RailTrails

The Best Railway Stations for Hiking in Britain

Some stations put you on the hills the moment you step off the train. We scored 1,088 stations across Britain on the hills within reach, the landscape around them, the long-distance trails on the doorstep and how easily you can reach them from the cities.

These are the best for a day's hill walking without a car.

The top 50

Ranked on hills, landscape, trails and how quickly you can get there. Each station links to its own page, with the hills, trails and walks from the platform.

  1. 1
    Edale, EnglandGold walking rating

    36 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Mam Tor (517m) · Peak District · Pennine Way · 5 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Chinley (10 min by train), Dinting (9 miles away), Hope (Derbyshire) (8 min by train), New Mills Central (8 miles away) and 18 more

    70
  2. 2
    Arrochar & Tarbet, ScotlandGold walking rating

    27 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Cruach Tairbeirt (415m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · Loch Lomond and Cowal Way and Three Lochs Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Helensburgh Central (14 miles away) and Helensburgh Upper (13 miles away)

    65
  3. 3
    Crianlarich, ScotlandGold walking rating

    30 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Fiarach (652m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · West Highland Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Upper Tyndrum (4 miles away) and Tyndrum Lower (5 miles away)

    63
  4. 4
    Windermere, EnglandGold walking rating

    42 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Claife Heights (270m) · Lake District · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Staveley (7 min by train), Burneside (Cumbria) (6 miles away), Kendal (7 miles away) and Grange-over-Sands (13 miles away)

    62
  5. 5
    Hadfield, EnglandGold walking rating

    22 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Cown Edge (411m) · Peak District · Pennine Bridleway · 4 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Greenfield (6 miles away), Mossley (Manchester) (5 miles away), Marsden (10 miles away), Slaithwaite (12 miles away) and 9 more

    62
  6. 6
    Ardlui, ScotlandGold walking rating

    28 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Ben Vorlich (943m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · West Highland Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    61
  7. 7
    Macclesfield, EnglandGold walking rating

    15 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Croker Hill (404m) · Peak District · 7 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Prestbury (6 min by train) and Adlington (Cheshire) (9 min by train)

    61
  8. 8
    Dove Holes, EnglandGold walking rating

    42 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Black Edge (507m) · Peak District · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Chapel-en-le-Frith (8 min by train), Buxton (8 min by train), Middlewood (9 miles away), Poynton (11 miles away) and 1 more

    60
  9. 9
    Roman Bridge, WalesGold walking rating

    60 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Farlwyd (576m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Dolwyddelan (6 min by train), Blaenau Ffestiniog (4 miles away), Pont-y-Pant (9 min by train) and Betws-y-Coed (6 miles away)

    60
  10. 10
    Bridge of Orchy, ScotlandGold walking rating

    30 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Beinn Dorain (1076m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · West Highland Way

    59
  11. 11
    Horton-in-Ribblesdale, EnglandGold walking rating

    23 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Pen-y-ghent (694m) · Yorkshire Dales · Pennine Way · 2 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Ribblehead (10 min by train), Settle (6 miles away), Gargrave (14 miles away), Long Preston (9 miles away) and 3 more

    58
  12. 12
    Dent, EnglandGold walking rating

    26 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Great Knoutberry Hill (673m) · Yorkshire Dales · Pennine Bridleway · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Garsdale (9 min by train)

    57
  13. 13
    Machynlleth, WalesGold walking rating

    35 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Mynydd Rhyd-galed (502m) · Eryri / Snowdonia · Glyndŵr's Way

    For the same hills: Fairbourne (11 miles away), Dovey Junction (4 miles away), Llwyngwril (11 miles away), Penhelig (8 miles away) and 4 more

    56
  14. 14
    Garelochhead, ScotlandGold walking rating

    17 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Beinn a' Mhanaich (709m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · Three Lochs Way · 2 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Craigendoran (7 miles away), Cardross (11 miles away) and Woodhall (12 miles away)

