Peak #MeToo: Can mountains be victims of everyday sexism?

In the latest in his series of memorable walks and pathways, Will Gore wonders why we ascribe human characteristics to our surroundings

The Five Sisters of Kintail make up one of Scotland’s classic ridge walks (Getty)

Are mountains male or female?

Go onto online forums about hiking and you’ll find a healthy debate on the subject. Some commentators suggest that femininity can be assumed across the board simply because of mountains’ intrinsic beauty; others contend that it depends on the specific character of the peak.

A few more prosaic minds maintain that mountains are gender neutral.