Five of the world's most magical mountains
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Why climb a mountain? We all know George Mallory’s famously offhand answer to the question, but in reality there’s a lot more to it than that.
Human fascination with mountains long predates the era of modern mountaineering, and generations past have imbued them with all sorts of spiritual, mythological and symbolic significance. Stretching heavenwards, radiating primal power, they can easily be cast as the realm of deities, or allegories for the soul’s transcendence of the worldly realm.
Even avowed atheists can recognise that mountains mean more to us than just lumps of rock. The search for the profound and elemental, the groping towards self-improvement, the frisson of sublime danger; whatever your religious leanings, or lack of, it can be argued that climbing mountains meets a yearning in the human condition which shares many of the impulses behind spirituality.
Curious? We've compiled a small selection of mountains across the world with particular magical, mystical or mythological significance. Read on to find out more...
1. Pendle Hill, Lancashire
On a spring day in 1612, pedlar John Law was walking along a road near Colne in Lancashire when he was asked by a young woman called Alizon Device for some of his metal pins, the merchandise he was carrying from town to town. The pedlar refused. Moments later he fell to the ground, paralysed on one side. Alizon later confessed her guilt, saying a spirit in the shape of a black dog had appeared before her on the road, offering to punish the pedlar.
So began the chain of events which led to the Pendle witch trials. Four months later, along with nine others found guilty of using nefarious magic, Alizon would be hung to death on the moors near Lancaster. Another four centuries on, Pendle Hill, which looms over the Lancashire towns below with ominous energy, has become symbolic of the Pendle witches. Coincidentally, its name comes from a meshing together of the words for hill in three different languages – the Cumbric ‘pen’, the Old English ‘hyll’, with the modern English ‘hill’ added later.
In other words, it’s a triple tautology – and you know what they say about the number three.
2. Schiehallion, Perthshire
Viewed from Loch Rannoch, the pyramidal shape of Schiehallion radiates significance; perhaps unsurprisingly, of all Scotland’s mountains, it is the one most richly draped in mystical and legendary associations.
Auspiciously positioned almost smack in the centre of the Scottish mainland, its name translates as the ‘Fairy Hill of the Caledonians’ – not your Disney-variety Tinkerbell types, but fiercely defensive supernatural beings prone to dragging those who intrude into their subterranean homes to the underworld. It’s also said to be a stomping ground for the Cailleach Bheur, the personification of winter in Irish and Scottish legend, a blue hag who freezes the landscape, fights the coming of spring and doles out icy death to unwary travellers (or ill-prepared hill walkers.)
Ironically for a hill so shrouded in mystical significance, it was also the site for a pioneering moment of science – a 1774 experiment led by Nevil Maskelyne to calculate the average density of the world. Not only was the resulting figure surprisingly near the mark, the experiment also gave rise to a discovery you see every time you peer at on Ordnance Survey map; while surveying the mountain to conduct measurements, Charles Hutton, a member of the expedition team, hit on the idea of contour lines.
3. Mount Prisank, Slovenia
Humans are prone to seeing things in mountains – often abstract concepts like transcendence, sacredness or power. But on Mount Prisank, the thing in question is rather more literal. Ajdovska deklica, or the ‘Heathen Maiden’, is a rock formation said to bear a striking resemblance to a female face, albeit a slightly Picasso-esque rendering of one.
Local legend says a kind-hearted pagan giantess once prophesied the birth of a boy who would grow up to kill a golden-horned chamois, becoming rich in the process. Angered by the prophecy, her fellow maidens decided to punish her, and before she could say “don’t shoot the messenger,” they had rather harshly turned her into stone. Bad news for the maiden, but the good news for via ferrata fans is that a fine route now traverses the rock nearby.
4. Mount Athos, Greece
The mythology behind Mount Athos’s creation is, literally, epic. Athos was a god who fought on the side of Chaos against the Olympians, led by Zeus. In a battle of Pacific Rim-like proportions, he lobbed a massive rock against Poseidon, which missed, landed in the Aegean Sea and became Mount Athos.
Despite this dramatic ancient Greek origin myth, the 2,030 metre (6,660 feet) mountain is now a place of great significance for Christianity. Cut off from the Greek mainland by a steep and narrow isthmus, Athos was well-situated for religious ascetics seeking retreat from the world, and following the establishment of a monastery in the ninth century was declared off-limits to laymen. Its divine status has survived the tumult of the intervening centuries (the mountain’s governing committee once even struck a deal with Hitler to prevent bombing) and is now home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries in a self-governing region.
Accompanying this Christian heritage are Christian myths; the Virgin Mary is said to have walked ashore and marvelled: "Let this place be your inheritance and your garden, a paradise and a haven of salvation for those seeking to be saved"
5. Kailash, Tibet
Four of the longest rivers in Asia are fed from the slopes of Kailash, and four ancient religions hold it sacred.
For Hindus, its summit is home to Shiva the Destroyer. In Jainism, it neighbours a mountain where the first ‘Tirthankara’ achieved enlightenment. Buddhists believe it to be home to Buddha Demchok, who represents supreme bliss, and for followers of Bön, the Tibetan religion which predated Buddhism, the region in which it resides is the seat of all spiritual power. The 32 mile circumambulation of the mountain is a holy ritual, with some devotees even completing it while prostrating themselves at every step.
