy in summer, are starting to quiet down. Here are a handful of memorable ridge walks to tackle before the clocks change and daylight becomes a planning constraint.
For seasoned walkers, the full Carneddau ridge offers one of the UK’s great hill days — a committing, airy journey across wild ground. Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafydd are the big names, but the whole ridge offers broad views over Ogwen, Anglesey, and the Irish Sea. A shorter option starts from Ogwen and does a circuit over Pen yr Ole Wen and back.
Steep-sided but compact, the Langdale Pikes offer a classic ridge experience with stunning views in all directions. From Stickle Tarn, you can climb up to Pavey Ark and sweep across to Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle and Loft Crag. The ridgeline undulates rather than rises, making it manageable for a wide range of walkers.
A popular walk that still feels worthwhile, especially midweek or early in the day. This undulating ridge connects Mam Tor to Back Tor and Lose Hill, with views into both Edale and the Hope Valley. In autumn, the golden bracken and softer light give it a whole new feel. Easily shortened if weather or time are against you.
If you’re looking for one final challenge before winter kicks in, the Aonach Eagach delivers. This narrow ridge in Glen Coe is a full scramble, with exposed sections and no easy exit points. But it’s also one of the most dramatic ridge walks in the UK. Dry weather, an early start, and solid navigation are essential.
High Street is best approached via the Rough Crag ridge from Haweswater, a shapely, satisfying ascent that narrows before broadening out into the Roman road plateau. On a clear autumn day, you’ll get long views over Blea Water and deep into Lakeland. The ridge itself is quiet and feels removed from busier areas.
An alternative way up Ben Nevis, the CMD Arete offers a sweeping arc of ridge walking with commanding views of the north face. It’s a big day, and weather-dependent, snow can arrive early, but October often leaves a short window of perfect conditions. A great way to tick off the UK’s highest summit with far less foot traffic.
This Lake District classic is well-known, but October is a great time to do it, cooler temperatures make the edges more comfortable, and an early start means you’ll miss most of the crowds. Striding Edge is a scramble, but a well-trodden one. The return via Swirral Edge completes the ridge circuit nicely.
There’s something satisfying about a final high walk before the clocks change — knowing you’ve made full use of the light, the weather, and the wide views. Ridge days don’t need to be epic to be memorable. Pick one that suits your time, energy, and forecast, and enjoy the shift in season from above.
Once the clocks go back, there’s still plenty of walking to be had, but for now, make the most of the ridges while you can.
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
.png)