There are 284 Munros - Scottish mountains over 3000 feet high - and while some hillwalkers chalk them off in record time, others spend a lifetime bagging the peaks. Many are tough and demanding climbs. Others, however, are more straightforward.
Schiehallion
Cut your Munro-bagging teeth on this popular Perthshire peak, one of Scotland’s best known and most popular mountains. The ‘fairy hill of the Caledonians’, as it is known, is a distinctive conical hill offering superb views west to the wild lands of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. Start at the Braes of Foss car park near Kinloch Rannoch.
Driesh
Sitting at the head of Glen Clova, the climb through forestry and over moor is straightforward. For those with a passion for flora and fauna, the route crosses the Caenlochan nature reserve, home to a rich variety of rare mountain plants. Start at the walkers’ car park in Glen Doll.
Carn Aosda
One of Scotland’s most accessible Munros, the most direct way up this mountain is from the Glenshee Ski Area car park. Navigation is no problem as you simply follow the line of a ski tow to the summit. Combine it with neighbouring Munros Carn a’Gheoidh and The Cairnwell if you are feeling particularly fit.
Ben Chonzie
Rising between Strathearn and Loch Tay in Perthshire, Ben Chonzie is a solitary Munro offering extensive views across the Southern Highlands. Start at Coishavachan in Glen Lednock, four miles north of Comrie.
Meall Chuaich
A high level start from Dalwhinnie offers a great advantage in the quest to bag this solitary but easily conquered Highland peak nestling amid untamed terrain and overlooking Loch Cuaich.
Ben Lomond
Within easy reach of Glasgow and set in the heart of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a path leads all the way from Rowardennan on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the viewpoint summit.
Ben Narnain
Who could resist a range of hills known as the Arrochar Alps? Ben Narnain is one of the highest peaks here and is easily bagged from a car park at the head of Loch Long.
Mount Keen
Scotland’s most easterly Munro is best approached by mountain bike from the top of Glen Esk, Angus. Cycle in to an ornate well dedicated to Queen Victoria at the base of the peak and trek to the summit on an easy-to-follow path.
Lochnagar
This must-do Munro is best suited to a good, clear day when you can fully appreciate the spectacular craggy coire plunging down from the summit to a hidden lochan. Start from Spittal of Glenmuick, near Ballater.
Bruach na Frithe
If you are itching to explore the awesome Black Cuillin ridge on the Isle of Skye but are put off by its fearsome reputation for stomach churning exposure, sheer cliffs and knee-trembling drops, try Bruach na Frithe. Unlike the other Cuillin peaks, it requires no scrambling or rock climbing and is a great introduction to one of Britain’s wildest and most alluring mountain ranges. Set out from the car park next to Sligachan Hotel.
More information
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland offers useful advice on hillwalking and climbing in Scotland while the Scottish Mountaineering Club publishes the definitive guide to the Munros.
James Carron - I am a freelance writer based in Scotland. I specialise in features on hillwalking, backpacking, camping, scrambling and cycling and write ...
