Peak bagging in the UK isn’t about ticking off the highest summits alone. It’s about variety — sharp ridges, broad plateaus, iconic viewpoints, remote hills, and peaks that define the character of an entire region.
This list brings together 50 essential UK peaks that every peak bagger should experience at some point. They’re not chosen purely by height or difficulty, but by distinctiveness, landscape, reputation, and the quality of the day out they offer.
Whether you’re just starting your peak-bagging journey or looking to structure your next few years of adventures, this list gives you a clear, meaningful place to begin.
How We Chose These 50 Peaks
Each peak on this list meets several of the following criteria:
- Represents its region exceptionally well
- Offers a memorable ascent or summit experience
- Is widely regarded as a classic or milestone peak
- Contributes to a balanced progression for peak baggers
- Includes both famous summits and lesser-known standouts
This is not a list of the “hardest”, “quietest”, or “highest” peaks — those are explored elsewhere on Peaky Baggers. This is the foundation list.
How to Use This List
There’s no correct order to complete these peaks. You might choose to:
- Work region by region
- Start with easier peaks and build up difficulty
- Focus on classics first, then quieter summits
- Bag peaks seasonally throughout the year
However you approach it, this list works best when used as a long-term guide, not a checklist to rush through.
The Ultimate UK Peak Bagging List (50 Peaks)
Scotland (20 Peaks)
Scotland dominates UK peak bagging through scale, drama, and variety — from towering Munros to isolated coastal hills.
- Ben Nevis – 1,345m
The highest peak in the UK and a rite of passage for many baggers.
- Buachaille Etive Mòr – 953m
One of the most recognisable mountains in Britain, guarding Glen Coe.
- Stob Dearg – 1,021m
The iconic summit of Buachaille Etive Mòr with classic ridges.
- Aonach Eagach (Meall Dearg) – 952m
A famous ridge peak offering one of the most committing scrambles in the UK.
- Liathach (Spidean a’ Choire Lèith) – 1,055m
Torridon’s finest ridge peak, dramatic and unforgettable.
- Beinn Eighe (Ruadh-stac Mòr) – 1,010m
A rugged Torridon Munro with huge views.
- Suilven – 731m
Isolated, steep-sided, and instantly recognisable.
- Schiehallion – 1,083m
A near-perfect cone and a favourite first Munro.
- Glencoe’s Bidean nam Bian – 1,149m
The highest peak in Glen Coe with complex terrain.
- Ben Macdui – 1,309m
A vast, remote summit deep in the Cairngorms.
- Cairn Gorm – 1,245m
Accessible yet expansive, offering a true plateau experience.
- An Teallach (Bidein a’ Ghlas Thuill) – 1,063m
Spectacular ridge walking above dramatic cliffs.
- Beinn Alligin (Tom na Gruagaich) – 922m
Shorter than its neighbours but packed with character.
- The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) – 884m
One of Scotland’s most characterful Corbetts.
- Ben Lomond – 974m
Often the first Munro for many baggers.
- Stac Pollaidh – 612m
Small in height, massive in impact.
- Skye’s Sgùrr Alasdair – 992m
The highest peak on Skye and a serious undertaking.
- Blà Bheinn (Blaven) – 929m
A standalone Skye classic with exceptional views.
- Lochnagar (Cac Carn Beag) – 1,156m
A royal favourite with dramatic northern cliffs.
- Beinn a’ Bhuird – 1,197m
A huge Cairngorm plateau peak with wild character.
England (20 Peaks)
England’s peaks may be lower, but they offer some of the most rewarding and accessible bagging in the UK.
- Scafell Pike – 978m
England’s highest peak and a Lake District classic.
- Helvellyn – 950m
Famous for its ridges and broad summit plateau.
- Skiddaw – 930m
A dominant presence above Keswick.
- Great Gable – 899m
A mountain steeped in history and tradition.
- Blencathra (Saddleback) – 868m
Sharp ridges and endless route options.
- Bowfell – 903m
A central Lakeland peak with commanding views.
- Pillar – 892m
Remote, rugged, and deeply atmospheric.
- Kinder Scout – 636m
The highest point in the Peak District and a historic landscape.
- Mam Tor – 517m
Short, popular, and hugely rewarding.
- Great Shunner Fell – 716m
A broad Yorkshire Dales summit with vast views.
- Ingleborough – 724m
One of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
- Pen-y-ghent – 694m
Short, steep, and satisfying.
- Whernside – 736m
The highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
- Cross Fell – 893m
England’s highest peak outside the Lake District.
- High Street – 828m
A quiet Roman-road summit in the Eastern Fells.
- Helm Crag – 405m
A small peak with big character.
- Crinkle Crags (Long Top) – 859m
A chain of rocky summits with classic scrambling.
- Harter Fell (Eskdale) – 653m
A quieter Lake District gem.
- Bleaklow Head – 633m
Wild, remote moorland plateau walking.
- Cheviot – 815m
The highest peak in Northumberland.
Wales (8 Peaks)
Wales punches well above its weight with sharp ridges, dramatic faces, and compact mountain groups.
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – 1,085m
The highest peak in Wales and a national icon.
- Tryfan – 918m
A true scrambling mountain from base to summit.
- Glyder Fawr – 1,001m
Lunar landscapes and huge views.
- Glyder Fach – 994m
Famous for Castell y Gwynt.
- Crib Goch – 923m
A narrow ridge that defines Snowdonia scrambling.
- Cadair Idris (Penygadair) – 893m
Steep, dramatic, and steeped in legend.
- Pen y Fan – 886m
The highest peak in southern Britain.
- Fan Brycheiniog – 802m
A quieter Brecon Beacons summit.
Northern Ireland (2 Peaks)
Compact, rugged, and coastal, Northern Ireland’s peaks offer something different again.
- Slieve Donard – 850m
Northern Ireland’s highest peak with sea views.
- Slieve Bearnagh – 739m
Sharp tors and classic Mourne character.
Difficulty & Progression Notes
Some peaks on this list are suitable for confident beginners, while others involve:
- Scrambling or exposure
- Complex navigation
- Remote terrain
- Seasonal challenges
Always choose peaks appropriate to your experience, fitness, and conditions.
What to Do After You’ve Bagged These Peaks
Once you’ve worked through this list, you can start refining your focus:
- Country-specific peak bagging lists
- Regional “essential” lists
- Quiet and underrated peaks
- Difficulty-based challenges
- Seasonal peak bagging goals
These 50 peaks are a foundation — not a finish line.
Track Your Progress with Peaky Baggers
You can log, track, and revisit these peaks using Peaky Baggers — helping you build a clear picture of where you’ve been and where to go next.
Final Thought
Peak bagging isn’t about numbers. It’s about understanding landscapes, testing yourself gradually, and building a connection with the hills over time.
These 50 peaks are where that journey truly begins.
Photo by BEN ELLIOTT on Unsplash
