There are plenty of hills that will be excluded from the prime list of Worthies, not because they do not deserve approbation but simply due to the wealth of local talent surrounding them. It is not the aim of the Worthies to list every single hill of merit and where an area abounds with quality only the best of the best will be chosen. This is particularly the case in places such as Torridon, where mountains that are undoubtedly magnificent individuals just happen to be marginally overshadowed by neighbours that are even more magnificent. Nonetheless, it is my aim to give an honourable mention to such summits in the chapters which document their more esteemed neighbours. In that way these otherwise superb hills gain due recognition.

However, there are also many hills that do not quite make the grade, yet are sufficiently significant as to warrant inclusion, perhaps through one outstanding characteristic or their enhanced attraction through relative isolation from other upland districts. The former reason is why the Pennine landmark High Cup Nick gains Worthy status despite only achieving a rating of 64; it simply excels amidst the surrounding fells. For the second consideration, there are regions of distinctive character which do not exhibit a shining star, yet bring a unique perspective to the list. Wiltshire’s Pewsey Downs is an apposite example, which may merely be a pleasant walk in rolling countryside but showcases a compelling element of Britain’s upland spectrum.

Unfortunately, there are issues with bestowing Worthy status to the finest hill in a distinctive area simply because of the region’s unique qualities. The hills still need to be really good! Such a case I am presently grappling with is the Cotswolds, surely a desirable inclusion, being immensely picturesque, surpassing the one-thousand-foot contour and with a one-hundred-mile-long escarpment. Nevertheless, I have not yet identified a hill in the Cotswolds that truly shines!

As a result of the above cogitations, I have created a subsidiary category deemed Minor Worthies. In most cases these will be hills that are not considered of outstanding Worthy status but are still important – effectively detailing decent hills that are not geographically close to a major Worthy and consequently not included as an honourable mention in a parent chapter. This is very much a subjective grey area and may well metamorphose over time, although if nothing else, it will be some compensation for the effort I have expended climbing hills that didn’t make the definitive list, yet have charm and value!

Think of a Worthy as a ‘must climb’ hill, worth travelling some distance for. Think of a Minor Worthy as an ascent with merit well worth your attention if you are in the vicinity. An excellent example of this is Criffel, the feature image at the top of this page. It’s a solitary hill with an unmissable view so needs recognition!

The Clywdian Range is a good example of a Minor Worthy. I carried out two visits to these hills in the likelihood that they would be Worthy and found them to be just not quite up to the mark, for a variety of unexpected reasons. With no higher dignitaries in the neighbourhood the range could have been cast aside, which would be a pity as the undulating ridge has much merit, along with an appealing geographical location. Closer into the heights of Snowdonia, the Moelwynion and Cnicht are another example of fine hills that almost made it, thwarted by near proximity to the Snowdon massif. Thus, they are ideal candidates for the second division. Nearby Moel Siabod and Moel Hebog presently remain under consideration!

Minor Worthies will form a separate section on the website with its own drop-down list of regions. Obviously, adding this additional category increases my workload and I did agonise as to whether to create it. However, with all Worthies your help and input is appreciated. Suggestions and photographs are welcome and even co-writers producing full features on specific hills would certainly be considered. That would be a great help in completing this task during my lifetime!