Rivers and mountains
Study note
The United Kingdom has many rivers and mountains, and a few of them come up regularly in the test. The longest rivers in the UK include the Severn and the Thames. The Thames is especially well known because it flows through London, the capital, passing landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament.
The highest mountain in the whole of the UK is Ben Nevis, which is in Scotland. It is taller than any peak in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. By comparison, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, Scafell Pike is the highest in England, and Slieve Donard is the highest in Northern Ireland, but none of these is as high as Ben Nevis.
For the test, two facts are worth fixing in your memory: the River Thames flows through London, and the highest mountain in the UK is Ben Nevis in Scotland.
Memory tip: Highest peak = Ben Nevis (Scotland). The Thames flows through London.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 4
What is the highest mountain in the UK?
Show all questions and answers for Rivers and mountains(4 questions with explanations)
Rivers and mountains: questions, answers and explanations
1. What is the highest mountain in the UK?
- Scafell Pike
- Ben Nevis
- Slieve Donard
- Snowdon
Correct answer: Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain in the UK.
2. Which river flows through London?
- The Severn
- The Thames
- The Tyne
- The Mersey
Correct answer: The Thames
The River Thames flows through London.
3. Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, is in Scotland.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the UK's highest mountain.
4. Which Scottish mountain is the highest in the UK?
- Snowdon
- Slieve Donard
- Scafell Pike
- Ben Nevis
Correct answer: Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain in the UK.
Back to What is the UK?, or try a mock test or timed exam.