Whether it’s the sense of achievement or a side effect of the lack of oxygen, there’s something life-affirming about standing atop a lofty peak, gazing down from the roof of the world. However, why do so many travelers stick to the world’s most famous peaks when there are scores of great summits that are often more accessible, equally rewarding, and far less well-trodden?
So forget Kili and Fuji and plot a course for one of these superb lesser-known peaks – from a celebrated literary summit in England to a Chinese climb steeped in spiritual significance – that almost anyone can conquer. Moreover, what’s a more COVID-19 compliant excursion than fresh air and a full mountain’s scope to socially distance?
Warm clothes, good footwear, and reasonable fitness are still essential. A sense of adventure and a head for heights will certainly come in handy. It’s also important to note that travel restrictions may still be in place for some destinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, so check the latest safety guidance carefully before your departure. These are the best mountains to ascend for first-timers.
Helvellyn, England: a peak you can scale in a day
Easily accessed from the lovely Ullswater villages of Patterdale and Glenridding, England’s third-highest peak provides a special mountain experience where even novice climbers can stand proudly atop a summit and still make it back to the pub in time for a celebratory fireside pint.
Helvellyn’s most famous approach, Striding Edge, provides a steep knife-edge scramble that’ll get the pulse racing, while the less popular Swirral Edge offers a softer ascent through scree and boulders. From the top, it’s said that on a clear day it’s possible to see from Scotland to Wales. Pause here to ponder a moment, in the style of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth (both former summiteers), before heading back down via St Sunday Crag.
Height: 950m
Trekking season: Spring to autumn. Winter is reserved for classical mountaineering instruction. Climbers should be wary of changing weather conditions throughout the year.
Getting there: Bus 508 (Ullswater) from Penrith railway station services both Patterdale and Glenridding. Trains from Glasgow, London Euston, and Manchester Airport stop at Penrith.
Hochschwab, Austria: a memorable overnight stay
Austrians know exactly what you need after a long day on a mountain – a warm bed, hearty meal, and some traditional folk-singing! The mountains of Northern Styria are dotted with alpine hüttes that facilitate multi-day hikes, and Schiestlhaus, a short distance from the Hochschwab summit, is arguably the nicest of the lot.
Initially constructed in 1884, the lodge stands in a saddle near the cliff face and boasts astonishing panoramic views from its outdoor decking. Although the journey to the hut via a long leafy track may leave you longing for bed, the spectacular vistas and a liberal serving of schnapps make for a more memorable antidote to mountain fatigue.
Height: 2277m
Trekking season: Spring to autumn with ski touring in winter.
Getting there: The closest international airports are Vienna and Graz, and intercity trains stop at Bruck An Der Mur. From Bruck, take Regional Bus 171 to Thörl where you’ll need to grab a taxi to the trailhead at Bodenbauer.
Éméi Shān, China: a spiritual experience
A pilgrimage to the summit of Éméi Shān, the highest of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, is said to forgive all sins. Whether it’s the promise of a clean slate or the mountain’s biodiversity, roughly 300,000 make the journey to the summit each year.
A Zen mindset helps to deal with countless stone steps, crowds, and pushy hawkers, but it’s all part of the unique experience. Rise early, take the paths less traveled, and sleep at least two nights in monasteries. The sunrise above the clouds is spectacular. Note that the real summit is Wanfo Si, about a 45-minute hike from the tourist summit of Jinding Si (3077m).
Height: 3099m
Trekking season: All year, though avoid public holidays. Spring and autumn are popular.
Getting there: Fly into Chengdu then board a high-speed train to Emeishan station, then transfer to a bus to reach the temple complex.
Mount Temple, Canada: picture-perfect views
Stow away your lens cap, as you’ll be shooting almost continuously on this climb up one of the Canadian Rockies most photogenic peaks. With a vertical altitude gain of 1690m, Mount Temple’s South West Ridge is the highest non-technical route in the Rockies that can be scaled in a long, heart-thumping day by any experienced walker.
Starting at Moraine Lake, climbers ascend through thick forest to Sentinel Pass, revealing expansive views of the surrounding peaks. From here, hikers tackle steep scree slopes, switchbacks, and short rock scrambles to the summit slope. The views become spectacular as mountains, glaciers, and rugged valleys spread out below.
Height: 3543m
Trekking season: July–August, after the snow has melted.
Getting there: Banff can be reached by bus from Calgary, or on the Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver.
Mount Anne, Australia: a walk on the wild side
With wild rivers and sprawling button-grass plains, Tasmania’s Southwest National Park is the heart of the country’s wild interior, and Mount Anne looms large as its most prominent peak. The brave can tackle this imposing mountain in one day, though camping overnight along the route is more enjoyable.
The trek takes in diverse terrains. From the car park, a boardwalk leads to an easy climb to High Camp Memorial Hut just inside the tree line. Don’t miss the panoramic views of Lake Pedder. Ascend through a boulder maze to Mt Eliza for even better views before traversing an exposed plateau to the base of Mt Anne’s summit cliffs. The scramble up take you to stunning views of the enveloping countryside.
Height: 1423m
Trekking season: November to May has the best weather.
Getting there: There is no public transport. Hire a car from Hobart Airport and drive 1½ hours to Maydena, then turn onto the unsealed Scotts Peak Dam Rd to reach the trailhead.
Snowdon, Wales: great for climbing with kids
Two main factors endear Snowdon, Wales’s highest peak, to younger walkers. The first is inspirational: the mountain is associated with fantastical legends, and the second is logistical: it’s possible to catch a train back down from the top. Due to staffing shortages, the rail destination for the 2022 season is Clogwyn Station, which is ¾ the distance to the summit.
When it resumes full service in 2023, the railway crawls to the 1085m summit of Snowdon from spring to autumn, while hikers face a five- to six-hour hike to the top. Following the Ranger Path is suitable for kids, with gradual ascent and fantastic views over the hills and lakes of Snowdonia National Park.
Height: 1085m
Trekking season: Possible year-round, but the railway closes during winter. Plan ahead as tickets sell out months in advance.
Getting there: The nearest train stations are Bangor, with direct service from major cities, and Betws-y-coed, which has good connections.
Alvand Kuh, Iran: great for a cultural exchange
Iranians have a deep love for the outdoors, emphasised by the presence of mountaineering clubs in most major cities. Alvand Kuh, part of the Zagros Mountains, is a popular peak for hiking.
The trek can be completed in a day, but it’s more enjoyable to overnight with locals at one of the mountain shelters, where you will be an instant celebrity. The route starts from Ganjnameh and ascends to the Mishin Plateau, leading you through an alpine meadow and boulder field to the summit.
Height: 3580m
Trekking season: Spring to fall.
Getting there: Most arrive in Tehran and can take the train, buses, or internal flights to Hamadan.
Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a dose of adrenaline
If reaching a new summit is not sufficiently adventurous for you, consider an ascent of Nyiragongo, an active volcano in a country known for its chequered history. For those who relish a challenge, the stratovolcano rising dramatically above the city of Goma, offers an extraordinary sight.
Leaving the Virunga National Park ranger station, the 8km route ascends 1500m through tropical rainforest to the crater rim where simple cabins await. It takes 4-6 hours to reach the top, but many prefer to overnight for the incredible sight of the world’s biggest lava lake glowing at night.
Height: 3470m
Trekking season: Year-round.
Getting there: Fly into Kigali in Rwanda and take a taxi to the DRC border. Virunga National Park manages the treks and will meet you at the border.
