If you love your mountain days with a bit of edge — literally — then ridge walks are where it’s at.
There’s something about striding (or scrambling) along a narrow ridgeline, with dramatic drops either side and jaw-dropping views stretching out in every direction, that makes for a truly unforgettable hike. It’s peak bagging with added adrenaline — and the UK is blessed with some absolute stunners.
This list is for confident hikers who want a little spice in their summit days. No ropes required, but you’ll need a head for heights, a decent level of fitness, and a love of wild, exposed terrain.
Ready? Let’s get on the edge.
🏔️ 1. Crib Goch – Snowdon Horseshoe
- Location: Snowdonia National Park, Wales
- Peaks Bagged: Crib Goch (923m), Garnedd Ugain (1,065m), Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon (1,085m), Y Lliwedd (898m)
- Distance & Time: 11km | 6–8 hours
- Grade / Difficulty: Grade 1 scramble; exposed and serious
- Why It’s Epic: Crib Goch is one of the most iconic ridge scrambles in the UK. This arête is knife-edge narrow in places, with big drops on either side and zero margin for error. Combine it with Snowdon and Y Lliwedd for the full Horseshoe — it’s a circuit you’ll never forget.
- Top Tip: Only attempt in good weather with solid scrambling experience. Don’t be tempted in high winds or cloud — there are no easy exits once you’re committed.
🏔️ 2. Aonach Eagach – Glencoe
- Location: Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
- Peaks Bagged: Meall Dearg (953m), Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (967m)
- Distance & Time: 10km | 6–7 hours (linear route)
- Grade / Difficulty: Grade 2 scramble; serious exposure and commitment
- Why It’s Epic: The narrowest ridge on the UK mainland, Aonach Eagach is the stuff of legend. Once you’re on it, there’s no easy escape — it’s a full-on traverse over two Munros with some proper hands-on scrambling and long, airy sections.
- Top Tip: Start early, go west to east, and arrange transport at either end. Only attempt in dry, settled conditions with good visibility.
🏔️ 3. Striding Edge – Helvellyn
- Location: Lake District, England
- Peaks Bagged: Helvellyn (950m), possibly Catstycam (890m) as a bonus
- Distance & Time: 11km | 4–6 hours (loop from Glenridding)
- Grade / Difficulty: Grade 1 scramble (optional)
- Why It’s Epic: The UK’s most famous ridge walk? Probably. Striding Edge is narrow, exhilarating, and offers a perfect introduction to ridge scrambling. The final climb to Helvellyn’s summit is steep but manageable — and the views across Red Tarn are sensational.
- Top Tip: Descend via Swirral Edge to make it a full circuit. In winter, it becomes a technical mountaineering route — not for beginners.
🏔️ 4. Sharp Edge – Blencathra
- Location: Northern Lake District
- Peaks Bagged: Blencathra (868m)
- Distance & Time: 7.5km | 3–4.5 hours
- Grade / Difficulty: Short Grade 1 scramble; very exposed
- Why It’s Epic: Sharp Edge is Striding Edge’s wilder, more rugged cousin. It’s short but intense — a scrambly arête with slick rock in the wrong conditions. Bag Blencathra this way and you’ll earn serious respect.
- Top Tip: Avoid when wet or icy — it becomes treacherous. A good warm-up for Crib Goch-level exposure.
🏔️ 5. Liathach Ridge Traverse
- Location: Torridon, North West Highlands
- Peaks Bagged: Spidean a’ Choire Lèith (1,055m), Mullach an Rathain (1,023m)
- Distance & Time: 10km | 6–8 hours
- Grade / Difficulty: Grade 2 scrambling (avoidable in places), very remote
- Why It’s Epic: Liathach is Torridon’s crown jewel. This formidable ridge offers a true wilderness experience — huge sandstone terraces, wild pinnacles, and vast Highland views. The Fasarinen Pinnacles are optional but iconic.
- Top Tip: Go clockwise to climb the pinnacles, not down them. There’s a bypass path, but it’s still exposed and narrow — not for the faint-hearted.
🧠 Ridge Walking: Safety & Preparation
These are not your average hillwalks. Before you set off:
- 📍 Check the weather — wind and cloud can make ridges lethal
- 🧭 Bring a map and compass — GPS is useful but not enough alone
- 🥾 Wear good boots — with decent tread and ankle support
- 🧤 Pack layers, gloves, and head torch — even in summer
- 🚨 Know your limits — don’t be afraid to back off if it doesn’t feel right
- 🧑🤝🧑 Tell someone your route and expected return time
💬 Bonus tip: gloves with grip can help on scrambles — and save your knuckles.
🏁 Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a proper ridge walk. The sense of exposure, the sweeping views, the challenge of staying focused with every step — it’s peak bagging turned up to 11.
Whether you’re levelling up your hillwalking game or just want a hit of high-stakes adventure, these ridges are the real deal. Just respect the mountains, plan your day, and enjoy every exposed, glorious step.
Photo credit: Amit Jagnade
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