Exploring Munros: Scotland’s Majestic Mountains
When Scottish mountaineer, Sir Hugh Munro, published a list of the highest mountains in Scotland in 1891, he gave his name to one of the world’s most revered collections of peaks. This glorious culture of challenging hikes, along with the experience of bunking down in frugal bothies, has since flourished, offering unforgettable rewards of sweeping views and fireside camaraderie that define these towering Munros.
You’ll see their lofty summits as you travel throughout the Scottish Highlands, including The Trossachs and the Isle of Skye. However, tackling the climb to the top of a Munro is a tale for the ages. Here’s everything you need to know about Munros—including the best Munros to climb.
How high is a Munro?
Munros are officially defined as mountains exceeding 3000ft (914m) in height. However, gargantuan summits, such as Ben Macdui and Braeriach, soar above 4265ft (1300m). Moreover, altitude isn’t the only challenge for hikers; the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather in the Highlands demand thorough preparation. Therefore, selecting peaks according to your hiking ability and equipping yourself for extreme weather will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
How many Munros are there?
There are officially 282 Munros, ranging from towering Ben Nevis to nearby Beinn Teallach, which just makes the Munro grade at 3002ft (915m). Consequently, many Munros are situated side by side, allowing hardy hikers to conquer multiple summits in one trip—or even within a single day. This has cultivated the popular sport of Munro bagging, following Rev AE Robertson, who first completed the challenge in 1901.
Exploring Other Scottish Summits
With over 7000 peaks dominating the Scottish landscape, categories of summits for mountaineers extend beyond Munros. Weathered hikers revere Murdos—Munros with a minimum drop of 98.5ft (30m) on all sides. Corbetts range from 2500ft to 3000ft (762m to 914m), while Grahams span 2000ft to 2500ft (610m to 762m). Donalds are lowland hills taller than 2000ft (610m), and the latest classification is Hughs, encompassing peaks under 2000ft (610m).
Ben Lomond
Most popular and accessible Munro
7.5 miles (12km) round trip, 5 hours, moderate
Ben Lomond, the pride of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, stands at 3195ft (974m) and is Scotland’s southernmost Munro. Just 40 miles northwest of Glasgow, it is even more popular than Ben Nevis. While this means that solitude may be hard to find, the broad path from Rowardennan presents an easy start to your Munro conquest. A gradual ascent along the south ridge unveils sweeping views over shimmering Loch Lomond, with ridges stretching enticingly into the Highlands.
Ben Nevis
Best Munro for bragging rights
10 miles (16km) round trip, 7–8 hours, moderate
Poet John Keats likened the ascent of this 4413ft (1345m) summit to “mounting ten St Pauls without the convenience of a staircase.” The path weaves between gullies and streams, and the granite peak’s name in Scottish Gaelic translates to “malicious,” a nod to its challenging nature. Moreover, the rocky plateau offers sublime views across Loch Linnhe on clear days, with the potential to spot buzzards and kestrels soaring nearby.
Ladhar Bheinn
Best Munro for wild scenery and a remote pint
8 miles (13km) round trip, 8 hours, challenging
Ladhar Bheinn, the highest point on the Knoydart Peninsula, is often dubbed Britain’s last great wilderness due to its rugged scenery. Climbing the 3350ft (1021m) “claw mountain” can be part of a multi-day hike starting in Kinloch Hourn, culminating in breathtaking views of Skye’s Cuillin range. A well-deserved pint awaits at The Old Forge in Inverie, mainland Britain’s remotest pub.
Cairn Gorm
Best Munro for fair-weather climbers
7 miles (11km) round trip, 6 hours, challenging
Cairn Gorm stands as one of the most popular climbs in Scotland, situated within Cairngorms National Park, which boasts over 50 Munros. Its easy accessibility via a car park at 2080ft (635m) leads to great views, though many hikers assert that the true adventure lies in tackling the climb on foot. The landscape features soaring cliff faces and glacial valleys, making it a hot spot for those seeking exceptional views and wildlife, including the elusive ptarmigan.
Fionn Bheinn
The best Munro for views of Scotland’s northwest
7.5 miles (12km) round trip, 6 hours, moderate
This oft-overlooked mountain offers a relatively straightforward introduction to the diverse beauty of northern Scotland. Ascending from the popular base of Achnasheen, hikers will traverse grassy slopes and streams before reaching the main ridge, which provides stunning views of Loch Fannich and the expansive Torridon ranges. The impressive mountain also inspired a cryptic prediction by Scotland’s Brahan Seer, adding a layer of intrigue to its allure.
