Ready to Conquer 5 Munros of Scotland in a Single Epic Trip?
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Going to the Highlands? Don't waste your step! If you are going to have a short, exciting weekend or a basecamp trip, why only climb one Munro when you can summit five Munros of Scotland? Here, we discuss five trips that are created for people who climb mountains to the top to get maximum elevation and to be inspired, but at the same time want to avoid a long drive. Each one is grouped by location to make logistics easier for you.
Top 5 Munros to Challenge on an Epic Single Trip
Check out the following Munros for a thrilling adventure filled with stunning scenery and rewarding summits:
Ben Lawers Group: Central Highlands
Munros: Ben Lawers (1,214 m), Beinn Ghlas (1,103 m), Meall Corranaich (978 m), Meall a' Choire Lèith (1,030 m), Meall nan Tarmachan (1,043 m)
Base Location: Killin (options for a bunkhouse and parking lot)
Day 1: Hike Meall Corranaich, Ben Lawers, and Beinn Ghlas in a 15 km loop (6–7 hrs).
Day 2: Walk Meall a' Choire Lèith and Meall nan Tarmachan in a 10 km route (4–5 hrs).
Why it's so wonderful: You can enjoy a high ridge adventure with a strong summit count and minimal logistical hassle.
The Best Advice: First, you should park at the NTS lot and begin your tour at the northern peaks to capture the beautiful, gentle sunrise light on the mountains.
Glenshee South: Cairngorms
Munros: Carn Aosda (917 m), The Cairnwell (933 m), Càrn a’ Gheoidh (975 m), Càrn Daimh (941 m), Càrn an Tuirc (992 m)
Base Location: Glenshee or Braemar hostel
Day 1: Lift-assisted hike over Carn Aosda and Cairnwell, then along the main ridge (12 km, 5 hrs)
Day 2: Loop over Carn a' Gheoidh, Carn Daimh, and Carn an Tuirc (13 km, 6 hrs)
Why it's so wonderful: Fast and easy trails are ideal for bad weather days or if it is your first Munro bagging adventure.
The Best Advice: Use ski-lift drops to conserve your energy whenever possible. This will help you concentrate your energy on the ascent and on enjoying the summits.
Grey Corries & Aonach Beag/Mòr: Lochaber
Munros: Aonach Beag (1,234 m), Aonach Mòr (1,221 m), Stob Coire an Laoigh (1,116 m), Stob Choire Claurigh (1,177 m), Stob Coire Easain (1,150 m)
Base Location: Fort William or Kinlochleven
Itinerary: A full-day trek along the eastern Grey Corries ridge, connecting all five peaks (18 km, 8–9 hours).
Why it's so wonderful: One of Scotland's most extended ridge walks, offering a remote, wild, and truly spectacular experience.
The Best Advice: If you start your hike in the dark and finish with a headtorch, you will avoid the midges and be able to enjoy a greater amount of time outdoors.
Kintail Five Sisters: Glen Shiel
Munros: Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe, Beinn Fhada, Aonach Meadhoin, Sgùrr nan Saighead, Sàileag (select five of the "Five Sisters")
Base Location: Morvich campsite or Glen Shiel bunkhouse
Day: A classic ridge traverse encompassing the majority of the Sisters peaks (17 km, 8 hours).
Why it's so wonderful: Experience the untamed wilderness of the ridge with stunning 360-degree views of Morar and Loch Duich and the peacefulness of less busy paths. When you go with Munro Bagger, you can expect to have a stunning experience every time!
The Best Advice: Arrange two cars or plan to hitch a ride back from Shiel Bridge to complete the loop the following day with ease.
Beinn a’ Ghlo & Schiehallion: Atholl
Munros: Carn Liath (1,083 m), Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain (1,070 m), Carn nan Gabhar (1,121 m), Schiehallion (1,083 m), Meall nan Tarmachan (1,043 m)
Base Location: Pitlochry or Glenshee hostel
Day 1: Tackle the Beinn a' Ghlo horseshoe, covering 25 km in 9–10 hours
Day 2: Enjoy a day walk up Schiehallion, approximately 10 km in 4–6 hours
Why it's so wonderful: Two days of adventures of the highest order: after climbing a difficult, remote ridge, you can finish it with a more accessible and traditional summit.
