In terms of mountain walking and backpacking there is nowhere to compare with the highlands of Scotland. This small country boasts 283 Munros, the Scottish hills over the 3000ft /914m and 221 Corbetts, the hills between 2500ft/762 and 2999ft/914m. The diversity of mountain landscape in Scotland is astonishing, from the rolling hills of the Borders to the awe-inspiring outline of the Skye Cuillin.
While most hillwalkers will visit the fells of the Lake District at least once in their hillwalking career England can boast many other very fine hillwalking areas. The Yorkshire dales and the Peak District are the obvious alternatives but in the deep south Dartmoor and Exmoor attract walkers throughout the year. The coastline between Minehead and Plymouth attracts many walkers and the 600-mile South West Coastal Path is a perennial favourite.
The Principality of Wales is a walkers paradise. Take the wonderful coastline, from the Gower to the excellent Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the hills of south Wales - the Brecons and the Black Mountains and then, of course, there is Snowdonia, containing 15 mountain peaks over 3000 feet and the highest hill in England and Wales, Snowdon. Wales has something for everyone, from the climber to the rambler.
Ireland boasts some superb hillwalking and backpacking terrain but it's potential is limited because of a lack of access to many areas. The most popular areas include the McGillicuddy's Reeks, the mountains of Mayo and Clare and on the east coast, the Wicklow hills .