Kailash has never been climbed. Its north face, which looks over the Tibetan plateau, is a 6,000 feet high wall assessed by Hugh Ruttledge in 1926 to be “utterly unclimbable.” Its southern slopes are comparatively gentle, but religious awe and border politics have kept people from scaling them. Reinhold Messner was once offered the chance to make an ascent by the Chinese authorities, but refused. The chance was later offered to a Spanish team, but rescinded in the face of international disapproval. Messner commented: "If we conquer this mountain, then we conquer something in people's souls.”
Related Content
Hill Walking Events
Join BMC and komoot on a guided hike at Kendal Mountain Festival 2024. If you have a suitable fitness level for the route and value connecting with other outdoor lovers, you’re invited to hike with us!
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024
Hill Walking Events
Join us on November 4th for a peer-led walk organized by BMC Peak Area volunteers, in the beautiful Peak District.
Rock Destinations
Planning an adventure? Remember to pack BMC Travel Insurance. We’ve got your back: from bouldering in France to trekking in India, sport climbing in Kalymnos to new routes in the Himalaya. Here are five reasons why BMC Travel Insurance is built for the mountains.
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Now is the prime time to plan your winter adventures. To help you explore the British mountains over winter, we have chosen six stunning winter ridges to guarantee a grand day out.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Hill Walking Articles
Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of a long-distance adventure, plus three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge.
Rock Destinations
Here are five of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Mountaineering Destinations
We asked five experienced climbers for their top pick of Europe's alpine routes to get you inspired...
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
How to choose an ice axe for your next winter adventure
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Ger
Everything you need to know about the various types of rope for climbing and mountaineering can be found in our handy, free guide.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Rock Destinations
Have you ticked this list? Five British IFMGA mountain guides pick their absolute favourite long rock routes in the Italian Dolomites, the Aravis range close to Chamonix, and from the ‘Grats’ near Andermatt to the Monts Rouges du Triolet; there’s something for everyone to go at from 5c to 7a. If in any doubt of your skills and experience, you know the score: hire a guide.
Mountaineering Destinations
Five of Chamonix's leading ski guides tell us their favourite beginner ski tours in and around Chamonix.
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Rock Climbing Articles
Test your knowledge and see if you can name these 10 famous British female mountaineers and climbers, from pantaloon-clad pioneers of the alps, to contemporary crushers.
Mountaineering Destinations
This route of great tradition and history has foiled many a keen adventurer, so what does it take to unlock the aura of mystery surrounding Tower Ridge? Fortunately we have film maker and mountaineer Steve Ashworth on hand to explain it all for us.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Mountaineering Destinations
What's the best 4,000m peak in the Alps for beginners? We asked five British Mountain Guides who are based in the Alps this question - Tim Blakemore, Jon Bracey, Matt Helliker, Andy Perkins and Tania Noakes. All of them picked a peak in Switzerland - testament to the concentration of excellent peaks of that altitude there.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Mynydda
Heading to the Alps this summer? Six Chamonix mountain guides explain their favourite routes, all packed with high adventure but with moderate technical difficulty.
Mountaineering Destinations
Here are some facts, figures and background information on the world's highest mountain.
Rock Destinations
Thought sport climbing was all about tiny holds on short routes? Think again. Here we've got five top European venues to recommend you:
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of hiking or hillwalking and other outdoor activities. This guide explains how to prevent and treat blisters accordingly.
Mountaineering Destinations
Are you brave enough for our top five hardest black ski runs in Europe? Ski on - if you dare.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Dringo Creigiau
Here are Steve's McClure's top 8 crags for kids:
Cerdded Bryniau
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mynydda Dysgwch Gêr
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Rock Destinations
Planning a winter sport-climbing escape? Leave the crowds and polish behind with these five best-kept mid-grade Spanish sport secrets. Dos cervezas por favor.
Cerdded Bryniau Newyddion
Many people will have visited the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District and looked at the bronze plaque close to the summit commemorating FRCC members killed in World War One. This plaque was unveiled 100 years ago this year, on 8 June 1924, so this year, the FRCC held a commemorative meet with members staying at their huts in Wasdale, Borrowdale and Buttermere. This was attended by the BMC’s Hill Walking Rep Steve Charles and Lakes Area Rep Ron Kenyon, who sent this fascinating report of the day’s events and the history of the plaque.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Live near London and want to climb outside? Unusual, specific skills are required to access, protect and enjoy the capital's nearest real rock climbing areas. The sandstone outcrops on the borders of Kent and East Sussex are softer than virtually any other climbable rock. Here are the top five skills you need to get started.
Cerdded Bryniau
It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.
Hill Walking Articles
Diversity conversations in the outdoors can’t leave anyone out. At ESEA Outdoors UK we’re celebrating the fact that East and Southeast Asian people go outdoors too, in spite of historical erasure and lack of representation in outdoors media. Here’s what you need to know:
Mountaineering Destinations
If you’re looking for an unforgettable, high altitude trekking holiday this year we’ve got some great ideas for you here in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and India from climbing mountaineering expedition operator Jagged Globe.
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Hill Walking Articles
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Hill Walking Articles
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Hill walking in winter covers a spectrum of difficulty and technicality, take a look at winter walking options, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing a route.