2021's Top 6 UK Hiking Challenges

The UK has plenty of incredible hiking spots and so you won’t have to look far in order to find your next adventure. If you’re up for a challenge then you’ve certainly come to the right place. From one day adventures to longer expeditions, we’ve sourced some of the best UK hiking challenges for you to get stuck into.

Yorkshire Three Peaks

One of the most popular hikes in the UK, the Three Peaks Challenge covers 39km of epic moorland. The aim is to cross the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent, passing the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct and Hull Pot along the way. Most walkers aim to complete the walk within 12 hours and you can start at Horton-in-Ribblesdale which has a train station and accommodation.

Lake District 24 Peaks

If 3 peaks aren’t enough for you, then get yourself over to the Lake District for this epic UK hiking challenge. Covering (you guessed it) a whopping 24 Peaks, including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Fairfield, this two-day challenge is packed full of steep ascents and rocky trails. The usual walking time is 12 hours on the first day and 10 hours on the second, with the overnight usually happening in beautiful Ambleside.

Welsh 3000s

One of the toughest UK hiking challenges, the Welsh 3000s covers all 15 of the 3000 ft peaks in Wales. The route covers roughly 35 miles and 3,500m of ascent and descent, along which you will also climb Snowdon itself. Participants aim to complete the walk within 24 hours, all whilst taking in some absolutely breathtaking views. There’s certainly a lot of tricky ascents in this challenge so make sure to keep yourself well hydrated throughout.

Dartmoor Ten Tors

The official Ten Tors Challenge is an event organised by the army for young people to cover 10 of Dartmoor’s famous Tors across routes of varying difficulty. However, the reason we included it on our list is that it’s so easy to replicate yourself. Pick ten Tors that you would like to visit and plan your route accordingly, using the official event for inspiration. Routes usually vary between 56km to 89km, and so you can really make the challenge as difficult or as easy as you would like.

Cairngorms 4000s

The spectacular Cairngorms mountain range in the Scottish Highlands features incredible scenes of huge cliffs and dark corries. 5 of the UK’s 4000 ft mountains (Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Cairngorm), can be covered in one circular 21-mile route that includes the infamous Lairig Ghru as the halfway point. The weather can be brutal in the Highlands and so make sure that you’re wearing a cold-weather base layer, particularly if hiking in the winter.

North Yorkshire Lyke Wake Walk

Walk the breadth of the North Yorkshire Moors in this beautiful UK hiking challenge. Covering a distance of 64km, you can choose to cross West to East or East to West, where you’ll encounter miles of picturesque, heather filled scenes. Usually completed within a 24 hour period, this UK hiking challenge should definitely be on the list for any keen hikers.

Get yourself ready with the correct gear

So now you’ve got all the ideas, but have you got any of the gear? If you’re completing any of the UK hiking challenges we’ve mentioned, it’s important that you have the best kit and equipment to support your performance. From waterproof backpacks to performance clothing, the Red Original hiking range includes all the essentials you need for your next challenge. Make sure you check out our full range if you want to see more of our hiking clothing and gear, and if you're planning on going hiking then make sure you have one of these great hiking apps downloaded.