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Hiking and walking glossary

A plain-English guide to the words walkers use, from col and cairn to Munro and Wainwright, with a gentle note on how each one might come up when you're dating.

Hills, valleys and water

Fell
A hill or mountain in northern England, especially in the Lake District and the Pennines. Also used for open hill country.
In dating: Telling someone you're 'off up the fell on Saturday' is a lovely way to hint at a date.
Summit
The highest point of a hill or mountain.
In dating: Pack a flask: sharing a drink at the summit is a classic first-walk finish.
Ridge
A long, narrow stretch of high ground with the land falling away on both sides.
In dating: Ridge walks are brilliant for views, but pick a clear, calm day for a first date.
Col
A low point, or saddle, along a ridge between two peaks.
In dating: A col is a handy place to stop for a sit-down and a chat.
Tarn
A small mountain lake, often found in a hollow high in the hills.
In dating: A tarn is a lovely place for a picnic if you're both happy with a bit of uphill.
Scree
A slope of loose small stones. It can shift under your feet and is tiring to climb.
In dating: If your date picks a scree route, you may learn a lot about their sense of humour.
Scramble
Steep, rocky ground where you use your hands as well as your feet. Less than full climbing, but not for everyone.
In dating: Do ask first. A scramble is a fun shared adventure for some and a nightmare for others.
Moorland
Open, high, often boggy ground covered in heather and grass, as on the North York Moors and Dartmoor.
In dating: Moors have few landmarks, so check the weather and keep to clear paths.
Tor
A rocky outcrop on top of a hill, especially on Dartmoor.
In dating: A tor makes a great, easy-to-spot meeting point.
Dale
A valley, mainly in northern England, as in the Yorkshire Dales.
In dating: A gentle dale walk is ideal when you're keeping the first date short.
Glen
A narrow valley, usually in Scotland or Ireland.
In dating: Glen walks often follow a river, with easy paths and a good chance of a coffee at the end.
Beck
A small stream or brook in northern England.
In dating: Crossing a beck together on stepping stones is a great test of teamwork.
Burn
A small stream or brook in Scotland and parts of northern England.
In dating: Same as a beck, with a Scottish accent.

Hill lists and challenges

Munro
A Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres). There is a famous list of them.
In dating: Ask 'how many Munros have you done?' and be ready for a long and happy answer.
Corbett
A Scottish hill between 2,500 and 3,000 feet. A little smaller than a Munro, and a popular list of its own.
In dating: Perfect for a hill date that feels like an achievement but stays kind to the knees.
Wainwright
One of the 214 Lakeland fells described by Alfred Wainwright in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Walkers love to 'complete' them.
In dating: Finding someone halfway through the Wainwrights is a handy shared project.
Bagging
Ticking off hills from a list, such as Munros or Wainwrights. 'Peak bagging' or 'bagging a summit'.
In dating: Bagging a summit together is a nice bit of team spirit.

Paths and signs

Footpath
A public path for people on foot.
In dating: Check the route on a map before you set out, and wear shoes you're happy to get muddy in.
Bridleway
A public path open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
In dating: Be ready to share the path, and say hello to the horses.
Right of way
A path that the public are allowed to use across land. Rules differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check locally.
In dating: Your first walk is a good time to follow the signed paths.
Waymarker
A sign, post or coloured marker that shows the direction of a path or trail.
In dating: A waymarker spotted first earns you navigation points.
Stile
Steps or a ladder that lets walkers cross a fence or wall.
In dating: A hand to help over a stile is a kind and easy gesture.
Kissing gate
A small swing gate in a fence that lets people through but keeps animals in.
In dating: Holding it open for the other person is a small, friendly gesture.
Cairn
A pile of stones that marks a path or summit.
In dating: Adding a stone to a cairn together is a sweet little moment.
Trig point
A concrete pillar, often on a summit, that surveyors used for mapping. Short for triangulation point.
In dating: Taking a photo at the trig point is the traditional summit selfie.
Dry-stone wall
A wall built from stones without cement, seen across the hills and dales of northern England and Wales.
In dating: They make a great spot to lean on while you catch your breath.
Circular walk
A route that returns to where it started without going back the same way.
In dating: Circular walks are great for first dates because you finish right at the car park.
Out and back
A route where you walk to a point and return the same way.
In dating: Handy if you want the option to turn around early.
Long-distance path
A waymarked route that runs for many miles, often walked over several days. Examples include the Pennine Way and the West Highland Way.
In dating: Ask where they'd walk if they had a fortnight off.

Kit and shelter

Gaiters
Waterproof covers that fit over the lower leg and boot to keep out mud, water and stones.
In dating: Not glamorous, but your date will be glad of dry socks.
Walking poles
Adjustable poles that help with balance and take pressure off the knees on ups and downs.
In dating: Poles are no bar to romance. Many experienced walkers swear by them.
Base layer
A thin layer worn next to the skin that keeps you warm and wicks away sweat.
In dating: Layering is the secret to staying comfortable and chatting happily.
Daysack
A small rucksack for carrying water, snacks and spare layers on a day walk.
In dating: Share what's in yours: there's nothing like a spare flapjack to make a friend.
Hiking boots
Sturdy footwear with grip and ankle support for uneven ground.
In dating: Break your boots in before the first date, not on it.
Bothy
A simple shelter in remote hill country, usually free to use, with no facilities beyond four walls. Many are looked after by volunteers.
In dating: A bothy night is a big step, so save the idea for much later.

Meanings can vary a little between regions, and some words are used differently in different parts of the UK. Always check the weather and conditions before heading out, and wear sensible footwear. Got a favourite hiking word we've missed? Tell us when you join.

Quick hiking word questions

What is the difference between a footpath and a bridleway?

A footpath is for people on foot. A bridleway is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, so you may share it.

What is a Munro?

A Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres). Walkers who climb them are often called Munro baggers.

What does bothy mean?

A bothy is a simple shelter in remote hill country, usually free to use, with no facilities beyond four walls.

What should I wear on a first walk?

Sturdy boots or walking shoes, layers you can add or remove, and a waterproof. Always check the weather first.

Now go and find a walking partner

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