You don’t need a car (or a plane ticket) to enjoy some mega mountain adventures. From steam trains to waterbuses, here’s how to explore the UK and further afield in green style.  

Kinder Scout on the Hope Valley Line

Not only is this trans-Pennine railway one of the most scenic lines in England, it also offers easy access to the Peaks from Manchester and Sheffield. www.nationalrail.co.uk 

The Snowdon Sherpa

Simply the best way to link all ‘big six’ walks up Snowdon. www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru 

Night train to the Scottish Highlands

The recently revamped London-Scotland Caledonian Express service is a stylish – if pricey – way to reach the Highlands. www.sleeper.scot 

Loch Lomond by waterbus

Catch the train from Glasgow to Balloch, then use the network of waterbuses to explore. www.lochlomond-trossachs.org 

The North York Moors Railway

Hop on a traditional steam or diesel locomotive to see the splendour of the North York Moors. www.nymr.co.uk  

The Yorkshire Dales via the Settle to Carlisle line

The famous Ribblehead Viaduct is the poster boy of this historic line, which winds through the Yorkshire Dales’ lonely heart. settle-carlisle.co.uk 

Reach Skye on the Kyle Line

Breathe in wild views of lochs, moors and the peaks of Torridon as you chug westwards from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. 

Explore Europe’s mountain ranges for 99 euros

 Invest in a 99 euro InterFlix pass and spend up to three months exploring the high places of Europe. interflix.flixbus.com 

Share a carriage with the skiers

After a winter Alpine fix? Between December and April, you can catch the Eurostar ski train directly from London to the French Alps. www.eurostar.com 

The Picos de Europa by sea

Take a ferry from Portsmouth to Santander, gateway to the glorious Picos de Europa. www.brittany-ferries.co.uk 

This article is part of our latest ‘Tread Softly’ series on sustainability in the outdoor world, which is published in partnership with GP Batteries. Find out how rechargeable batteries can help cut your environmental impact (Sponsored).

Read the full Tread Softly special in the February 2020 issue of The Great Outdoors.