On Saturday September 6 2025, three friends and I took on the Race the Sun challenge Keswick in the Lake...
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Race the Sun Keswick: A triathlon-style challenge in an idyllic setting
By Mike Richardson
/ September 16, 2025
What the colours mean on ski and snowboard runs: a beginner’s guide
By Mountains not molehills
/ August 27, 2025
When you hit the slopes for the first time, you’ll quickly notice different coloured signs marking the trails. These colours...
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Review: Pentonbridge Inn – a Michelin starred restaurant with rooms on the English-Scottish border
By Louise Rhind-Tutt
/ August 23, 2025
A former coaching inn, the 18th century Pentonbridge Inn re-opened in late 2017 under owners Gerald and Margo Smith. Located...
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Baslow Edge from Curbar Gap Circular
By Mike Richardson
/ August 19, 2025
Easy 1.5-2 hours 3.3 miles (5.2km) This short Baslow Edge circular walk is the perfect stress-lowering trail, allowing you to...
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Hiking for a healthier mind
At Mountains Not Molehills, we believe the outdoors can be a powerful tool for better mental health. For some, that means reaching the summit of a mountain; for others, it’s a gentle walk along a woodland path. However you choose to explore, we’re here to encourage and inspire you.
Our philosophy is simple: hiking for a healthier mind. You don’t need to be an extreme adventurer to feel the benefits—canal walks, country parks, and local trails can all make a difference.
How Hiking Supports Mental Wellbeing
Spending time outdoors can have a remarkable impact on mental health, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Lifting mood and boosting energy
- Breaking negative thought patterns and easing rumination
- Encouraging creative problem-solving
- Improving sleep quality
- Supporting focus and concentration, especially for those with ADHD
- Enhancing cognitive ability and memory
- Creating a sense of joy, achievement, and fulfillment
Discover the UK on Foot
From the rolling hills of the Lake District to Scotland’s rugged Munros, the UK is full of breathtaking trails. Whether you’re collecting Wainwrights, tackling long-distance routes, or simply exploring your local green spaces, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
In Scotland, hikers are drawn to the rugged beauty of the Highlands, home to dramatic peaks, deep glens, and the legendary Munros—mountains over 3,000 feet that challenge walkers both physically and mentally. For those seeking iconic routes, trails like the West Highland Way showcase Scotland’s wild scenery, while shorter hill walks reveal lochs, castles, and ancient landscapes steeped in history.
In England, the Lake District stands as a favourite for walkers, offering everything from leisurely lakeside strolls to challenging ascents of Helvellyn with its famous Striding Edge. The rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, the dramatic ridges of the Peak District, and the coastal paths of Cornwall provide endless opportunities to connect with nature.
Wales offers a perfect blend of rugged mountains and seaside trails. Snowdonia National Park is the jewel in its crown, with Mount Snowdon offering routes for all levels, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path reveals breathtaking clifftop views and sandy coves.
Want to challenge yourself?
Many charities run hiking events to raise vital funds—like the National Three Peaks Challenge and other group walks across the country. Whether you want something demanding or a more relaxed goal, these challenges are a great way to combine purpose with adventure.
Mental Health support
While hiking can play an important role in improving wellbeing, we know it’s not the whole answer. That’s why we also share details of mental health organisations and support networks. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and help is available
Featured Video
Our latest featured video was sent in by Ben Brearley and shows Ben and a group of friends mountain biking down Ullock Pike down the side of Skiddaw mountain in the Lake District. September 2024.