    56
  15. 15
    Fort William, ScotlandGold walking rating

    21 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Druim na h-Earba (288m) · Ben Nevis and Glen Coe · Great Glen Way and West Highland Way

    For the same hills: Banavie (10 min by train) and Corpach (2 miles away)

    54
  16. 16
    Kirkby Stephen, EnglandGold walking rating

    20 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Nateby Common (547m) · Yorkshire Dales · Coast to Coast · 1 city within 2 hours

    54
  17. 17
    Penrhyndeudraeth, WalesGold walking rating

    34 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Ysgyfarnogod (623m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llandecwyn (7 min by train), Minffordd (6 min by train), Talsarnau (9 min by train), Porthmadog (3 miles away) and 2 more

    52
  18. 18
    Dolgarrog, WalesGold walking rating

    26 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Eilio (546m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llanfairfechan (8 miles away), North Llanrwst (9 min by train), Tal-y-Cafn (9 min by train), Penmaenmawr (7 miles away) and 6 more

    51
  19. 19
    Morfa Mawddach, WalesGold walking rating

    31 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Braich Ddu (546m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Barmouth (9 min by train), Llanaber (3 miles away) and Talybont (5 miles away)

    50
  20. 20
    Abergavenny, WalesSilver walking rating

    11 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Blorenge (561m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 4 cities within 2 hours

    50
  21. 21
    Dalwhinnie, ScotlandGold walking rating

    16 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest The Fara (911m) · Cairngorms National Park · 1 city within 2 hours

    50
  22. 22
    Bangor (Gwynedd), WalesGold walking rating

    21 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Wnion (580m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llanfairpwll (3 miles away)

    49
  23. 23
    Kingussie, ScotlandGold walking rating

    10 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Creag Bheag (487m) · Cairngorms National Park · Speyside Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Newtonmore (8 min by train)

    49
  24. 24
    Penrith North Lakes, EnglandSilver walking rating

    5 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Arthur's Pike (533m) · Lake District · 6 cities within 2 hours

    48
  25. 25
    Pitlochry, ScotlandGold walking rating

    5 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Ben Vrackie (842m) · Cairngorms National Park · Rob Roy Way · 3 cities within 2 hours

    48
  26. 26
    Tulloch, ScotlandGold walking rating

    27 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Creag Dhubh (660m) · Rannoch - Nevis - Mamores - Alder

    For the same hills: Roy Bridge (5 miles away)

    48
  27. 27
    Llanhilleth, WalesSilver walking rating

    9 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Gwastad (551m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 4 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Ebbw Vale Parkway (5 miles away), Pontypool & New Inn (5 miles away), Cwmbran (6 miles away), Newport (S Wales) (10 miles away) and 3 more

    47
  28. 28
    Ebbw Vale Town, WalesSilver walking rating

    11 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Mynydd Carn-y-cefn (550m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Pontlottyn (4 miles away) and Rhymney (4 miles away)

    47
  29. 29
    Bentham, EnglandSilver walking rating

    7 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Ingleborough (723m) · Yorkshire Dales · 4 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Wennington (7 min by train)

    47
  30. 30
    Achnashellach, ScotlandGold walking rating

    26 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Fuar Tholl (907m) · Coulin & Ledgowan Forest

    For the same hills: Strathcarron (5 miles away)

    46
  31. 31
    Blair Atholl, ScotlandGold walking rating

    8 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Beinn a' Ghlo - Carn Liath (976m) · Cairngorms National Park · 2 cities within 2 hours

    46
  32. 32
    Appleby, EnglandGold walking rating

    14 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Murton Pike (594m) · Yorkshire Dales · 1 city within 2 hours

    46
  33. 33
    Glenfinnan, ScotlandGold walking rating

    27 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Meall a' Bhainne (559m) · Loch Shiel

    For the same hills: Locheilside (6 miles away)

    46
  34. 34
    Corrour, ScotlandGold walking rating

    22 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Leum Uilleim (907m) · Rannoch - Nevis - Mamores - Alder

    For the same hills: Rannoch (7 miles away)

