Best bits
For the highest and rockiest mountains
Head to the Highlands! The Scottish Highlands contain by far the biggest expanse of mountainous terrain in the UK. Ben Nevis at 1,344m (4,409ft) is the highest mountain in the British Isles; with its huge North face cliffs and the sharp ridge to neighbouring Carn Mor Dearg, it certainly lives up to this status. On the Isle of Skye the Cuillin ridge is justly famous as the most jagged range in the country. Back on the mainland check out the Glen Coe peaks, the area around Glen Shiel, the Arrochar Alps and the Galloway Hills.
Outside Scotland, the highest mountains of England and Wales are also very worthwhile rocky peaks. Scafell Pike at 978m (3,209ft) offers several long approaches from nearby valleys, which Snowdon at 1,085m (3,560ft) is a mountain of many radiating ridges enclosing deep combes.
For coastal views of cliffs and sea
Being an island, the British mainland is not short of coastal views. It so happens that many parts of our coast are exciting walking territory in their own right. Cornwall is perhaps the best known coastal walking destination with miles of footpath skirting the edge of cliffs. Look out for quiet sandy beaches below. The Pembrokeshire coast at the South West tip of Wales is less well known but arguably just as spectacular. For sea views mixed with wild rocky landscapes, the Western Highlands and the areas of Assynt and Sutherland in the far North of Scotland are incomparable. Getting across to the islands (Skye, Rum, Harris...) adds another perspective to this amazing experience.
For idyllic lower-level walks
It's difficult to look beyond the Southern Lake District for the best rambling country. The scenery is captivatingly beautiful and yet tranquil at the same time. The density and quality of the footpaths make this area very easy to walk through. Link up valleys such as Great Langdale, Little Langdale or Yewdale; walk from idyllic villages such as Elterwater, Hawkshead or Satterthwaite; or explore beyond the lakes and tarns such as Tarn Hows, Blea Tarn and Coniston Water. This country is also easily reached by bus from Ambleside.
For low-level walks the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District also have many excellent spots. Easier walks can of course be made in even the harshest and highest mountainous areas, and on this note the Highlands, Snowdonia and higher Lakeland hills are great places to go

Little Langdale in the South Lakes