Has anyone here climbed Mount Etna or a similar mountain?

[Wheelerdealer]

Im not interested in actually climbing mountains but more the view when you get to the top so Id like some ideas on mountains that are fairly easy to walk up without needing breathing equipment etc..

[jno]

I liked Sicily myself. Etna doesn't just smoke at the top, there are little fissures and hotspots all over the upper slopes with steam billowing out.

[Hawkwalk]

just drive to the French Alps and get a cable car to the top of loads of mountains in a Ski resort.

[Answerprancer]

I've been to the top of most of the peaks in The Lake District - the view from all of them, particularly Hellvellyn is spectacular. I've also done Snowdon via several different paths (the 'Crib Goch' route is pretty hair-raising).
I also went almost to the top of Mont Blanc a couple of years ago by cable car - the views on the way up were amazing, then it got a bit blizzardy.
I've trekked up into the foothills of Annpurna and Dhaulaghiri in the Himalayas too - the scenery there is fantastic.
Ben Nevis has one easy route all the way to the summit but it was a bit misty when I got there.
All of these are do-able for anyone who is reasonably fit and none required any specialist equipment.
I usually pack some basic essentials in my rucksack: packed lunch, waterproof jacket, plenty of water, a whistle, a torch/map/compass, Kendal Mintcake :-) I would also recommend a GPS plus spare batteries, and of course - a good camera.
When taking on a mountain hike alone, it's essential that you check the weather, set off early, work out roughly how long it's going to take then inform the nearest mountain rescue post when your ETR will be.

[thugulike]

I've done Etna. The air is thin and although it's only a steep walk you do need a guide. The view from the top is of the crater rather than what you can see away from the volcano. You need to check that you can get to the top. I'd heard that recently there'd been an eruption which meant you couldn't go to the top anyway. I got to the top and sat down on a rock only to find I'd sat on a fumerole and had a very hot bot. The way down is to telemark down the soft ash. Great fun and a very quick descent. I'm not that fit but I managed. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Other volcanoes in Sicily are good too. I'm fussy but it was a great trip