The Best Advice: If you have used up all your energy going up the giant day and need to recharge, then the local bakery in Pitlochry is the ideal place to come and re-energise your body.
Essential Gear to Pack
Now you know which 5 Munros you can complete in a single trip. However, every Munro has its own particular challenges and necessary equipment, so you should definitely analyse what equipment is suitable for the Munro you are going to climb.
Nevertheless, there is a 'basic' list of things that can be helpful to you:
- Good quality hiking boots
- A water-resistant outer jacket that can be folded and stored in a hiking bag during the hot season and worn on top of a down jacket during the cold season.
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An emergency first aid kit in a bright colour. This really useful item is usually packed away in your bag, and if the weather is bad, you can use the easy-to-carry emergency camping rain shelter to stay dry.
- A map, a compass, and knowledge on how to use them. Technological gadgets are not always reliable; the mist and the fog can obscure your sight. What might have been a very simple climb could turn dangerous if you happen to be disoriented and bad weather is approaching.
- A medium-sized backpack. The majority of mountaineers advise a volume of 25-35 litres as most suitable. For winter Munro bagging, you will need more stuff than normal, so if you want to do it, a pack of about 35 litres will do to comfortably carry your extra gear.
- If you're planning to ascend Munros during the winter season, you'll definitely need some suitable cold-weather clothing along with crampons and ice axes.
- Plenty of snacks and water.
Choose The Right Day
It is quite simple to be deceived by comfortable weather at the bottom, as the atmosphere can be quite harsh beyond 1,000 feet. Hence, look at the weather prediction meticulously, and treat with respect any alerts concerning strong winds, poor visibility, snowfall, and ice. The mountains should always be in your mind as a potential hazard, so bring the right clothing and a portable survival kit for the weather. If possible, avoid walking alone.
Begin at the Lower Starting Point
Not every Munro is at the same level! If you are not a skilled climber, it is recommended that you begin with the easiest ones. The Ben Lomond of the Trossachs National Park is a famous Munro for beginners. The mountain has a clearly marked route and no steep climbs, and at the top, you will be amazed by the great views of Loch Lomond.
Your 5-Munro Journey Starts Here: Munro Bagger!
In one trip, it is very difficult to climb five Munros, but it is not impossible to do it with clever planning, good fitness, and the proper base camps. Those combos provide you with different grounds, the exhilaration of advancement, and the scenery of the Highlands that cannot be forgotten.
Munro Bagger is your go-to adventure partner when it comes to hiking and camping equipment in Scotland. Whether you are looking for a short-term rental or planning a long expedition, we have the equipment for you!
FAQs
What is the difference between a hill and a Munro?
Mountains in Scotland with a height of 3,000 feet (914.4 m) or more are known as Munros. The mountains in Scotland that are above 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) in height are named the Munros.
What is the hardest walk in Scotland?
The Cape Wrath Trail, the most difficult long-distance walk in the UK, is a 230-mile walk through the West Highlands for 230 miles, starting from Fort William to the off-the-beaten-path lighthouse of Cape Wrath. It is an uncharted and often non-existent path.
What is basic camping?
Camping involves staying in a rustic cabin devoid of furniture and without electricity, mostly in wildly rugged surroundings. Pack for a destination with bare essentials and no amenities, such as furniture, power, or appliances, much like a primitive retreat.
What are the rules for bagging a Munro?
Munro is a term used to describe a mountain in Scotland whose height exceeds 3,000 feet (914.4 metres). Climbing one of them is called 'bagging.' The criteria for the classification were set by Sir Hugh Munro at the end of the 1800s when he wrote an article for the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal, a magazine published by a club that Mr. Munro was a member of.