UK Mountains Overview & Complete Hiking Guide

The definition of a mountain UK walkers commonly use is a peak that rises at least 600 metres (approximately 2,000 feet) above sea level. This 600m/2,000ft threshold is the basis for several major classification systems, including the Hewitts (Hills in England, Wales and Ireland with at least 30 metres of prominence above 600 metres) and the Nuttalls (peaks over 610 metres in England and Wales). However, in Scotland, the Munro classification uses a higher threshold of 3,000 feet (914.4 metres).

There is no single legal definition of a mountain in the UK. The Ordnance Survey historically used 2,000 feet as the cutoff, but modern classifications also factor in prominence — the height of a peak relative to its surroundings. A bump on a high plateau may not qualify as a separate mountain even if it exceeds 600 metres, while a more prominent lower hill might. For practical purposes, any peak over 600 metres with at least 30 metres of prominence is generally considered a mountain in the UK.

The question "how many mountains are there in the UK" depends on the classification system used. Using the 600-metre threshold with at least 30 metres of prominence, there are roughly 400–500 mountains in the UK. However, if you ask "how many mountains in UK" using broader criteria such as the Marilyn classification (which includes peaks with 150 metres of prominence regardless of absolute height), the number rises to over 2,000.

The main classifications are:

• Munros (Scotland, 914 m+): 282 peaks
• Corbetts (Scotland, 762–913 m): 222 peaks
• Grahams (Scotland, 610–761 m): 219 peaks
• Hewitts (England and Wales, 600 m+): 179 peaks
• Wainwrights (Lake District fells, all heights): 214 peaks
• Marilyns (all UK, 150 m prominence): 2,011 peaks

For a detailed ranked list, see our UK mountain heights and top 10 lists guide.

On a UK map, mountain ranges are concentrated in four main areas. The Scottish Highlands contain the highest and most extensive ranges, including the Grampian Mountains (home to Ben Nevis), the Cairngorms, and the Northwest Highlands. The height of mountains in UK is highest here, with all of the top 10 peaks located in Scotland.

In Wales, the Snowdonia (Eryri) range contains the highest Welsh peaks, while the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains offer further opportunities. In England, the Lake District contains the highest English peaks, with the Pennines forming the longest upland chain. Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains round out the UK’s major upland areas. A UK map mountain ranges overlay reveals that most of the high ground is in the north and west of Britain, a result of ancient geological processes.

Choosing the best mountains to climb in UK depends on your experience, fitness, and what kind of experience you are seeking. For beginners, accessible peaks like Catbells in the Lake District, Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, and Mam Tor in the Peak District offer rewarding views without technical difficulty. For intermediate walkers, Snowdon via the Llanberis Path and Cadair Idris via the Pony Path are excellent choices.

For experienced hikers, the Munros of Scotland offer a lifetime of challenge. Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track is a must-do, while the Cairngorm plateau offers remote, wild experiences. See our Ben Nevis route guide and Cadair Idris Welsh peaks guide for detailed route information on two of the best mountains to climb in UK.

The mountains UK landscape can be broken down by region. Scotland has the largest number and the highest peaks, with the Highlands, Cairngorms, and Southern Uplands all offering distinct walking experiences. Wales is dominated by Snowdonia in the north and the Brecon Beacons in the south. England’s mountains are concentrated in the Lake District, the Pennines, and the Peak District, with smaller ranges in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. For more on England’s peaks specifically, see our England’s mountains and hills guide.

When planning to explore mountains in the UK, the key considerations are fitness, equipment, weather, and navigation. Always check the forecast before heading out — the Mountain Weather Information Service provides detailed mountain-specific forecasts. Carry an Ordnance Survey map and compass, even if you also use a GPS device. For more on the most famous peaks and challenges, see our guide to famous UK mountains and the three highest peaks.