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Original poster

How can I keep the joy of climbing steep hills alive back in the UK?

37 replies

LittleFiendSusan · 01/08/2025 21:18

I'm currently on holiday in the Alps and going out everyday on steep walks. After the first couple of days which were difficult, I've discovered I LOVE getting out of breath and being challenged by the elevation, I get a high from it I think.
I really want to continue this exertion back home to continue to improve my fitness but am put off by going to the gym as they are so bloody boring. I live in a pretty flat part of the country, no real hills around me - how can I make getting fitter interesting when I'm back home?

OP posts:
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Hobbitfeet32 · 29/08/2025 07:13

Join your local long distance walking association ldwa if there is one nearby.

ThePoshUns · 29/08/2025 06:31

Come to south wales and visit the Brecon Beacons

Earthbound4 · 29/08/2025 06:25

Cinaferna · 01/08/2025 22:05

Lots of weekends away in the Peaks, Snowdonia, the highlands. I'd love to bag Munros but we live hundreds of miles from there.

No excuse! Bag it before you can’t.

The drive is easy and it truly is amazing up here.

The views are amazing at the top!

garlictwist · 29/08/2025 06:06

Well if you live in a flat part of the country you'll just have to head out to the hills at the weekends. I love hill walking and most weeks go hiking in the Lake District which isn't too far from me or the Dales/North York Moors. You can try replicate it on a stair master but it will be very boring! I'm off to the Alps next week, can't wait!

Earthbound4 · 29/08/2025 05:58

I have just done the three peaks over the summer. It was hell. I never want to see a mountain ever again. I’m moving to Norfolk!

My advice if you want to keep your motivation going is to set yourself a goal like Snowdon, Scaffell Pike or Ben Nevis (or all three). Keep training for that goal.

If like me you never want to see a mountain ever again (after doing the three peaks this summer) the hills in Kent sound lovely.

Join a walking/mountaineering group.

Notoironing · 29/08/2025 05:50

Just to set the record straight, Kent is not flat. We have the North downs. Perhaps not as much of a challenge as the highest peaks in the UK but you could definitely challenge yourself on a hilly hike along the North downs way. Hundreds of people travel to where I live here every weekend.

Brooklyn70 · 29/08/2025 03:54

haven’t read all replies so sorry if it’s been suggested but the Seven Sisters walk from Seaford to Eastbourne (or the other way round) has some hills that will definitely take your breath away, as well as the views, it’s stunning.

i haven’t personally been able to complete it all the way through, but there are a few locations along the way where you can stop and take a bus back to the car..

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 03/08/2025 09:09

Do you need to stay in Kent? Could you move more towards the smaller hills Kent has until you are in a position to move further afield then move to the Lake District.

Onewildandpreciouslife · 03/08/2025 07:40

Is it worth exploring whether it is the hills you enjoy, or being in nature and challenging yourself?

There is a website by a lady called the Flamingo Hiker (I will try to link but Google if I fail!). She has some in Kent, and it might be worth experimenting with those

Maps

Download the Maps Here Getting lost teaches you how to read a map - Cyntia Lewis - We could also choose not to get lost at all! If you prefer reading the

https://theflamingohiker.com/maps/

Cinaferna · 02/08/2025 22:35

If you are in East Kent, it's not too long a drive to Surrey Hills - Box Hill, Leith Hill, Devil's Punchbowl and lots of rugged up-and-down walks and ridges. It's beautiful around there.

GarlicLitre · 02/08/2025 22:27

If you fancy trying some hardcore climbing, there's https://www.southernsandstoneclimbs.co.uk/p/climbing-areas.html

The North Downs are pretty gentle, but with some steep bits and great views. The South Downs offer some more challenging gradients and, again, glorious views.
Loads of hillforts on both.

If you're keen to recreate the Alpen feeling, though, agree with all the above about travelling to craggier areas. They all have 'difficult' trails that should give you that sense of hard-earned achievement

CLIMBING AREAS

(c) Rockfax Southern Sandstone is situated in the South East of England on the borders of Kent and East Sussex where outcrops of sandsto...

https://www.southernsandstoneclimbs.co.uk/p/climbing-areas.html

Original poster
LittleFiendSusan · 02/08/2025 22:12

So many great suggestions, thanks all. Planning weekends away already-I never knew hill walking could be so much fun.
Today we walked for hours along a ridge between cable car stations, the views were exceptional and it feels like nothing else I've ever done.

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 02/08/2025 05:39

Ok so being in East Kent doesn’t lend itself to many hills! Or an easy route to any!

What about the national parks or working your way around the coastal route if you want scenery?

GoFaster83 · 02/08/2025 05:38

Plus, you get the randomness of getting to the top of Corstorphine hill where the zoo is and looking at zebras! It always brightens day!

Yellowbirdcage · 02/08/2025 05:35

Where do you live in the UK? I love a hill but am in London so we’re not spoiled for choice.

GoFaster83 · 02/08/2025 05:35

The 7 hills challenge in Edinburgh is mental! (There is no route- you just have to make it to the top of each one and get stamped so its quite strategic). Ive never done the actual race but I did walk the 7 hills one day for fun with some friends. I can tell you i hurt quite a lot for a few days after!

Bjorkdidit · 02/08/2025 05:29

Notmyreality · 01/08/2025 21:22

Move to the Lake District, Highlands or North Wales.

Or Leeds/West Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Pennines and North Yorkshire Moors all start under an hour away. I'm out in one them at least once a week.

ParmaVioletTea · 02/08/2025 05:05

Notmyreality · 01/08/2025 21:22

Move to the Lake District, Highlands or North Wales.

This. Try running up Helvellyn on the tourist track from Wythburn Church.

Doyouthinktheyknow · 02/08/2025 02:16

From Kent, you aren’t too far from the South Downs. It’s hilly rather than rugged mountains but it isn’t easy walking and the views are spectacular.

Peak District is probably the closest more rugged area, it is spectacular.

The Lakes obviously but they are a long trek. So worth it though!

Jux · 02/08/2025 01:34

Come to Devon, it’s made of hills (and wind).

nopiesleftinthisvehicle · 01/08/2025 22:51

Oh, Kent sounds.. Flat 😬 I was hopeful you had easy access to Lancashire. Pendle Hill, stuff of legend 🧹

Boriswentcamping · 01/08/2025 22:47

Take a holiday in clovelly - it’s lovely and very steep

Original poster
LittleFiendSusan · 01/08/2025 22:35

@PatsFruitCake yes, it's the nature aspect that really does it. It is lovely where I live but just no great hills.

OP posts:
Original poster
LittleFiendSusan · 01/08/2025 22:34

I'm in East Kent, there are a few hills but all
quite short so you don't quite get that challenged feeling.
Ye

OP posts:
clamshell24 · 01/08/2025 22:12

Where are you? I have this problem too.