Britain’s Best Small Hills: an Instagram takeover

Written by Bradt Travel Guides

 

To celebrate the publication of her new book, Britain’s Best Small Hills, Phoebe Smith took over our Instagram for the day to share some of her favourite hillwalking pictures.

 

Hi, @phoebersmith here taking over @bradtguides account for the day to celebrate the launch of my new book, #Britain’s #BestSmallHills. It’s no secret that I adore high places – few activities can beat the buzz of being the loftiest living thing for miles around. But I’m going to let you into a secret that few know and many forget… some of the best views, greatest walks and most memorable adventures can be had on small hills. So I decided to share my insights and write a book showcasing 60 of the best smaller peaks in England, Wales and Scotland with the aim to encourage EVERYONE to get out and enjoy Britain’s gorgeous scenery. #bradt

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 1:19am PDT

 

Let’s start with some of my favourite #smallhills. In England, I don’t think you can beat #ChromeHill in #Derbyshire (425m). Being a limestone protrusion, the hill was once under the sea – but unlike many others, this #PeakDistrict summit still looks like the coral reef that it once was. It was once private land, but thanks to the wonderful Countryside Rights of Way Act (2000), #ramblers are free to explore it today. #bradt

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 2:27am PDT

 

My favourite of #Britain’s #BestSmallHills in #Wales has to be #BrynEuryn, #Conwy (131m). This is the hill that started it all for me, and is the reason this book exists! Here’s me, aged 5, after my dad took me on my first hill walk. This hill is almost too good to be true – not only is it easy to climb, but there’s plenty of wonderful things to spot along the way, including an Iron Age hillfort and the wild ruins of an old mansion! #Bradt

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 3:22am PDT

 

As for #Scotland, my favourite small hill is definitely #ConicHill in #Stirling (361m), because it was during this #hillwalk that geology really came alive to me for the first time. Seeing the Highland Boundary Fault so clearly was something I’ll never forget. This fault line is one of Britain’s most fascinating geological features, formed when the ancient continents collided over 400 million years ago. #bradt

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 5:12am PDT

 

The great thing about walking #smallhills is that the journey can be as long or short as you like. If you want to spend a full day exploring it’s more than possible, but you can also discover many of Britain’s small hills in an hour – a great way to spend a lunchbreak! Check out #FalklandHill in #Fife, for example – this 434m dome-shaped summit lures many a visitor from the nearby historical town of Falkland, and it takes only an hour to reach the summit. #bradt

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 6:27am PDT

 

Small absolutely can be beautiful. For a start, summit views can be fantastic on shorter peaks, like this vista over #UllswaterLake from #HallinnFell. #bradt #lakedistrict

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 7:38am PDT

 

Small doesn’t mean boring, either. There’s plenty of scope for added adventure when #hillwalking (and you’ll find more details in my book). Take #TheBell in #Cumbria, for example – it’s only 351m high, but teetering along the rocky nose of the summit is quite the challenge. To make it up this hill you’ll have to embark on something called a ‘Grade I scramble’, essentially a mid-point between hillwalking and climbing where you’ll need to use both your hands and feet. It’s thrilling, but not terrifying! #bradt

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 8:26am PDT

 

You don’t have to go wandering in to the countryside to find the country’s #bestsmallhills – many can be found at the heart of Britain’s cities, such as #ArthursSeat here in #Edinburgh (251m). Sitting at the edge of #HolyroodPark, this distinctly shaped summit was formed by a volcano that erupted more than 350 million years ago. Its name has been the subject of much dispute, but most agree that is derives from links with legendary King Arthur – some believe that it is the actual location of his castle, #Camelot. #bradt

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 9:12am PDT

 

Just arrived @stanfordstravel for my launch event this evening! Talking all things #BestSmallHills! #bradt #keepitwild #neverstopexploring

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 9:31am PDT

 

Just about to start at @stanfordstravel – lots of books for you all to buy afterwards! And a quiz too… #bradt #extremesleeps #bestsmallhills #keepitwild

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 11:33am PDT

 

Time to find out the winner of the @jetboil! Some fierce competition here at @stanfordstravel #bradt #getoutside #extremesleeps #BestSmallHills

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 12:04pm PDT

 

Thanks everyone for following my Instagram takeover today! I’ve had a great day sharing my #BestSmallHills with you. Hopefully I’ve inspired you to #getoutside and experience the best that #Britain has to offer! #bradt #extremesleeps #neverstopexploring

A post shared by Bradt Travel Guides (@bradtguides) onSep 26, 2017 at 12:46pm PDT

 

---

Inspired to visit one of the places mentioned? Check out Britain’s Best Small Hills for more information: 

Back to the top