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Bagging Munros

  • Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Beautiful view of Ben Nevis rising above a lake with a shipwreck in front

Including climbing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak

Last updated: 23 April, 2024

Bagging a Munro sounds far more exciting than ‘climbing a mountain’ but that is essentially what it boils down to.

Munros are Scottish mountains over 3,000ft high, named after Sir Hugh Munro who first catalogued the peaks as ‘Munro’s Tables,’ in 1891. There are 282 munros in Scotland, the most famous, Ben Nevis, is the country’s highest peak at 4,411ft.

Bagging munros is a traditional Scottish activity, the ultimate goal to reach the summit of all 282. The first person to achieve this was A.E. Robertson in 1901 and since then over 6,000 ‘compleatists’ or Munroists have bagged them all.

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Climb Ben Nevis

  • Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Snow-capped Ben Nevis mountain seen from Fort William. A lake and shipwreck in foreground

Bucket List Experience

Climb Ben Nevis

It might be known affectionately as ‘the Ben’, but don’t think a tramp up Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, is a walk in the park. Its summit, at over 4,400ft, can be clad in snow in summer, the weather changing in a second as you zigzag up the rocky Mountain Track. However, around 125,000 people make it each year and the sense of achievement – and the views – are second to none. ‘The Ben’ is the most challenging but rewarding Munro ‘to bag’.

Go prepared though, it can be cold on the summit even if it’s sunny below so take a fleece and waterproofs. On sunny days beware of dehydration, wind and sunburn.

 

Good for age: 13+

Duration: Full day

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Climb Ben Lomond

  • Loch Lomond, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Climb Ben Lomond

Experience

On the eastern shore of stunning Loch Lomond, the country’s most southerly – and popular – Munro soars to a height of 3,176ft. There’s a good path which rises gradually to the summit from where you have spectacular views of the loch. Directions here.

Good for age: 13+

Duration: 4-6 hours

Climb Ben Wyvis

  • Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Climb Ben Wyvis

Experience

Just northwest of Inverness this is a straightforward Munro for beginners to bag with spellbinding views of the Highlands from the summit. Directions here.

Good for age: 13+

Duration: 4-6 hours

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 2+ hours

Getting there & doing it

There are Munros scattered all across Scotland, each with a different USP, some straightforward to climb, others, such as Skye’s Black Cuillins, more challenging.

You can do many independently but there are also plenty of mountain guides who can take you to the summit.

One of the most useful websites is the Scottish Mountaineering Club which maintains the list of Munros and compleators. It also has a useful Munros App.

When to do it

Even if you are an experienced mountaineer, it is better to avoid the winter months because of snow, ice and the possibility of a sudden deterioration in the weather – and limited daylight hours.

Summer is peak season so the more popular peaks, especially Ben Nevis, are likely to be crowded. Do your research, pick a peak that’s off the beaten tourist track and suitable for your level of expertise and fitness.

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