9 Essential Peak-Bagging Lists Every Hiker Should Know – From Munros to Marilyns

Exploring the Best UK Hill Lists and Peak-Bagging Challenges

The United Kingdom is home to a vast array of hills and mountains, each offering unique terrain and challenges for those who love to explore. From peaty moorlands and grassy summits to scree slopes and rocky ridges, there’s something for every kind of hillwalker. Whether you’re looking to climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours or tackle a winter round of Scotland’s Munros, the opportunities are endless.

Peak-bagging is a popular activity among hikers and mountaineers, involving the challenge of climbing a specific list of summits. These lists can vary widely, from well-known collections like the Munros to more obscure but equally rewarding ones such as the Wainwrights or Marilyns. The goal is to "bag" each peak by standing on its summit and recording the experience. This practice not only adds purpose to your hikes but also deepens your connection with the landscape and your own resilience.

Here are some of the most notable hill lists and peak-bagging challenges in the UK:

The Wainwrights: 214 Peaks

Located in the Lake District, the Wainwrights are a collection of 214 hills and mountains made famous by Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells. These guidebooks, written over 13 years, have become essential tools for hikers exploring England’s most mountainous National Park. The Wainwrights offer a comprehensive tour of the region, and completing all 214 is a lifelong goal for many. The fells don’t need to be climbed in any particular order, making it a flexible and rewarding challenge.

The Munros: 282 Peaks

Found in the Scottish Highlands, the Munros are mountains over 3000ft high, named after Sir Hugo Munro, who first catalogued them in 1891. The list includes iconic peaks like Ben Nevis, which stands alone as a single Munro, while others like An Teallach and Buachaille Etive Mor have multiple summits. Completing the Munros is considered one of the greatest challenges in the UK, with records set for the fastest completion and youngest climber.

The Corbetts: 222 Peaks

Also in the Scottish Highlands, the Corbetts are mountains between 2500ft and 3000ft high, with a drop of at least 500ft between each peak. Named after John Rooke Corbett, this list offers a mix of rugged and scenic climbs. While often seen as lesser than the Munros, the Corbetts include some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, such as The Cobbler and Merrick.

The Marilyns: 1557 Peaks

This list, created by Alan Dawson in 1992, focuses on hills with a drop of at least 150m on all sides, rather than just height. It includes peaks across Britain, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. The list is challenging due to its sheer size, with Jenny Hatfield becoming the first woman to complete all 1557 in 2016.

The Furths: 34 Peaks

The Furths are mountains outside Scotland that would otherwise qualify as Munros or Munro Tops. These peaks range from Helvellyn in the Lake District to Carrauntoohil in Ireland. The name comes from the Scottish word for “outside,” reflecting their geographical scope.

The UK County Tops: 100 Peaks

This list includes the highest point of each county in the UK, covering England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Alex Staniforth completed the list in 72 days, visiting peaks from Ben Nevis to Slieve Donard. It’s a great way to explore the diverse landscapes of the UK.

The Tumps: 17,000+ Peaks

A Tump is any hill in Britain or the Isle of Man with a drop of at least 30m on all sides. With over 17,000 entries, this list is one of the most extensive. While no one has completed all of them, some individuals have climbed thousands, making it a quirky and challenging endeavor.

The Deweys: 426 Peaks

The Deweys are a unique list of 426 peaks in England, Wales, and the Isle of Man, ranging between 500m and 609m in height. First published in 1995, the list includes notable hills like Pendle Hill and Mam Tor.

The Trail 100: 100 Peaks

Compiled by Trail magazine, the Trail 100 highlights the 100 UK mountains that should be climbed in a lifetime. It includes both big and small peaks, offering a mix of iconic and hidden gems. Completing the list means tackling the Cuillin Ridge, the Cairngorm plateau, and other unforgettable landscapes.

Whether you're a casual hiker or a dedicated peak-bagger, the UK offers countless opportunities to explore its natural beauty. Each list presents a different challenge, and the sense of accomplishment after completing one is unmatched. So lace up your boots, choose your list, and start ticking off the peaks—one summit at a time.