The UK's highest mountain? It's not what you think
Telegraph Travel's "Daytripper" series visited fair Buxton, in the Peak District, last month – but the locals weren't happy. We incorrectly stated that Buxton lies at 951ft above sea level, when in fact it's a little higher.
"As far as I'm aware, the only part of Buxton that is at that elevation [951ft] is the Car Park at Morrisons supermarket, next to the river Wye as it leaves the town boundary," one resident was quick to inform us. "Most of the town is around 1,000ft above sea level and the Market Place is 1,030ft [314m]. Because of our claim to be the highest market town in England, we are perhaps a little sensitive to errors of this kind."
Indeed. Buxton has even had to bat off competition for the title from a Cumbrian upstart. Alston also sits at an altitude of around 1,000ft, and wants a share of the title – but Buxton's residents insist it can't surpass that high point of 1,030ft.
"Without going over the top about it, we’re determined that Buxton’s place at the peak of this league table is defended," Tina Heathcote, of Buxton Town Team, a group of volunteers who promote the town, told the Buxton Advertiser last year. "Even given the undulations of the terrain - Alston is on the side of a hill while our market is on top of one - that still gives us a clear 10m plus or so."
We have, of course, corrected the error. But it also got us thinking about the other British towns, villages and attractions that have a lofty title to trumpet. (Complaints and corrections can be submitted to [email protected]).
Highest city
It's not Sheffield. Or Birmingham. England's highest city, according to the ONS (care of blogger John Mostyn), is Bradford. It possesses both the highest single point within the city boundary (324.9m, putting it ahead of Sheffield, Stoke and Birmingham), and the highest average altitude (168.788m).
The 10 highest English cities
Bradford - 324.9m
Sheffield - 298m
Stoke-on-Trent - 275.9m
Birmingham - 246.6m
Bath - 229.9m
Leeds - 198m
Wolverhampton - 175.9m
Plymouth - 167.8m
Coventry - 161.8m
Brighton - 155.6m
Highest town or village
Not market town, mind you – that's definitely Buxton. Flash, however, also in the Peak District, has long been recognised as Britain's highest town or village. It sits at 463m above sea level – not that impressive when you consider that the highest town on Earth is La Rinconada, Peru, at 5,100m, but they do like to shout about it.
Highest paved road
The dead-end road to the radar station at the summit of Great Dun Fell reaches 840m, making it Britain's highest stretch of tarmac and a popular destination for keen cyclists. In his UK road climbing bible, 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, author Simon Warren says: "This is the greatest climb in England, this is our Mont Ventoux, it has no peers, there is no comparison."
Scotland's highest paved road (and the highest public road – Great Dun Fell is not open to motorists) is Cairnwell Pass, which rises to 670m.
Highest pub
The only thing missing atop Great Dun Fell is somewhere to enjoy a pie and a pint. Not so Tan Hill in the Yorkshire Dales. It is home to the 17th century Tan Hill Inn, which, at 528m above sea level, is the highest pub in Britain. It promises hearty food, real ale and strong winds.
Highest airport
This one won't surprise you, not now you know that Bradford is our highest city. Britain's highest airport is Leeds Bradford, with an elevation of 208m. It is known for being particularly susceptible to strong winds.
26 spectacular airports you must land at in your lifetime
Highest golf course
The West Monmouthshire Golf Club in Wales - maximum elevation 463m on the 14th tee - holds this prestigious title. Scotland's highest is Leadhills Golf Club at 425m; England's highest is Alston Moor Golf Club at 450m (take that Buxton!).
Highest opera house
Buxton fights back. It might not have a lofty golf course to rival Alston's, but it does have Britain's highest opera house, designed by Frank Matcham in 1903.
Highest motorway
No cycling allowed here. The M62 holds this honour. Specifically, the section at Junction 22, which reaches 315m.
Highest railway
Step forward Corrour on the West Highland Line, which at 408m above sea level is the UK's highest mainline station. Summit (SMR) railway station, on top of Mount Snowdon, stands at 1,065m.
Highest football ground
West Brom is top of the table! Unfortunately for Baggies fans, it's a table showing the five highest football grounds in England and Wales.
The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion - 552ft
Boundary Park, Oldham Athletic - 526ft
Vale Park, Port Vale - 520ft
The Crown Ground, Accrington Stanley - 516ft
Moss Rose, Macclesfield Town - 513ft
Highest cafe (and gift shop)
The building at the summit of Mount Snowdon, Hafod Eryri, opened in 2009 and contains a visitor centre, gift shop and cafe. Britain's highest visitor centre, gift shop and cafe, no less.
Are these the 20 best views in Britain?
Highest mountain
Snowdon isn't our highest mountain, of course. That title goes to Ben Nevis, Scotland's 1,344m behemoth. Or does it? One could argue that the UK's highest mountain is actually Mount Paget on the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia. It's more than twice the height of Ben Nevis, at 2,935m.
