I have just decided I do want to climb a mountain, actually.

[sodoffbeforemycupofcoff]

I live in Manchester. I want to climb a mountain.
where can I start? I have never climbed one before and don’t know what is in or around my area?
please can you help? I would like to start small.

Pendle
Coniston Old Man

Get the train to Hope. Walk up Lose Hill and along Great Ridge to Mam Tor. Back downhill to Castleton, and wander down the bottom of the valley back to Hope.

That mistake made me cry laughing!

Helm Crag was my first Wainwright - it’s just a half day hike and incredible views.

Can I just say 👏 - and I hope you enjoy it!

Some good and not so good suggestions.

But I don't understand how you can live in Manchester and not know what's around your area as you don't have to go that far out of the city in any direction to see mountains.

The Peak District is a good start but you need to know how to read a map and navigate. There's lots of information on the Ordnance Suvrey website. Perhaps also see if there's some guided walks you can join.

Yes, do it! Look for local Ramblers groups, they may make peak District trips. Also you can do some non-hill walks with them to wear in your boots and test out your kit.

Yup, catbells is great and plenty of options if you want to do it guided.

But oh god, the steps!

How fit are you for a start?
If you can't already do a decent number of steps carrying a small backpack (you'll need water, snacks and a layer or two for a mountain) then you need to spend a bit of time getting your fitness up.

You need decent footwear, layers it can be a lot cooler on the top.
catbells, mam tor or Fleetwith pike (from honister pass) are good ones to start.
Learn to read a map, plenty of water, pack a first aid kit and pack a whistle and silver blanket in case of an emergency.

If you are in Manchester the obvious place to start is the Peak District. Start with some hills and progress to mountains later.

The Black Combe, South Lakes. It’s not quite a mountain but does make it into the Wainwright guides. It’s quiet, easy and follows a footpath. Park at Whicham Church and follow the signs. Silecroft beach is 2 miles from the car park, for if you want to visit an amazing cafe afterwards!

I would suggest joining Love Her Wild's Manchester chapter and join some group walks to learn outdoors skills before heading out solo

https://www.instagram.com/loveherwildmanchester

It's is challenging for a starter if she hasn't done anything like this before. She'd be better of with one of the Langdales to start and work her way up to Scafell Pike IMHO.

I was going to say this. Excellent training and at least its over quickly. It's cold at the top! I noticed a change in my stamina from when I first did it as a pilates/swimming adherent to when I could run 10k+

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England…

We just did this today :) Lovely views and easy to navigate.

OP... Have a look for your local 'Love Her Wild' group on Facebook (there is one for Manchester), they are a great way to access the outdoors with like minded women and learn the basics.

And Catsbellends…

Snowdon is a nice beginner climb, and not too far.

Also, good for you! I love sudden and unexplained ambitions!

Take the llanberis path, there’s a halfway refreshment shop, plus cafe and toilets at the top.🙂

I'd say go for Snowden and the Llanberis path. I am completely unfit but managed it. I did have to catch the train back down though 🤣

If you fancy Wales, Moel Famau is a nice starter hill and not that far from Manchester. Like lots of others have said, you have the Peak District on your doorstep and so Mam Tor is a good option In the Lakes, Catbells or Dodd are also good places. Most of these have really clear , well-marked paths, so no difficult navigation.

If you catch the bug and want to do the bigger ones in time, Helvellyn is my favourite. Scafell Pike is much better from a non-Wasdale ascent in my experience (heading up from Borrowdale is gorgeous, though a long route) and there are so many other wonderful mountains and routes to explore all over the UK.

Loads of good suggestions already. Mam Tor and Kinder Scout are good hills in the Peak District.

Catbells in the lakes. It's easy enough to get to Wales from Manchester as well. Snowdon isn't difficult and there are multiple routes (Just don't do Crib Goch!)

Once you've done that, get into Munro Bagging, though you might have to book some overnight stays for that.

The Wandering Wildflower writes up routes (www) and videos (FB) of walks she does in the Peak District and Lake District. Mostly Peaks. But I would agree with the advice to join a group.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTiPUBViB8D/?igsh=aW8xc2czOGNhaGxu