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

[LittleFiendSusan]

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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..

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.

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.

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!

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!

Come to south wales and visit the Brecon Beacons

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