9 volcanoes to see in the UK
15th July 2012
The UK may not have any active volcanoes anymore – but the landscapes that they have sculpted are still a sight to behold, argues Katherine Price
1. Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Volcanic activity here 60 million years ago pushing lava up through fissures in the ground led to the creation of the Giant's Causeway – 40,000 basalt columns stretching into the sea, some 40ft high. Locals will tell you they are the creation of the mighty giant Finn McCool, who built the causeway for his love. It's one of the most stunning rock formations you'll ever see, resembling a giant stone beehive.
The coast is great for birdwatching and spotting rare and unusual plant life, and the Runkerry trail offers one of the most visually spectacular two-mile walks. Four trails have been marked out along the coast, whether for an easy jaunt or a coastal hike. The coastal path itself stretches for 12 miles from the Causeway to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (not for the faint of heart).
2. Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
In the centre of Edinburgh sits the city's highest peak: Arthur's Seat. A long extinct volcano thought to have first erupted 350 million years ago, it offers the best panoramic view over the city. The walking trails, especially to the summit, can tend to be busy midday. To beat the crowds, aim to go either early morning or late afternoon (or even at sunrise to see the sun rise over one of the UK's most beautiful cities).
There are several paths depending on your ability. The easiest approach is from above Dunsapie Loch. It's well-marked, although it can be steep and rocky in places. The mountain's other peaks – Whinny Hill, Crow Hill and Nether Hill – tend to be much quieter and are all relatively easy to climb. It is a great addition to your itinerary if you're visiting the city.
3. Ardnamurchan, Scotland
The wild west coast of Scotland offers an unspoilt, undisturbed peninsula. One of its only access points is a single track road – perfect for cyclists and walkers seeking some solace. The north-western corner of Ardnamurchan contains an underground volcanic complex 55 million years old.
There are hundreds of local, historical and guided walks around the region. The geo-trail along the peninsula is the best, where you can see the rocky cliffs formed by the area's first volcanic eruption. Mingary Castle sits atop two sheets of cooled, harden molten rock, while the abandoned village of Glendrian is situated within the volcanic amphitheatre, or 'ring-dykes'. The coast is also a home to many rare species; such as wildcats, pine martens and golden and white-tailed eagles.
4. Snowdonia, North Wales
Snowdonia National Park is probably one of the most well-known mountain ranges in the UK, and the walking possibilities are numerous. Most hikers concentrate on Snowdon itself, the rocks of which were formed by volcanoes around 444-488 million years ago. However, it is often busy, especially with the Mountain Railway, which can transport visitors straight to the summit. The lower mountains are just as beautiful and less crowded; the best are generally considered to be Y Garn, Moelwyn Mawr and Pen Llithrig y Wrach.
The entire coastline is a Special Conservation Area, and many rare mammals and birds can be spotted; including ospreys, red kites, polecats and peregrines. Swallow Fells and the Gwydir Forest are also superb sites of natural beauty worth visiting. The entire park has 1,479 miles of public footpaths and 164 miles of public bridleways in total, making it a fantastic location merely to roam until your heart's content and see where you end up.
5. Castle Rock, Edinburgh
Unlike the other volcanoes on this list, Castle Rock just happens to have a castle built on top of it (hence the name). The rock is around 340 million years old, providing the land with a natural defence and the castle itself defended by cliffs up to 80m high. The rock and its castle are another great attraction for a visit to Edinburgh. The castle is situated in the old town section of the city, surrounded by well preserved Reformation-era architecture.
The castle has a fascinating history, having served as a prison many times over, including for both world wars. It still retains many military traditions (including the One O'Clock Gun fired every day) and events. It also houses the National War Museum of Scotland.
6. The Borrowdale Volcanic Group, Lake District
Borrowdale Volcanic Group is made up of igneous rock formations roughly 450 million years old. They are thought to be the remains of a volcanic island arc, which developed as an oceanic crust forced under by a crustal movement as two plates met, pushing them into the south-east of England.
The Lake District section of the group is largely composed of lava and volcanic rock, and makes for a dramatic landscape. They extend from Wasdale and the Duddon Valley over to Haweswater. All of these areas have fantastic mountains perfect for hiking, including Helvellyn, Scafell, Scafell Pike and the Great Gable. Wasdale is also famous for being an ideal rock climbing spot.
7. Glen Coe, Scotland
What remains of the ancient super-volcano can be experienced by skiing, climbing, snowboarding, sledging, hiking and mountain biking, depending on the time of year you choose to visit. It's a landscape sculpted by volcanic eruption and glaciation.
Most walkers take the Devil's Staircase across the hill to Kinlochleven, while the best routes for hillwalkers can be found in the mountain range of the Bidean nam Bian. Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor are also good sites, the latter of which is one of the areas' best spots for climbing. The Aonach Eagach scramble also features two of Scotland's trickiest Munro hills: Sgorr nam Fiannaidh and Meall Dearg.
8. The Cheviot Hills, Northumberland
Running along the England-Scotland divide, the Cheviot Hills are associated with old red sandstone volcanics, formed by volcanic lava flows smoothed over by ice sheets moving across the region. Most of the English side of the hills is open country, though some of it does belong to the Otterburn Army Training Estate. However, there are networks of footpaths and cycling trails to keep you on the right track.
The remote Pennine Way runs along the very fence of the country border for nearly 20 miles, and for real walking enthusiasts there's 'The Big One' – a 23-mile trail across six of the Cheviot Hills starting in Harthope Valley. Iron Age hillforts dot the secluded landscape, as do rivers home to dippers and otters, and Linhope Spout waterfall.
9. Cuillin, Isle of Skye
The Black Cuillin, formed from volcanic rock, are individually great for scramblers, climbers and mountaineers. They are beautiful, but they are challenging. A full traverse of the ridge, despite only being seven miles long, is likely to take you 15-20 hours. It's not for the inexperienced, as the routes are very long and often very exposed. There are walks for a minimum of one hour, while there are others that can take up to seven days to complete.
There are walks for all abilities, but for the less sure it is recommended that you hire a guide. The least technical route to the highest peak of the Isle, Sgurr Alasdair at 3,255 feet, is the Great Stone Chute.
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