Valentines Day is nigh, and ring boxes are being nervously stashed in jacket pockets all over the country. If you’re planning on proposing this Saturday then here are five fabulous summit settings to choose from.
As somebody who got engaged in a damp-infested bedsit with a bottle of champagne and a few scattered rose petals the only concessions to romance, I can safely say that a mountaintop is the best place to pop the question. Valentines Day falls on a Saturday this year, which means you can legitimately get her (or him, for that matter) to the summit of your chosen peak without exciting too much suspicion. But which hills have that perfect combination of scenic appeal and seclusion - plus a descent that won’t tax your shaking legs? Here’s my pick of the top contenders.
Blencathra
This elegant starfish of a mountain has all the ingredients necessary for the perfect proposal. It’s easy to access (park on the A66 and you won’t have too far to lug that bottle of bubbly), the views from the top are as romantic as they come, and the grade I/II winter climb to the summit via Sharp Edge is one of the most thrilling snowy ascents in the Lakes. Be warned, though: if your other half is less experienced in the mountaineering stakes than you are then they might not appreciate being shoehorned into crampons and coerced along this stupendously exposed ridge. An alternative is to take the Scales Fell route to the top and find a secluded spot somewhere in the direction of Mungrisdale Common to get down on one knee. Remember, though, that you’ll still need plenty of winter experience to tackle a hill of Blencathra’s stature by any route in current conditions.
Snowdon
It had to be in there really, didn’t it? Wales’ highest is at its best in winter, when the trains stop running and the flow of tourists eases to a gentle trickle. It’s also a status peak, by which I mean that you can brag about proposing on the summit of Snowdon and even non-hill walkers will know what you’re on about. Then there’s the fact that there are just so many routes to the top. Winter veterans can pick their way over Crib Goch, couples in search of seclusion might choose to meander up via the Rhyd-Ddu Path, and if you’re introducing a winter walking virgin to the joys of snowy mountaintops then you could even decide to make the gentle ascent up from Llanberis. Personally I’d pick a spot just shy of the summit (not Snowdon’s most scenic spot) to get the ring out - and be prepared to accept the congratulations of passing walkers.
Arthur’s Seat
If your partner isn’t the ice axe-loving type but you still fancy the idea of a peak proposal then Edinburgh’s mini mountain could be the answer. Crampons might still be required to negotiate the steep and rocky ascent in winter conditions, but this cracking little hill is thrilling without being too bloomin’ scary. It feels surprisingly wild for a city centre summit and you’re sure to find somewhere private to pop the question. On the other hand, Edinburgh’s sterling selection of restaurants and bars are easily on hand for post-proposal celebrations.
Fan Brycheiniog
Another small, secluded peak with bags of romantic appeal, Fan Brycheiniog is often overlooked by hill walkers hot-footing it to nearby Pen y Fan. The lack of crowds leaves the glacial ridge that undulates away from the summit feeling even more isolated - perfect for bashful romantics. On the tramp to the top you’ll be treated to lip-licking views over the cliffs of Bannau Sir Gaer and Lyn y Fan Fach. The trig point itself lays on an incredible panorama, with most of South Wales visible on clear days. Descend via the ‘Staircase’ to find a sheltered picnic spot by the shores of Lyn y Fan Fawr before following the base of the cliffs (boggy in normal conditions but perfect in the frost) westwards to rejoin the Beacons Way.
The Brecon Beacons is now an International Dark Sky Reserve, so if you fancy making this route all the more thrilling then why not try walking it beneath the stars? And if you somehow missed your cue and need another chance to get down on one knee, the gentler trails of Waterfall Country are just a hop and a skip away.
An Teallach
Perhaps you’re a seasoned winter climber who’s been scoffing at all these gentle ascents and diminutive tops. Maybe you and your other half think nothing of shinning up a snowy Crib Goch and back again before breakfast. In that case, only a Scottish winter ridge will be a sufficiently spectacular proposal spot for you.
Liathach, Aonach Eagach and Curved Ridge on the Buchaille are all strong contenders, but if it were me then I’d opt for An Teallach. This three-star, grade two winter climb is probably the most spectacular snowy ridge traverse in mainland Britain. The exposure is pant wetting, the views are consistently awesome throughout, the day is fabulously long, and even seriously experienced mountaineers will have overdosed on adrenaline by the end. Keep a careful eye on the forecast and only attempt this one in good conditions, giving yourself plenty of extra time for ring-related shenanigans. You might want to leave the proposal part until the main difficulties are done with to avoid a bad case of shaky climbing legs.
What do you think?
This is, of course, just one person’s pick of Britain’s most romantic peaks, and we’d love to hear your personal selection. Are you popping the question this Valentines Day? Did you propose over a trig point? Don’t be shy - share your stories with us. Email summit@thebmc.co.uk or tweet us @team_BMC.
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