Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Bucket List Experience
Experience
The highest mountain in Britain, ‘The Ben’ is a challenging but rewarding Munro ‘to bag’.
Good for age: 13+
Duration: Full day
Travel bucket list idea:
Bagging Munros
Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Bucket List Experience
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.
Who to go with: tour operators
Climb Ben Lomond
Loch Lomond, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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)
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: Any
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.
Destination guides
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Destination guide
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip, or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line.