    45
  35. 35
    Harlech, WalesGold walking rating

    19 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Clip (595m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llanbedr (3 miles away), Llandanwg (8 min by train), Pensarn (Gwynedd) (2 miles away) and Dyffryn Ardudwy (5 miles away)

    45
  36. 36
    Balloch, ScotlandSilver walking rating

    4 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Ben Bowie (313m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · John Muir Way and Three Lochs Way · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Alexandria (4 min by train), Dalreoch (10 min by train), Dumbarton Central (4 miles away), Dumbarton East (4 miles away) and 10 more

    45
  37. 37
    Dalmally, ScotlandGold walking rating

    19 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Beinn Bhalgairean (637m) · Loch Etive mountains

    For the same hills: Loch Awe (9 min by train) and Falls of Cruachan (5 miles away)

    42
  38. 38
    Dronfield, EnglandSilver walking rating

    4 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Higger Tor (435m) · Peak District · 5 cities within 2 hours

    42
  39. 39
    Matlock, EnglandSilver walking rating

    9 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Blakelow Hill (367m) · Peak District · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Matlock Bath (4 min by train), Cromford (7 min by train) and Whatstandwell (4 miles away)

    41
  40. 40
    Achanalt, ScotlandGold walking rating

    16 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest An Cabar (558m) · Fisherfield - Letterewe - Fannichs

    For the same hills: Achnasheen (6 miles away) and Lochluichart (4 miles away)

    41
  41. 41
    Treherbert, WalesSilver walking rating

    10 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Mynydd Tynewydd (518m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Aberdare (5 miles away), Fernhill (6 miles away), Cwmbach (6 miles away), Sarn (10 miles away) and 1 more

    40
  42. 42
    Attadale, ScotlandGold walking rating

    17 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Carn nan Iomairean (485m) · Central Highlands

    40
  43. 43
    Cononley, EnglandSilver walking rating

    4 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Sharp Haw (357m) · Yorkshire Dales · 4 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Skipton (7 min by train), Steeton & Silsden (6 min by train), Ben Rhydding (9 miles away), Ilkley (8 miles away) and 6 more

    39
  44. 44
    Lochailort, ScotlandGold walking rating

    17 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Creag Bhan (510m) · Moidart - Ardgour

    For the same hills: Beasdale (4 miles away) and Arisaig (7 miles away)

    39
  45. 45
    Okehampton, EnglandSilver walking rating

    8 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Yes Tor (619m) · Dartmoor · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Okehampton Interchange (1 miles away) and Sampford Courtenay (3 miles away)

    39
  46. 46
    Foxfield, EnglandSilver walking rating

    9 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Kirkby Moor (335m) · Lake District · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Kirkby-in-Furness (7 min by train), Green Road (6 min by train), Millom (10 min by train), Bootle (Cumbria) (8 miles away) and 3 more

    39
  47. 47
    Ravenglass, EnglandSilver walking rating

    9 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Muncaster Fell (232m) · Lake District · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Drigg (6 min by train) and Seascale (10 min by train)

    39
  48. 48
    Oxenholme Lake District, EnglandBronze walking rating

    3 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Lambrigg Fell (340m) · Lake District · 5 cities within 2 hours

    39
  49. 49
    Pentre-Bach, WalesSilver walking rating

    6 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Cefn yr Ystrad (617m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 2 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Merthyr Tydfil (6 min by train) and Troed-y-Rhiw (5 min by train)

    38
  50. 50
    Lazonby & Kirkoswald, EnglandSilver walking rating

    7 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Thack Moor (610m) · North Pennines National Landscape · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Langwathby (8 min by train) and Armathwaite (10 min by train)

    38

Best in England

The 10 highest-scoring stations in England.

