Our Best Walking Routes Of 2006

In a New Year special we pick out our best routes of 2006. In a year when we included our first foreign route, had an exclusive pre-opening review of the West Craven Way and took in routes in less frequented areas it's been a hard task selecting favourites, but here are our Top Five Walks of 2006.

In 2007 we'll be doing something really exciting with the OUTDOORSmagic Routes Section, but in the mean time you can find all our weekly walking and scrambling routes in the Routes Archive.

More about new developments very soon but for now Happy New Year from OM and here's to a route-tastic 2007 pop pickers :-)

 A true all time classic, that has everything a big mountain day should have. It's a long haul with almost 6000ft of ascent from Glen Nevis, but there's no better way to see the impressive north face of the Ben than from the ridges of Carn Dearg Meadhonach and Carn Mor Dearg.
Full route

The Lake District has several Mosedales and several horseshoes, but the Mosedale Horseshoe off the northwest corner of Wasdale is something special, even by Lakeland standards.

 This is a connoisseur's route describing a huge arc mostly above 2000ft with views over some of the region's most scenic valleys. To the east iconic mountains dominate with Great Gable and the Scafells drawing the attention, while to the north Deserted Ennerdale leads the eyes out to the Scottish borders.
Full route

A round trip from Bethesda into the heart of the Carneddau, this walk has something for everyone with woods, rivers, stunning precipices and the largest tract of land over 3000ft outside Scotland.

Although the route takes in the very poular "trade route" between Carnedd Dafydd and Foel Grach it steers away from the honeypot Ogwen Valley routes.
Full route

A circular route up South Wales' highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park. At 2906 ft Pen y Fan shouldn't be underestimated; it wouldn't be out of place in Snowdonia and despite the relatively gentle angle of ascent and descent it's a proper mountain day. In winter, in particular, it makes a fine escape to true wild country despite the number of people you're likely to meet along the way.
Full route

Something different with a foray over the water to Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil. True wild country where rivers have to be waded and you can still find spectacular mountain scenery without the hordes of people such a location would attract in England.
Full route