Want to tick off multiple summits in a single day and still be back in time for a pint? You’re in the right place.
The UK is full of incredible circular and ridge walks that link up multiple peaks — perfect for peak baggers chasing Wainwrights, Munros, Nuttalls or just collecting summit moments.
Whether you’re looking for your next big weekend challenge or a way to turbocharge your hill list, these day hikes deliver big adventure in a single outing.
🥾 1. Fairfield Horseshoe
- Location: Lake District, England
- Peaks Bagged: 8 Wainwrights (Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag, Hart Crag, Fairfield, Great Rigg, Heron Pike, Nab Scar)
- Distance: 16km / 10 miles
- Time Required: 5–7 hours
- Terrain: Grassy ridges, rocky sections, steady climbs and descents
- Why It’s Epic: This iconic Lakeland loop gives you a proper mountain day — airy ridges, classic views over Grasmere, and a mega-satisfying tick list.
- Top Tip: Start clockwise from Rydal — the climb is steeper but the views hit harder and the descent is more forgiving.
🏔️ 2. Snowdon Horseshoe
- Location: Snowdonia National Park, Wales
- Peaks Bagged: 4+ Nuttalls (Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain, Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, Y Lliwedd)
- Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
- Time Required: 6–8 hours
- Terrain: Exposed ridges (Crib Goch), steep rocky paths, scrambly sections
- Why It’s Epic: This is one of the most dramatic mountain days in the UK — if you’re comfortable with heights, you’ll love the knife-edge thrill of Crib Goch followed by a full-on summit loop.
- Top Tip: Only attempt in good weather and with confidence in scrambling — not one for total beginners.
🏔️ 3. Buachaille Etive Beag Ridge
- Location: Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
- Peaks Bagged: 2 Munros (Stob Coire Raineach, Stob Dubh)
- Distance: 8km / 5 miles
- Time Required: 4–5 hours
- Terrain: Steep but short initial ascent, then undulating ridge
- Why It’s Epic: A stunning half-day hike with classic Highland drama — steep climbs, sweeping glens, and iconic Glencoe scenery all around.
- Top Tip: Great choice if you’re Munro-bagging but short on time — one of the quickest double-Munro days out there.
🏞️ 4. The Black Mountain Circuit
- Location: Brecon Beacons (Black Mountain range), Wales
- Peaks Bagged: 4 Nuttalls (Fan Hir, Fan Brycheiniog, Picws Du, Waun Lefrith)
- Distance: 18km / 11 miles
- Time Required: 5–7 hours
- Terrain: Rolling moorland, steep escarpments, wide ridges
- Why It’s Epic: Wild, quiet, and remote — this is a lesser-walked part of the Brecon Beacons and one of the best places to experience real solitude and raw upland views.
- Top Tip: Bring a compass — the weather turns fast and waymarking is minimal.
🧭 5. Ingleborough & Whernside Loop
- Location: Yorkshire Dales
- Peaks Bagged: 2 of the Yorkshire Three Peaks (Ingleborough & Whernside — both Nuttalls & Hewitts)
- Distance: 19km / 12 miles
- Time Required: 6–8 hours
- Terrain: Long but steady; flagstone paths and rolling valleys
- Why It’s Epic: A big leg-stretch with two classic Dales peaks. You’ll get everything from limestone pavements to panoramic views over the Dales.
- Top Tip: Park at Ribblehead for easy train access and a celebratory pint at the Station Inn.
🏔️ 6. Ben Lawers & Beinn Ghlas
- Location: Loch Tay, Scottish Highlands
- Peaks Bagged: 2 Munros
- Distance: 11km / 7 miles
- Time Required: 4–5 hours
- Terrain: Well-maintained trails and some steep sections
- Why It’s Epic: An ideal starter-Munro day — Beinn Ghlas is bagged on the way to Ben Lawers, Scotland’s 10th highest mountain. Great path, easy to follow, massive views.
- Top Tip: This route starts high — meaning less climbing, more views!
🏔️ 7. Coledale Round
- Location: Lake District
- Peaks Bagged: Up to 10 Wainwrights (including Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Eel Crag, Sail, Causey Pike)
- Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles
- Time Required: 6–8 hours
- Terrain: Mountain ridges, rocky trails, short scrambles
- Why It’s Epic: This one is an absolute bagger’s dream — a massive ridge loop with non-stop views and peaks popping off left and right.
- Top Tip: Save it for clear weather — the views across the Lakes from Grisedale Pike are next-level.
🎒 What to Pack for a Peak-Bagging Day Hike
Even if it’s a one-day mission, you’ll need solid kit:
- Supportive hiking boots
- OS map + compass (and/or offline route app)
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers
- Hat + gloves (yes, even in summer)
- Food and at least 2L of water
- Emergency foil blanket and first aid kit
- Headtorch or backup light
- Power bank (your phone won’t last forever)
🧠 Top Tips for Peak-Bagging Efficiency
- Plan routes that link multiple summits in a logical loop (horseshoes, ridges = gold)
- Use Hill Bagging UK, Peakbagger, or a custom spreadsheet to track your ticks
- Check if peaks qualify for multiple lists (e.g., Wainwrights and Nuttalls — double win)
- Leave early, especially in winter when daylight’s short
- Don’t obsess over finishing — enjoy the route, not just the bag
🏁 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a multi-day expedition to feel like a mountain hero — just one solid day, a decent ridge, and a map with a few peaks circled.
From wild Welsh ridges to double Munro hits, these routes are peak bagger gold — and trust me, there’s nothing like checking off half a dozen summits in a single hike.
Photo credit: Roving Wanders
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