Our Top Walking Routes Of 2007

Following on from our best scrambling routes of 2007 article, here's OM routes editor Dave Mycroft's selction of the top five walking routes of the year.

Don't forget the OUTDOORSmagic routes section is packed with classic and slightly alternative walks from all the main major British mountain areas plus a few cheeky extras. It's an ideal resource if you're looking for inspiration on a weekend away or maybe even just an alternative route on your own home ground.

Anyway, here are our best walking routes of 2007, enjoy :-)

Distance: 12.3 miles (19.8Km)
Height Gain: 3434 ft (1047m)

'One of Scotland's most iconic mountains, well loved by the Royal Family and still easily accessible by normal walkers.'

Lochnagar, by Justin Maxwell from his OM Album

Kicking off this "best of" we have the classic cliff top of Lochnagar. One of the most spectacular Munros, yet still easily accessible in a long day circuit.

It's a stunning, lumpy sort of mountain, but any lack of feline grace is more than compensated for by the cracking views from the broad summit ridge and the proximity of the sheer cliffs below.

An astonishing winter walk as well, but be aware of shorter daylight hours. Best of all, the way out is all down hill.
Full route

Distance: 6 miles (9.7km)
Height Gain: 2957 ft (902m)

'There's something special about walking a horseshoe route, a sort of feeling of completeness that's somehow missing in other circular routes. The Lake District is well endowed with horseshoes, from Mosedale to Fairfield,but in the summer months these classics become pedestrian motorways. This is a quieter alternative.'

Thornhwaite Beacon looking moody - great shot by Neil Higgins
from his OM album

Short and sweet, the Hartsop Horshoe is only six miles in length, but makes an ideal half day or winter route. Taking in Hartsop Dodd, Stoney Cove Pike, Thonthwaite Beacon and Gray Crag you get superb views of Helvellyn, High Street, Fairfield, Brotherswater and Hayeswater.
Full route

Distance: 11.6 miles (18.6km)
Height Gain: 3212 ft (979m)

'Cracking walking across the Cinderella hills of Snowdonia. Anywhere else in the UK, they'd be the belle of the ball.'

The rocky summit of Foel Fras - Dave Field OM album

The Northern Carneddau is one of Britain's forgotten landscapes when it comes to hillwalking. The bleak terrain, much of it above 3000ft, often suffers from being the tired final leg of a Welsh 3000ers round, but if it were anywhere else in England or Wales this would be as popular as The Glyders or High Street.
Full route

Distance: 8.9 miles (14.4km)
Height Gain: 2703 ft (824 m)

'A stunning walk through the characteristic limestone terrain of one of the classic Dales Three Peaks.'

Ingleborough - Alan Southworth, OM album

The Three Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales are among the country's most popular walks, whether as a combined epic or individual forrays onto the limestone uplands. This walk takes in Ingleborough and its famous attraction, the pot of Gaping Ghyll, on a circular route from Ingleton.
Full route

Average Time: 12 hours 20 mins over two days
Distance: 16 miles (25.7km)
Height Gain: 8588 ft (2618m)

'A two day route for those seeking a little more adventure. Arran may not boast a Munro, but the mountains enclosing Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa are as impressive as any on the mainland.'

Not one for those who don't like exposure this two-day route is definitely for those seeking a little more adventure. Arran may not boast a Munro, but mountai ridges above Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa are give classic highland walking and scramblng and are a serious undertaking in anything but the best weather.
Full route