Mountain rescue teams have reported record callouts year on year, with more people in need of help on British mountains. In its 2024 annual review, Mountain Rescue England and Wales revealed that the majority of its callouts were a result of (in order) human errors, weather, inexperience, unfamiliarity with chosen pursuit, tired or unfit participants, and poor visibility.
When exploring any of these mountains, it’s important that you take the necessary precautions: only visit on days with good weather and visibility, pack plenty of layers and food, plot a clear route and stick to the paths, make sure any equipment you’re packing is in good working order, and don’t overdo it if you’re exhausted or unwell.
These are some of the deadliest mountains in England, Scotland, Wales – and beyond.
The UK's deadliest mountains
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Wales’s highest mountain has seen a massive influx of visitors over the past few years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) has been referred to as ‘Britain’s busiest mountain’, attracting around 750,000 people per year. While many choose to take the mountain railway most of the way, plenty choose to make the fairly substantial hike – many of whom may not be regular hikers and may not be armed with the right kit or sufficient food. Mountain Rescue is regularly called out to Yr Wyddfa, with the local Llanberis Mountain Rescue now the busiest team in the UK, often dealing with several calls in a day.
- Elevation: 1085m
- Average number of deaths per year: 8
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and has seen over 100 recorded fatalities since 1849 – but there’s a good chance the number could be higher due to the potential of lone climbers who may never have been reported as lost. There’s an average of three deaths per year, but a significantly higher number of ‘average notable incidents’ – which don’t sound like they’d be much fun either. The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded to 165 callouts to Ben Nevis, making it their busiest year on record.
Over the last few years, the main cause of death for mountaineers and hikers has been avalanches, which are a serious risk on Ben Nevis – particularly during the winter when the snow builds up. Others have died while rock-climbing the more challenging parts of Ben Nevis, or getting stuck in bad weather. The weather on Ben Nevis can turn in a moment, and walkers may experience four seasons in one day – so you should be prepared for any eventuality. There are multiple routes up Ben Nevis, ranging in difficulty, so it’s important to prepare your route in advance. The most difficult routes are only to be attempted by very experienced rock climbers, and experience of scrambling and hillwalking is essential on whichever route you take.
- Elevation: 1345m
- Average number of deaths per year: 3
Tryfan
The rugged Welsh peak Tryfan is one of the more challenging climbs in the UK, with no marked footpaths to reach the top. Whichever route you choose, you have to use your hands to reach the top – so it’s the perfect mountain for those wanting to bridge the gap between hiking and mountaineering. Even the easiest route is classed as a grade 1 scramble, so there’s no escape from the tougher climbs on this iconic peak.
But it’s also the perfect place to get completely lost and stuck in a gully, which many people have fallen prey to over the years. Tryfan accounted for 28% of all callouts to the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue team in 2024, and Y-Gully was the site of a fatal accident in May. Another walker died on Tryfan later that year after losing his group and falling on the descent.
Sir Edmund Hillary and his team used Tryfan as a training ground for their summit of Everest in 1953, the first successful group to climb the Himalayan mountain.
- Elevation: 917m
- Average numbers of deaths per year: 2
Scafell Pike
Around 250,000 people climb Scafell Pike each year, many of them taking part in the National Three Peaks Challenge. This mountain produces one of the highest numbers of callouts to the local Keswick Mountain Rescue team. In June 2024, the National Trust and conservation project Fix the Fells announced that it would build a cairn to assist with navigation and introduce signage at the Piers Gill junction, warning visitors of a perilous blackspot. This was following four deaths in eight years and more than 40 rescues (and serious injuries acquired) in the treacherous Piers Gill ravine. This area is particularly risky because it is steep and rocky, making it very easy to fall or get injured.
- Elevation: 978m
- Average numbers of deaths per year: 2
Helvellyn
Helvellyn is one of the easier mountains to climb in this area, with a variety of different routes to the summit. It’s not without difficulties, however, with Striding Edge providing a grade 1 scramble and ridge walk. The climb from Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn can be particularly dangerous during winter, thanks to its steep icy terrain. Walkers have been known to get caught out without the right equipment in winter, such as crampons or ice axes. ‘The Chimney’ is another difficult area for walkers, involving a descent through a rocky area, which can provide challenges for those with limited scrambling experience.
In 2024, three people died on Helvellyn, making it one of the mountain’s deadliest years since 2015. It was also a record year for mountain rescue callouts.
- Elevation: 950m
- Average numbers of deaths per year: unknown (but at least three people died in 2024 after falling from ridges)
Crib Goch
Like its neighbour Tryfan, Crib Goch is packed full of grade 1 scrambles and plenty of challenges for hikers. Crib Goch arguably has the edge though, with an extremely exposed 500-metre-long knife-edge ridge. This poses a challenge to even the most confident hill walkers, who must hold their nerve for the entire duration of the ridge. The terrain is loose and rocky, which at this height can be fatal. Crib Goch should only be attempted on a dry day with low wind, as any wind or difficult weather conditions on the ridge presents significant risks for those crossing.
- Elevation: 923m
- Average numbers of deaths per year: 1-3
The deadliest mountains in the world
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is considered to be one of the deadliest mountains in the world, thanks to its high number of climbers, skiers and hikers throughout the year – and the frequency of accidents. Climate change has increased the frequency of events such as rockfalls and avalanches, which have long been a problem for Mont Blanc's visitors. Snow patterns have also been affected, with snow melting faster in some areas and instability created in the terrain. As is the case with many other mountains, overcrowding is now a major issue on Mont Blanc, which causes difficulties in managing safety on the climb.
- Elevation: 4809m
- Average numbers of deaths per year: 10-20
Mount Everest
There's no surprise that the highest mountain in the world sees some of the highest number of fatalities. Over 340 people have died attempting to reach or return from the summer of Everest. Most deaths on Everest are due to falls, altitude sickness, exhaustion and low oxygen. The highest level of Everest is in the 'death zone', a mountaineering term for altitudes above a certain point where the oxygen pressure level is not sufficient to sustain human life. Many deaths in this area have been caused by the effects of decreased oxygen pressure. 18 died on Everest in 2023, making it the deadliest year on record.
- Elevation: 8849m
- Average numbers of deaths per year: 5
Find out more about Britain's hills and mountains
