Yorkshire is a fantastic county located in the North East of England. It is the perfect destination for those nature lovers who wish to enjoy the outdoors and escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. The perks of Yorkshire are that it is a very large area and it is the home to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, which have plenty of mountains and peaks.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best mountains and peaks that you can visit in Yorkshire as a backpacker, whether it is a solo mountain trip or with friends and family.

The Best Backpacking Locations in England: Yorkshire

 

Whernside (736 m / 2,415 ft)

This is the tallest of the three. Not to mention it is the highest point of Yorkshire, which is the reason why it is part of the Three Peaks Challenge. Again, it is another significant challenge, with a long ridge and on a clear day, you can see Morecambe Bay and the Lake District. This walk can roughly take between 3 and 4 hours and also offers a circular route.

 

Ingleborough (723 m / 2,372 ft)

This is the second-highest mountain out of the three and has a fantastic flat summit. Again, the geology of the millstone grit cap, sandstone and limestone creates the most perfect caves. Not to mention a fantastic view of the gaping gill, which you can also go down with professionals. This walk can take a decent chunk of a day, with the walk roughly taking between 4 and 5 hours.

 

Pen-y-Ghent (694 m / 2,277 ft)

There are a number of routes up Pen-y-Ghent; however, the 6-mile circular route is located in the Yorkshire Dales. This specific peak is the smallest of Yorkshire’s three peaks; however, it is a challenging hike that is 694 metres high. It is a fantastic scramble for those who want a challenging hike. Not to mention the geographical wonders that are located along the way, such as the cavern waterways. Plus, it is very easy to access and also has a car park where you can leave your vehicle. This walk is much easier than Ingleborough, taking roughly 3-4 hours, depending on your experience and fitness.

 

Great Shunner Fell (716 m / 2,349 ft)

Up next is the magnificent Great Shunner Fell, which is 716 metres high. It is actually the third-highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales. Additionally, the Pennine Way crosses the summit, which now consists of flagstones to protect the vegetation. The views from the top are nothing short of magnificent as you are able to see sights of Ribblesdale, Swaledale, Cumbria and County Durham. In terms of duration, it all depends on the route that you take but if you wish to take the short route, that would be 3-4 hours. The other routes can take roughly 6 hours which will really test your hiking skills.

 

Buckden Pike (702 m / 2,303 ft)

The fourth-highest mountain on the list is located in Wharfedale. The perfectly rounded grassy summit honours history, with a trigpoint and a memorial cross commemorating the Polish airmen who were killed in a 1942 crash. Additionally, it is a very challenging hike, and it can be very boggy, so you must ensure you have your waterproof walking boots on. Not to mention you can also walk past Buckden Beck with waterfalls and a lead mine.

 

Lovely Seat (675 m / 2,215 ft)

This is roughly 675 m and sits above Abbotside Common, but is usually climbed alongside Great Shunner Fell, which is via Buttertubs Pass. The reason this hike gets its name is because of a stone-built chair that you reach. Not to mention that this provides fantastic views of the Three Peaks to the South. That being said, this is a less crowded route because of the bog on the descent. This can be a very short trip compared to others, taking roughly 45 minutes for the round road trip from Thwaite to Hawes road.

 

Penhill (553 m / 1,814 ft)

Up next on the list is Penhill, which is one of the smaller mountain peaks. One of the great parts about Penhill is the shape of the concave bowl. It also has a plateau of tarns, a trig point, and even an old beacon that is used for warnings of an invasion. It is also very easy to get to, and the trail is 10 miles, so it is a challenge. That being said, the height of Penhill is only 553 m, so the walk is a very steady incline. With this one, some routes can take roughly 4 hours.

 

Simon’s Seat (485 m / 1,591 ft)

This is a large rocky outcrop of milestone grit that is located on Barden Fell. To get to it, you need to head towards the Valley of Desolation, where you will hike past the waterfall and through the moorland. Although the mountain isn’t that tall, the views that it offers at 485 metres high are beyond spectacular, thanks to the rock formations. This one can take anywhere from 2 hours to five hours, all depending on the route you choose.

 

Where To Hike In England

So there you have it, eight hikes that are perfect for getting you to enjoy the wildlife of Yorkshire. These walks are a great mixture of challenging and easy. Not to mention that all of them are really easy to get to. It is perfect for those who live in the cities of Bradford, York or even Leeds. That being said, you can’t beat a shopping spree in a shopping centre in Leeds to enjoy your weekend either. But before you start spending your money, enjoy the views of Yorkshire with these spectacular mountain peaks

 

After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others.