What on earth is an Ethel? The Peak District peak-bagging challenge
If you’ve spent any time in a Peak District car park recently, you’ve likely heard hikers muttering about "bagging an Ethel." No, they haven’t joined a vintage knitting circle or Tinder for the elderly. They are tackling one of the most accessible, family-friendly, and occasionally boggy peak-bagging challenges in the UK.
While the Lake District has its Wainwrights and Scotland has its Munros, the Peak District has the Ethels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying to convince the kids that a "slog" up a hill is actually fun, here is everything you need to know about these local legends.
What Exactly is an Ethel?
An Ethel is a hill within the Peak District National Park boundary that meets specific criteria: it is either over 400m above sea level or is a significant lower prominent hill.
In total, there are 95 Ethels to tick off.
The list was created by the charity CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire in 2021. It serves as a tribute to the hills that make this corner of the world so special—from the gritstone edges of the Dark Peak to the rolling limestone dales of the White Peak.
How Did They Get Their Name?
The name isn't just a quirky choice; it’s a nod to a local hero. They are named after Ethel Haythornthwaite.
If you love the British countryside, you owe Ethel a pint. She was a pioneer of the environmental movement and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Peak District as the UK’s first National Park in 1951. You can read more about Ethel’s incredible legacy here. Naming these peaks after her is a brilliant way to remember the woman who fought to keep these spaces open for all of us to trudge through.
The Big Hitters: Which is the Most Famous?
While there are 95 to choose from, one stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of fame: Kinder Scout.
At 636m, it’s the highest point in the Peak District. It’s famous not just for its height, but for the 1932 Mass Trespass, which eventually led to the "right to roam" we enjoy today. Other "must-bag" Ethels include:
- Mam Tor: The "Shivering Mountain"—perfect for a sunrise walk with the kids.
- Thorpe Cloud: The iconic limestone cone guarding the entrance to Dovedale. The Ethel of choice for our first ever hike togther!.
- Win Hill: Offering arguably the best view of Ladybower Reservoir.
How Do They Compare to Wainwrights or Munros?
If we’re being honest, the Ethels are probably the "friendly cousin" of the hiking world.
- Munros (Scotland): Must be over 3,000ft ($914.4m$). These are serious mountain undertakings.
- Wainwrights (Lake District): 214 fells. Often steeper and more rugged.
- Ethels (Peak District): With 95 peaks, many are achievable in a short afternoon. They are perfect for families because you can often bag two or three in a single circular walk without the kids staging a full-scale mutiny.
That said, don't underestimate them. A winter’s day on Bleaklow can feel every bit as wild and remote as a Scottish glen!
The Mighty Kit List
Before you head out to bag your first Ethel, make sure you have these three essentials:
- The Ethel Ready App: This is the ultimate tracker for your phone. You can download it for iOS here or Android here. It’s strangely addictive.
- Proper Waterproof Boots: Peak District peat is no joke. It will swallow a trainer whole.
- A Physical OS Map: Phone signals drop the moment you hit a clough. Grab the OS Explorer OL24 (White Peak) or OL1 (Dark Peak).
The Route to Your First Bag
If you're looking for an easy start, head to Mam Tor. It’s paved, the views of Edale are amazing, and it counts as a solid tick on your list of 95. Just be prepared to share the summit with a few dozen others!