England is known for its bucolic, rolling landscapes. These gentle hills are the result of softer sedimentary rocks such as limestone, chalk, and sandstone that have been eroded over many thousands of years. Various regions are particularly famous for these landscapes, the Cotswolds, for instance, and the Yorkshire Dales, replete with quaint villages, stone walls, and twisting country lanes.
For many years, these landscapes have been farmed and even quarried and mined. The towns that populate these hills are shaped by the industries that have sustained them, and many of these towns are of significant historical interest at the same time as they are now popular starting points for hikers, riders, and sight-seers. Whether you are looking for human fingerprints on the land or the ancient marks of glaciers and rivers, the rolling hills of England have something for everyone. If you’re an experienced mountaineer, England’s tranquil hills may not provide much of a challenge, but for those budding climbers and leisurely strollers there is plenty to be getting on with. The list below charts some of the highest points in England.
1. Buxton, Derbyshire, Shining Tor
Buxton, a charming market and spa town with striking stone buildings, an opera house, and a crescent not unlike that found in Bath sits in the Peak District National Park. The town claims to be the highest market town in England and indeed it is situated near Shining Tor, a peak with an elevation of 559 metres above sea level. This is one of the highest points in Cheshire and has stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Its proximity to Buxton, with its amenities and beautiful architecture, makes it ideal for a weekend getaway.
2. Marsden, West Yorkshire, Black Hill
Located near the southern edge of the Pennines, Marsden is a market town set among rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. Marsden provides access to the Pennine Way, a footpath that leads through the Pennines and their villages. From Black Hill, the highest point at 582 metres above sea level, there are panoramic views of the moorland and valleys. Marsden, an industrial town with a rich history, is well-stocked with local shops and cafes.
3. Okehampton, Devon, High Willhays
From the town of Okehampton, walkers can access Dartmoor National Park and climb its highest point, High Willhays, which rises to 621 metres above sea level. Okehampton is a historic market town equipped with accommodation, restaurants, and information points for those setting out to explore the northern edge of the national park.
4. Ingleton, Lancashire, Gragareth
The picturesque village of Ingleton provides access to Gargareth, the highest point in Lancashire at 627 meters above sea level, and to the Three Peaks: Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-ghent. The village provides access to trails that lead to Gargareth and the surrounding areas and offers outstanding views of the moorland and countryside. In the village itself there is plenty of accommodation, great food, and outdoor supply shops, making it an excellent spot to begin your journey.
5. Edale, Derbyshire, Kinder Scout
Edale is a tiny village nestled among the peaks in the Peak District National Park. Equipped with two pubs, a camping ground, and a cafe, the village makes for a picturesque starting point for those looking to climb Kinder Scout, a moorland plateau with an elevation of 636 metres above sea level. The scenery in this part of the world is dramatic and breathtaking, with windswept moorland sweeping out around the impressive Kinder Scout.
6. Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, Black Mountain
Hay-on-Wye, a charming town on the England-Wales border, not only provides access to Black Mountain, with an elevation of 811 metres above sea level but is also the home of a renowned book festival and many locally run bookshops. For those looking to hike as well as read, the town has plenty of accommodation and amenities, making it the ideal destination for bookworms and mountaineers alike.
7. Horton in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire, Whernside
Like its neighbour, Ingleton, Horton in Ribblesdale is a popular location for beginning the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The village features beautiful stone buildings, a cafe and a train station from which you can embark to see the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Known for its welcoming locals, Horton in Ribblesdale is a lovely place to visit before setting out and exploring the wild moorland that surrounds it, most notably Whernside, with an impressive elevation of 736 metres above sea level.
8. Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, Mickle Fell
Located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Middleton-in-Teesdale is a historic market town providing access to a number of hiking trails and waterfalls, like High Force. It is near to Mickle Fell, which stands at an elevation of 788 metres above sea level, and although it is not easy to access the fell itself there is still plenty to do in and around the area, with vast rolling landscapes ready to be explored.
9. Wooler, Northumberland, The Cheviot
Wooler is a small town nestled on the edge of the Northumberland National Park. It is the closest town to The Cheviot, which stands at 815 metres above sea level. Wooler has access to trails leading to the Cheviot Hills, and a path to the summit of The Cheviot itself. The town provides all the essentials for travellers, including accommodation, cafes, and shops.
10. Keswick, Cumbria, Scafell Pike
Keswick is the closest town to the highest mountain in England, standing at 978 metres above sea level. Scafell Pike is located in the beautiful and world renowned Lake District, home to some of Britain’s most famous poets, such as William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Keswick is an idyllic market town located at the northern end of the Lake District with access to lakes, fells, and some of the loveliest landscapes in the country. Scafell Pike is walkable, but it is not for the faint of heart. For those brave enough to hike to the summit there are astonishing views over the lower fells, valleys and waterways of the Lake District.
All that is left to do is lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic and get out there to experience these fantastic places for yourself. Visiting the top 10 highest towns in England is an occasion worth rising to.
