New data from PureGym has revealed the UK’s most and least physically demanding bucket list hikes, as part of a wider global study which used a mixture of environmental and climate data to ascertain just how gruelling each one is.
Hiking has seen a real surge in interest in recent years. On TikTok, there are 8.6 million videos about the pastime, while searches for terms like “best scenic hikes near me” are up 300% globally in the last 12 months. And with the weather in the Northern Hemisphere warming up, hiking season is well and truly upon us.
But with increased exposure, comes increased risk. Statistics from Mountain Rescue England and Wales showed a 24% increase in the number of rescues across England and Wales between 2019 and 2024, with experts attributing much of it to certain hikes going viral on social media, as well as the widespread use of mobile navigation apps which don’t always work in more remote areas.
With this in mind, PureGym analysed over 130 bucket list hikes all around the globe, assessing them on the following factors to decipher difficulty levels:
- Distance (km)
- Elevation gain (m)
- Gradient (%)
- Maximum altitude (m)
- Scrambling (yes/no)
- Average temperature (°C)
- Wind speed (mph)
- Humidity (%)
- Precipitation (mm)
Each factor was given a weighted score, combined into a final score out of 100 – the higher the score, the harder the hike.
Two North West spots named amongst hardest UK hikes
The High Level Route to Pillar Rock in the Lake District is considered a highly difficult and serious hike primarily due to its intense exposure, rugged terrain, and the sheer stamina required, taking fourth place in the ranking. Rather than following the main, relatively straightforward ridge path to the summit, this route traverses the steep, craggy northern face of the mountain, demanding technical skill and careful navigation.
Coming in at fifth-hardest, the Wasdale Horseshoe, also nearby in the Lake District, is arguably one of the most gruelling single-day hiking circuits in the UK. While the exact route can vary depending on whether you follow the classic walker’s ridge or the legendary fell race route, attempting to walk the entire skyline around the Wasdale valley is a monumental physical and mental challenge – but of course, the payoff in views is utterly spectacular.
The UK’s easiest hike is also in the Lake District
Not all hikes have to be gruelling, however. For those without technical experience who want to experience the UK’s most spectacular views, there are several bucket list hikes which still require some effort but are far more achievable for beginners.
At the top of this list is the Lake District’s Buttermere Circular, a flat seven-kilometre loop around one of England’s most photogenic lakes, scoring 18.5 out of a possible 100. The trail also offers views of Haystacks, the favourite fell of legendary guidebook author Alfred Wainwright.
Top 10 hardest hikes in the UK
- Cuillin Ridge Traverse, Isle of Skye — 55.0
- Ring of Steall, Nevis Range — 52.9
- Ben Nevis, Fort William — 50.2
- Pillar Rock High Level Route, Lake District — 47.0
- Wasdale Horseshoe, Lake District — 46.9
- An Teallach Circular, Wester Ross — 46.3
- Aonach Eagach Ridge, Glencoe — 46.0
- Crib Goch (Snowdon Horseshoe), Snowdonia — 45.2
- Am Basteir & Bruach na Frithe Circuit, Isle of Skye — 43.7
- Tryfan North Ridge Circuit, Snowdonia — 43.7
