Discover Northern England peaks with the best views. Explore top hikes in the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and beyond.
Hiking in Northern England isn’t about one type of view.
You’ve got lakes and sharp ridges in the Lake District, rolling edges in the Peak District, wide open limestone landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales, and remote, quieter hills further north.
That variety is what makes it so good. Different peaks, completely different experiences—but all delivering something memorable from the summit.
It’s not always about height.
The best viewpoints usually combine:
Some of the best views in Northern England come from peaks that don’t look that big on paper.
Height: 950m
Time: 4–6 hours
Route Type: Ridge / circular
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
One of the most complete mountain views in England—lakes, ridges, and surrounding peaks all in one.
Steady climb with the option of Striding Edge, a narrow ridge that adds a more hands-on (scrambling) element.
Red Tarn below, surrounding fells, and wide Lake District views.
Height: 978m
Time: 4–6 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
The highest point in England—on a clear day, the views stretch across the entire Lake District.
Rocky, steady ascent with some rough terrain near the summit.
A full spread of surrounding peaks and valleys.
Height: 451m
Time: 2–3 hours
Route Type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Big views for relatively little effort—one of the best “effort vs reward” peaks in the UK.
Short, steady climb with a few light scrambling sections (using hands briefly for balance).
Derwentwater below, with surrounding fells rising around it.
Height: 517m
Time: 2–3 hours
Route Type: Ridge / circular
Difficulty: Easy
A classic ridge walk with views stretching across the Peak District.
Well-defined paths and gentle gradients—very accessible.
Rolling hills, valleys, and one of the most recognisable ridges in England.
Height: 636m
Time: 4–6 hours
Route Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
A different kind of panorama—less about height, more about scale.
Moorland terrain with a mix of paths and rough ground.
Edges (cliff-like drops), open moorland, and wide Peak District views.
Height: 724m
Time: 3–5 hours
Route Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
A flat summit with completely open views in every direction.
A steady climb with a more rugged final section.
The Yorkshire Dales, surrounding peaks, and distant hills.
Height: 694m
Time: 3–4 hours
Route Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
A more dramatic ascent than most Dales peaks, with great summit views.
A steep climb with some hands-on sections near the top.
Rolling Dales landscapes stretching in every direction.
Height: 815m
Time: 5–7 hours
Route Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Remote, open, and expansive—completely different to busier national parks.
Long, steady walking across open terrain.
Wide, quiet landscapes stretching across Northumberland and into Scotland.
Each region brings something completely different.
Visibility makes or breaks the experience.
Sunrise or sunset adds another level.
Crowds can change the feel of a summit.
Always plan like it’s a full mountain day.
The best views in Northern England aren’t all in one place—they’re spread across completely different landscapes.
That’s what makes it worth exploring. Each peak gives you something new, and the more you move between regions, the more varied your experience becomes.
Track your hikes, log your summits, and build your UK peak list with Peaky Baggers.
Photo by Kelsey Chambers on Unsplash