  1. 1
    EdaleGold walking rating

    36 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Mam Tor (517m) · Peak District · Pennine Way · 5 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Chinley (10 min by train), Dinting (9 miles away), Hope (Derbyshire) (8 min by train), New Mills Central (8 miles away) and 18 more

    70
  2. 4
    WindermereGold walking rating

    42 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Claife Heights (270m) · Lake District · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Staveley (7 min by train), Burneside (Cumbria) (6 miles away), Kendal (7 miles away) and Grange-over-Sands (13 miles away)

    62
  3. 5
    HadfieldGold walking rating

    22 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Cown Edge (411m) · Peak District · Pennine Bridleway · 4 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Greenfield (6 miles away), Mossley (Manchester) (5 miles away), Marsden (10 miles away), Slaithwaite (12 miles away) and 9 more

    62
  4. 7
    MacclesfieldGold walking rating

    15 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Croker Hill (404m) · Peak District · 7 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Prestbury (6 min by train) and Adlington (Cheshire) (9 min by train)

    61
  5. 8
    Dove HolesGold walking rating

    42 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Black Edge (507m) · Peak District · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Chapel-en-le-Frith (8 min by train), Buxton (8 min by train), Middlewood (9 miles away), Poynton (11 miles away) and 1 more

    60
  6. 11
    Horton-in-RibblesdaleGold walking rating

    23 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Pen-y-ghent (694m) · Yorkshire Dales · Pennine Way · 2 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Ribblehead (10 min by train), Settle (6 miles away), Gargrave (14 miles away), Long Preston (9 miles away) and 3 more

    58
  7. 12
    DentGold walking rating

    26 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Great Knoutberry Hill (673m) · Yorkshire Dales · Pennine Bridleway · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Garsdale (9 min by train)

    57
  8. 16
    Kirkby StephenGold walking rating

    20 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Nateby Common (547m) · Yorkshire Dales · Coast to Coast · 1 city within 2 hours

    54
  9. 24
    Penrith North LakesSilver walking rating

    5 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Arthur's Pike (533m) · Lake District · 6 cities within 2 hours

    48
  10. 29
    BenthamSilver walking rating

    7 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Ingleborough (723m) · Yorkshire Dales · 4 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Wennington (7 min by train)

    47

Best in Scotland

The 10 highest-scoring stations in Scotland.

  1. 2
    Arrochar & TarbetGold walking rating

    27 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Cruach Tairbeirt (415m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · Loch Lomond and Cowal Way and Three Lochs Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Helensburgh Central (14 miles away) and Helensburgh Upper (13 miles away)

    65
  2. 3
    CrianlarichGold walking rating

    30 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Fiarach (652m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · West Highland Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Upper Tyndrum (4 miles away) and Tyndrum Lower (5 miles away)

    63
  3. 6
    ArdluiGold walking rating

    28 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Ben Vorlich (943m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · West Highland Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    61
  4. 10
    Bridge of OrchyGold walking rating

    30 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Beinn Dorain (1076m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · West Highland Way

    59
  5. 14
    GarelochheadGold walking rating

    17 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Beinn a' Mhanaich (709m) · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park · Three Lochs Way · 2 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Craigendoran (7 miles away), Cardross (11 miles away) and Woodhall (12 miles away)

    56
  6. 15
    Fort WilliamGold walking rating

    21 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Druim na h-Earba (288m) · Ben Nevis and Glen Coe · Great Glen Way and West Highland Way

    For the same hills: Banavie (10 min by train) and Corpach (2 miles away)

    54
  7. 21
    DalwhinnieGold walking rating

    16 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest The Fara (911m) · Cairngorms National Park · 1 city within 2 hours

    50
  8. 23
    KingussieGold walking rating

    10 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Creag Bheag (487m) · Cairngorms National Park · Speyside Way · 1 city within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Newtonmore (8 min by train)

    49
  9. 25
    PitlochryGold walking rating

    5 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Ben Vrackie (842m) · Cairngorms National Park · Rob Roy Way · 3 cities within 2 hours

    48
  10. 26
    TullochGold walking rating

    27 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Creag Dhubh (660m) · Rannoch - Nevis - Mamores - Alder

    For the same hills: Roy Bridge (5 miles away)

    48

Best in Wales

The 10 highest-scoring stations in Wales.

