Festive Fells - Five Christmas Quickies For The Morning After

© Dan Bailey

Sore head? Strangely lacking in oomph? A healthy dose of mountain air is just what you need to clear the Christmas cobwebs. But nothing too taxing, obviously; you've got to save energy for more parties. An ideal hill for the festive season should be relatively small and manageable, but still able to dish out a cask strength hit of scenery. You might have the family in tow too, so just as important is a nearby pub for thawing out afterwards.

​Pike of Blisco

langdale inversion  © john1963
langdale inversion
© john1963, Oct 2010

A proud little peak rising in isolation from its higher neighbours, Pike of Blisco is the fellwalking equivalent to a shot of tequila - quickly done, but surprisingly effective. Even at hangover pace an hour via the Redacre Gill path should see you up on the twin summits, where the suffering gets its payoff in a stunning view over Langdale to the knobbly skyline of the Pikes. And if you need a goal to help you back down too, there's always the festive fug of the Old Dungeon Ghyll to look forward to.

Crimpiau

photo
The Ogwen Valley from Crimpiau
© Simon Caldwell, Nov 2010

Up on the mini mountain of Crimpiau you're never far from the fleshpots of Capel Curig, and yet the surroundings are vintage Snowdonia. A mini wilderness of craggy knolls and hollows with a stunning outlook west to Tryfan, seen here in classic profile, and down the length of Nantygwryd into the open arms of the Snowdon Horseshoe, Crimpiau should be achievable even for a post-party zombie, but if you're feeling unexpectedly spry then you could always press on towards Creigiau Gleision or down into the Crafnant valley.

Beinn a' Chrulaiste

A 'warm up' day on Beinn a'Chrulaiste.  © Finn Curry
A 'warm up' day on Beinn a'Chrulaiste.
© Finn Curry, Feb 2014

Rising just behind the Kings House Hotel, conveniently near to the A82, No match for crag id:"Beinn a'Chrulaiste" is actually known in some hard drinking, hard walking circles as 'Hangover Hill'. What more recommendation do you need? The ascent of this gently sloped Corbett need only take a couple of hours, yet with its pivotal position between Glen Coe and the expanse of Rannoch Moor it offers a heady measure of Highland spirit. The Buachaille looks especially awesome from here.

Ingleborough

Ingleborough from near the summit of Whernside - New Years Eve 2008  © milus
Ingleborough from near the summit of Whernside - New Years Eve 2008
© milus, Dec 2008

You might be in Three Peaks country, but after a cheery night in the local hostelry one peak will probably do. Ingleborough is about the closest thing in Yorkshire to a real mountain, yet a high start from the lovely Old Hill Inn at Chapel-le-Dale makes it a very do-able Christmas leg stretcher. Beyond the fascinating cave-riddled limestone plateau above the village there is, it has to be admitted, a fair old grind up onto the subsidiary top of Simon Fell, but from here to the summit it's a fabulous high level stride. Unless you've now hit your second wind, the best way home is back the way you came; at least it's downhill all the way.

Meall a' Bhuachaille

Meall a' Bhuachaille from Coire an Lochain  © Dan Bailey
Meall a' Bhuachaille from Coire an Lochain
© Dan Bailey

Nice and handy for the Glenmore Lodge bar, and often spared the worst of the weather on the adjacent Cairngorm plateau, the outlying dome of No match for crag id:"Meall a'Bhuachaille" fits perfectly into a late-starting half-day slot. Set beside its giant neighbour this Corbett looks small and undistinguished, but thanks to its stand-out position between Speyside and the Cairngorms Meall a' Bhuachaille has a fabulous open feel, with views over Rothiemurchus Forest to the Northern Corries. With a quick easy ascent and a scenic return through the wooded Pass of Ryvoan, it's a wee gem of a walk, and very family friendly. Scotland's only herd of reindeer graze the hills hereabouts; what could be more Christmassy than that?

Reindeer near Ryvoan  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
Reindeer near Ryvoan
© Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com, Mar 2012



Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email