What is a Munro? And How to Climb Your First One

The Munros in Scotland are a list of mountain peaks over 3000ft and have been an obsessive checklist for hillwalkers since it was compiled in 1891. If you’re looking to explore the full range of Scotland’s dramatic landscape, try your hand at  ‘Munro-bagging’. That is, to climb every single one and explore Scotland’s finest scenery and far-flung locations in the process.

But where does this unique name come from? And where do you begin? Our Scottish Munro guide has everything you need to get started.

What exactly is a Munro?

As a general rule, a Munro is any Scottish mountain over 3000ft. This unique name for Scotland’s highest mountains comes from the legendary Sir Hugh Munro, who published his now famous ‘Munros Tables’ in the Scottish Mountaineering Club’s journal.

You’ve probably heard of the tallest, and the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, standing at 4413ft. But there are a total of 282 Munros, a tempting ticklist for any determined hiker. In fact, it only took 12 years before the first person, Rev. A. E. Robertson, completed Sir Hugo’s extensive list to become a ‘compleater’.

If you’re keen to give ‘Munro-bagging’ a go and revel in those peak views over rugged mountains and deep, sparkling lochs, we’ve got everything you need to know in this Scottish Munro guide.

Choosing Your First Munro

In our book, the best way to explore any new location is to strike out on foot. Now you know what a Munro is, you can look forward to wandering through rugged terrain, towering mountains and breathtaking valleys. The well-loved Scotland outdoor activity has a range of Munros suitable for beginners, here are some of our favourites.

Ben Lomond

3,195ft - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Ben Lomond is the most southern of the Munros and a well-known spot for incredible views. It’s easily accessible with a clear path gradually rising to the summit, making it perfect for beginners. Best of all, the sight of the famous Loch Lomond glistening in the sunshine is truly a sight to behold. Keep a keen eye out for ptarmigan, skylarks, black grouse and other wildlife as you weave through the stunning mountain landscapes.

Schiehallion

3,547ft - Perthshire

One of Scotland's best-known and best-loved landmarks is also an excellent first Munro to bag. Known locally as ‘the Fairy Hill of the Caledonians’, the prominent mountain positively sparkles with quartz on your way up. There’s a well-made path stretching up the Munro and a boulder field to test out your hill walking skills. Breathtaking views out across Rannoch Moor, with the peaks of Glen Coe visible on a clear day, make Schiehallion an exhilarating first Munro.

Mount Keen

3,081ft - Cairngorms National Park

Mount Keen is the most easterly Munro, and sits amongst a vast expanse of open moorland, giving awe-inspiring views from the top on a clear day. The track from Glen Esk via Glen Mark is well-maintained and begins fairly level past the rocky slopes of the Craig of Doune before reaching a steady climb. Keep an eye out for majestic red deer and the tricksy false summit.

Mayar

3045ft - The Grampians, Angus

Standing proud in the heart of Angus, Mayar is the perfect munro for breathtaking beauty and accessible adventures. This magnificent mountain is perfectly paired with its neighbour Driesh, offering the opportunity to bag two Munros in one exhilerating day.

The journey to Mayar's summit takes you through the spectacular Corrie Fee, a beautiful glacial valley that's perfect for your instagram feed. As you ascend through this stunning natural amphitheatre, the landscape opens up onto an extensive rolling plateau where the views stretch for miles across the Scottish Highlands. The pathless section over moorland adds a touch of wild exploration to your climb, whilst fence posts guide your way when the mist rolls in.

Driesh

3106ft - The Grampians, Angus

Driesh stands as the higher companion to Mayar and rewards climbers with phenomenal panoramas across Angus and beyond. Though often climbed together with Mayar, Driesh holds its own distinct character and charm, making it a worthy munro for beginner and veteran munro baggers alike.

The ascent offers variety and sweeping views in equal measure. After asending the plateau from Mayar, you'll follow a rough path aided by fence posts that lead you steadily towards Driesh's summit cairn. The descent via the Kilbo path is a particular highlight, winding its way back through Glendoll forest with more gentle gradients that give your knees a well-earned rest.

Essential Gear

On to more practical details. There are no Munros that we would class as ‘easy’. It goes without saying that a good few hours of walking uphill are guaranteed to reach any summit, which will be a good workout for all fitness levels. But as long as you take the preparations seriously, Munro-bagging is an exhilarating and rewarding adventure.

Clothing

Scotland’s weather is best described as “four seasons in one day”. And that is even more true in the hills. It may seem strange to be packing raincoats and warm hats on a glorious summer day, but you never know what weather you’ll find at the top of a Munro.

• Walking boots: Mountain climbing requires sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, ideally with ankle support and good hiking socks underneath.
• Trousers: You’ll want three layers on your legs. A thermal base layer, a windproof layer and an optional waterproof layer over the top in case of rain. And definitely no jeans!
• Tops: Layers are key on top. Bring multiple layers including a down jacket or fleece. And naturally, a hardshell waterproof and windproof jacket is a must for those sudden downpours.
• Hats: It gets chilly at 3000ft so we’d recommend a fleece-lined hat and a scarf to cover your neck and face if it gets really cool.
• Accessories: A pair of climbing gloves can be handy for scrambling, and a couple of shock-absorbing trekking poles can make it easier on the knees for the route back down.

Equipment

Don’t worry, Scotland’s Munros don’t require a big list of fancy equipment to break your back. However, it’s important to remember the essentials and keep your mind on the breathtaking views, not your soaking socks.

• Rucksack: A comfortable backpack will do for beginner walks. If it’s got waist support, even better.
• Water: We’d recommend a lightweight water bag, no heavy metal ones.
• Spare socks: There’s little worse than wet socks on a hike.
• Whistle: for distress calls. Learn the international distress signals before you go.
• Torch: You’ll be planning to come back before dark, but just in case you don’t manage to.
• Compass and map: you can’t always rely on GPS up in the hills. Bring a compass and a map, and make sure you know how to use them.
• First aid kit - again, know how to use everything in your kit.
• Food: ideally lightweight and high-energy. Don’t forget sweets for a sugar boost too.

Our top Preparation Tips

1: Check the weather. Take a look at Mountain Forecast and Mountain Weather Information Service before you head out. The weather can be surprisingly different as you get higher up the Munro, and it’s always good to be prepared.

2: Know what to do if things go wrong. If you are lost or have an injury, dial 999 and ask for the police who’ll decide if you need assistance from the Scottish Mountain Rescue Service. Make sure you take a look at their advice on when to call before you set off.

3: Test out your fitness first. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to take on a Munro, try some of Scotland’s beautiful hills first. They may not have the same reputation but many offer incredible views in their own right.

4: Stretch! It might seem trivial, but stretching our your leg muscles is important before any ascent. Otherwise, you'll soon be feeling it not too long into your adventure.