The best Yorkshire mountains to conquer

If you’re wondering what the difference between a mountain and hill is, hills are easier to climb than mountains. They are not as steep or as high but, like a mountain, a hill will usually have an obvious summit, which is its highest point. To get you started we’ve listed the Yorkshire mountains and hills to conquer on your next break, so pull on your walking books and explore all that this beautiful area has to offer.

Our top 5 Yorkshire mountains and hills

1. Whernside

First on our list is Whernside, one of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks and at 2,415 feet is the highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s most often climbed from Ribblehead with hikers climbing the fell from an anti-clockwise direction along an old railway line. For a more direct route many hikers walk under the viaduct to Winterscales Farm, across a thin path across Winterscales Pasture, before a final steep scramble up to the main ridge just south of the summit. On a clear day you can see for miles with breath-taking views of Howgills, the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.

Fun fact about Whernside: it’s the highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales.

2. Ingleborough

Ingleborough is the second highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks at 2,372 feet and is a favourite amongst hikers. The route to the summit is reached via Clapham and boasts some fantastic limestone scenery: the caves of Ingleborough, Gaping Gill and Trow Gill. It’s instantly recognisable due to its stepped profile thanks to alternating layers of limestone, sandstone, and shale, which form the bulk of this mountain.

Fun fact about Ingleborough: is the most recognisable mountain in the Yorkshire Dales.

3. Pen-y-ghent

Pen-y-ghent is the third of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and like Ingleborough, is the most recognisable mountain in the Dales. At 2,277 feet the dramatic profile is largely due to its geographical construction consisting of layers of shales, sandstone, and limestone topped with a cap of millstone grit. Pen-y-ghent is best climbed in an anti-clockwise direction from Horton-in-Ribblesdale via Brackenbottom Scar. For a short route start at Dale Head on the Pennine Way, if you’re looking for a slightly longer route join Long Lane via Dub Cote and on to Pennine Way at Churn Milk Hole.

Fun fact about Pen-y-ghent: on a clear day the views are glorious, especially to the north where the hills seem to go on forever.

4. Wild Boar Fell

Next on our list is Wild Boar Fell, situated just outside the original boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A fell is a high and barren landscape feature, such as a mountain or moor-covered hill. At 2,323 feet Wild Boar Fell is one of the finest hills in the Pennines and its distinctive profile is easily identifiable due to the eastern slopes above Mallerstang. A series of scars create a magnificent escarpment with the dramatic Nab at its northern end and a set of cairns on the edge of High White Scar.

Fun fact about Wild Boar Fell: the views of Mallerstang valley from the escarpment, and particularly from the Nab are simply stunning.

5. Fountains Fell

Last on our list of Yorkshire mountains is Fountains Fell, a strenuous walk which lies between Malham Tarn and Pen-y-ghent. At 2,192 feet Fountains Fell is best approached using the Pennine Way for the most part, although this path doesn’t take you directly to the summit, you’ll need to brand off next to a tall cairn. When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the Three Peaks and into Ribblesdale.

Fun fact about Fountains Fell: The name comes from Cistercian monks of Fountains Abbey who once owned the land.

With so many Yorkshire mountains to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice on your walking and hiking holiday. Follow the link to view the interactive map and discover more Yorkshire mountain names to explore on your break in the dales. Situated in the heart of Yorkshire, our pet-friendly hot tub cabins are situated within the North York Moors making them an ideal option. Choose between accommodation at Keldy in a grassy, sunlit glade or log cabin accommodation at Cropton within a picturesque grassy meadow.

Frequently asked questions about Yorkshire mountains

What is the highest mountain in Yorkshire?

There is some debate as to which is the highest mountain in Yorkshire, but at 2,585 feet Mickle Fell is worth noting. Mickle Fell is a mountain in the Pennines, the range of hills and moors running down the middle of Northern England.

What is the highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales?

At 2,415 feet Whernside is one of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks and the highest summit in the Yorkshire Dales.

List of Yorkshire dales mountains?

The Yorkshire Dales consists some of England’s most iconic hills including the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks. Discover the full list of the Yorkshire Dales mountains.

Yorkshire mountain names

There are 1,664 named mountains in North Yorkshire.

Discover Yorkshire mountain names