  1. 9
    Roman BridgeGold walking rating

    60 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Farlwyd (576m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Dolwyddelan (6 min by train), Blaenau Ffestiniog (4 miles away), Pont-y-Pant (9 min by train) and Betws-y-Coed (6 miles away)

    60
  2. 13
    MachynllethGold walking rating

    35 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Mynydd Rhyd-galed (502m) · Eryri / Snowdonia · Glyndŵr's Way

    For the same hills: Fairbourne (11 miles away), Dovey Junction (4 miles away), Llwyngwril (11 miles away), Penhelig (8 miles away) and 4 more

    56
  3. 17
    PenrhyndeudraethGold walking rating

    34 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Ysgyfarnogod (623m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llandecwyn (7 min by train), Minffordd (6 min by train), Talsarnau (9 min by train), Porthmadog (3 miles away) and 2 more

    52
  4. 18
    DolgarrogGold walking rating

    26 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Eilio (546m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llanfairfechan (8 miles away), North Llanrwst (9 min by train), Tal-y-Cafn (9 min by train), Penmaenmawr (7 miles away) and 6 more

    51
  5. 19
    Morfa MawddachGold walking rating

    31 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Braich Ddu (546m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Barmouth (9 min by train), Llanaber (3 miles away) and Talybont (5 miles away)

    50
  6. 20
    AbergavennySilver walking rating

    11 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Blorenge (561m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 4 cities within 2 hours

    50
  7. 22
    Bangor (Gwynedd)Gold walking rating

    21 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Moel Wnion (580m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llanfairpwll (3 miles away)

    49
  8. 27
    LlanhillethSilver walking rating

    9 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Gwastad (551m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 4 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Ebbw Vale Parkway (5 miles away), Pontypool & New Inn (5 miles away), Cwmbran (6 miles away), Newport (S Wales) (10 miles away) and 3 more

    47
  9. 28
    Ebbw Vale TownSilver walking rating

    11 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Mynydd Carn-y-cefn (550m) · Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons · 3 cities within 2 hours

    For the same hills: Pontlottyn (4 miles away) and Rhymney (4 miles away)

    47
  10. 35
    HarlechGold walking rating

    19 listed hills within 8 miles, nearest Clip (595m) · Eryri / Snowdonia

    For the same hills: Llanbedr (3 miles away), Llandanwg (8 min by train), Pensarn (Gwynedd) (2 miles away) and Dyffryn Ardudwy (5 miles away)

    45

Best from your city

The best-scoring stations between 20 minutes and 1hr 30min from each city on our city pages, with the quickest train from there.

From Bath
  1. Cholsey1hr
  2. Reading1hr
  3. Chepstow1hr 22min
  4. Kemble59min
  5. Maidenhead1hr 16min
From Birmingham
  1. Macclesfield1hr 7min
  2. Dronfield1hr 27min
  3. Chepstow1hr 26min
  4. Stonehouse1hr 17min
  5. Cheltenham Spa43min
From Brighton
  1. Southease31min
  2. Merstham52min
  3. Amberley1hr 13min
  4. Betchworth1hr 9min
  5. Bosham1hr 13min
From Bristol
  1. Abergavenny1hr 6min
  2. Llanhilleth1hr 21min
  3. Cholsey1hr 13min
  4. Reading1hr 10min
  5. Chepstow50min
From Cambridge
  1. Wapping1hr 23min
  2. Norwich1hr 15min
  3. Ebbsfleet International1hr 30min
  4. Huntingdon1hr 16min
  5. Bayford1hr 22min
From Cardiff
  1. Abergavenny40min
  2. Llanhilleth48min
  3. Ebbw Vale Town1hr 2min
  4. Treherbert1hr 9min
  5. Pentre-Bach1hr
From Durham
  1. Haltwhistle1hr 19min
  2. Saltburn1hr 21min
  3. Gypsy Lane1hr 13min
  4. Alnmouth46min
  5. Northallerton31min
From Edinburgh
  1. Tweedbank1hr 1min
  2. Alnmouth1hr 3min
  3. Lockerbie1hr 2min
  4. Berwick-upon-Tweed44min
  5. Croy39min
From Exeter
  1. Okehampton39min
  2. Pewsey1hr 25min
  3. Newton Abbot22min
  4. Keynsham1hr 26min
  5. Exmouth32min
From Glasgow
  1. Arrochar & Tarbet1hr 21min
  2. Garelochhead1hr 2min
  3. Penrith North Lakes1hr 30min
  4. Balloch52min
  5. Haymarket44min
From Lancaster
  1. Windermere41min
  2. Penrith North Lakes38min
  3. Bentham33min
  4. Cononley1hr 30min
  5. Foxfield1hr 29min
From Leeds
  1. Horton-in-Ribblesdale1hr 13min
  2. Bentham1hr 20min
  3. Dronfield1hr 5min
  4. Cononley36min
  5. Todmorden53min
From Liverpool
  1. Macclesfield1hr 20min
  2. Oxenholme Lake District1hr 20min
  3. Todmorden1hr 15min
  4. Ruabon1hr 13min
  5. Wigan North Western32min
From London
  1. Winchester1hr 2min
  2. Cholsey49min
  3. Bath Spa1hr 19min
  4. Reading27min
  5. Southease1hr 14min
From Manchester
  1. Edale45min
  2. Hadfield40min
  3. Macclesfield24min
  4. Dove Holes57min
  5. Dronfield1hr 27min
From Newcastle
  1. Haltwhistle56min
  2. Brampton (Cumbria)1hr 17min
  3. Alnmouth31min
  4. Northallerton48min
  5. Thirsk1hr 16min
From Oxford
  1. Winchester1hr 14min
  2. Cholsey32min
  3. Bath Spa1hr 18min
  4. Reading29min
  5. Kemble1hr 12min
From Sheffield
  1. Edale36min
  2. Macclesfield1hr 5min
  3. Matlock1hr 11min
  4. Birchwood1hr 20min
  5. Ferriby1hr 26min
From Southampton
  1. Cholsey1hr 27min
  2. Reading1hr 3min
  3. Maidenhead1hr 23min
  4. Haslemere1hr 21min
  5. Guildford1hr 6min
From Stirling
  1. Pitlochry1hr 5min
  2. Blair Atholl1hr 26min
  3. Haymarket39min
  4. Dunkeld & Birnam51min
  5. Croy20min
From Swansea
  1. Llangadog1hr 16min
  2. Ammanford50min
  3. Taffs Well1hr 21min
  4. Clunderwen1hr 13min
  5. Clarbeston Road1hr 21min
From York
  1. Cononley1hr 12min
  2. Saltburn1hr 22min
  3. Scarborough51min
  4. Northallerton21min
  5. Thirsk20min

How we ranked them

We scored every station with regular trains that serves a walking area, leaving out city-centre stations. Each station gets a score out of 100 from four things:

  • Hills (45%). How many hills on the recognised lists (Munros, Wainwrights, Ethels, Hewitts, Nuttalls, Deweys and Marilyns) are within 8 miles, with bigger hills counting for more: each counts in proportion to its height. Each extra hill adds a little less than the one before.
  • Landscape (15%). Full marks for a station serving a National Park, and a little over half for a National Landscape, National Scenic Area or Wild Land Area.
  • Trails (10%). A National Trail or one of Scotland's Great Trails within a mile, counting up to two.
  • Reach (30%). How many of the 22 cities on our city pages are within 2hr by train.

We list each hill area once, under its highest-scoring station, and name the others beside it. A station joins a higher-scoring one when it's within 6 miles and 10 minutes by train, within 1 mile on any line, or when 60% or more of its hills are also within 8 miles of the higher-scoring station.

This is a ranking for hill walking. Coast and lowland walks score low because their high points aren't on the hill lists, so a fine cliff walk like the Seven Sisters ranks well down. Journey times are averages from our timetable data, not a live timetable: check your train before you travel.