What Are the Easiest Munros of Scotland? 5 Beginner-Friendly Scottish Peaks

Scotland is famous for its incredible mountains. The largest and most difficult are the 282 Munros scattered throughout the Scottish Highlands. However, with so many of these magnificent peaks to choose from, beginners struggle to figure out which Munros to tackle first.

With summits reaching over 3,000 feet (914 meters), climbing any of Scotland's Munros is hard for the faint of heart. Even the easiest Munros might require 8 hours of walking and difficult mountain treks. But you'll always be rewarded for your efforts, though, with stunning scenery and viewpoints! 

So, are you new to Munro bagging but not sure where to begin? You are at the right place! Here, we will share the easiest Munros, those Scottish mountains that are best for beginners.

What Are The Easiest Munros?

The easiest Munros are those with easy-to-follow, clear streams where it is unlikely (but not impossible) to become lost. The best Munros for beginners are simple walking pathways with fairly easy trails. Furthermore, all of the Munros described in this guide are one-day walks, allowing you to peak and return to your car on the same day.

The Easiest Munros: Top Picks for Beginner Hikers

These are the best Scottish mountains for beginners and the easiest Munros to climb. Each has a clear mountain route and is a fairly straightforward 1-day hike. Each of these simple Munros has breathtaking views, and you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas. Moreover, you can expect a well-deserved sense of happiness!

So, these are the top 5 Munros for beginners. Let's get started:

Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles

Time: 4 - 6 hours

Ben Lomond is not only one of the easiest Munros of Scotland, but also one of the most popular mountains. The views over Loch Lomond are incredibly good, and when you ultimately reach the summit, there are 360 views over the Trossachs National Park.

You probably take around 5 hours to summit and then get back to your car. Additionally, be prepared for the Rowardennan parking lot (£3 fee) to be crowded on weekends; this trip receives about 30,000 people a year and is the first Munro for many walkers. 

Ben Vorlich, Loch Earn

Distance: 14 km / 9 miles 

Time: 4 - 6 hours 

In the Trossachs, there are two Ben Vorlich. Both of these are excellent Munros for beginners. One of the easiest Munros is Ben Vorlich at Loch Earn, which has a well-defined route to the summit and a simple trek. 

The far trickier, and exposed, Stuc a’ Chroin is the next Munro, which can be added up by more experienced hillwalkers. But beginners should skip this and get back to the car park. The views of Loch Earn, the surrounding Perthshire landscape, and the Ben Lawers range are breathtaking from the top of Ben Vorlich. This Munro is easily accessible from the cities. Also, it is approximately closest to Munro to Edinburgh. 

Schiehallion, Perthshire

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles  

Time: 4 - 6 hours

It is one of the easier Munros because the route is well-defined for much of the way up the mountain until you reach the quiet, legendary rock field near the top. You'll also need strong study boots to deal with the massive rocks, or you can pack a camping rain shelter to deal with unforeseen weather. While this stretch is rough, it's fortunately short.

This Munro is also translated as the Fairy Hill of the Caledonians. This conical summit is one of Scotland's most popular climbs, and the views over Rannoch Moor and the Glencoe mountain range on a clear day are spectacular. 

Ben Chonzie, Glen Lednock

Distance: 12.5 km / 8 miles

Time: 4 - 5 hours

Ben Chonzie, which is mostly heathery moorland, may not be the most exciting mountain, but it is one of the easiest Munros to climb. You may expect a speedy and straightforward ascent on a mostly straight mountain trail. 

Moreover, it is one of the quickest Munros to climb, being such a small Munro at 931m. Furthermore, you will need to pay very close attention when returning from the mountain, as the summit is pretty featureless. There is a line of old fence posts to assist in navigation. But you also need a map to find the way back. If visibility is bad, then it is especially true.

Ben Vane, Loch Lomond

Distance: 11 km / 7 miles 

Time: 5 - 7 hours  

Ben Vane is the smallest among all the Munros at just 914m, but with a strong ascent that will leave your legs burning. A few (quite easy) scrambly sections and the most stunning vistas of Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps from the summit, it more than makes up for its lack of height with character. Ben Vane is one of the easiest Munros and a great choice for beginners. 

Visit the nearby Drovers Inn for food and beers. The Village Inn in Arrochar, a little further out, features a lively bar and excellent food.

Staying Safe in the Scottish Mountains: Essential Tips

No doubt, no Munro is without its difficulties. Deeply, you must also take all precautions necessary to protect yourself during your trek in high altitudes. Assure your safety by having a fully equipped camping survival kit that can meet any eventuality.

So, remember the following tips if you are a beginner looking for the easiest Munros:

• Know Your Limits: It is, in fact, the 'easiest' Munros, which still possess certain challenges: long days, uncertain weather, and isolated areas. Therefore, if the weather changes for the worse or you are feeling uneasy, then you should definitely return.
  
  
• Check the Weather Forecast Beforehand: Choose days with good weather as much as possible. You will be able to see clearly and avoid becoming lost in the clouds in this way.
  
  
• Bring a Map: It is very likely to get lost; therefore, even on the easiest Munro, take a map. Keep in mind that the Scottish mountains are isolated locations, so being ready and able to navigate them is crucial. 
  
  
• Walk With a Friend or Group: Munro Bagger recommends that you join a local group or go walking with a skilled friend if you are a Munro bagging beginner. This is a great approach to learn and pick up those essential mountain skills. 
  
  
• Bring Safety Essentials: The personal essentials include a first aid kit, a portable power bank for your phone, and plenty of food and water. 
  
  
• Wear High-Quality Walking Attire: On Scotland's mountains, walking boots are a must. Otherwise, you can run the risk of wet feet or much worse, an ankle. 
  
  
• Avoid Winter: It can be skipped without saying. But until you have the necessary skills and equipment, you should prevent Munro bagging in winter. Snow and ice on the mountains make the conditions very tough, which are only suitable for winter trekkers who have experience.

FAQs

What to take for Munro bagging?

Make sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes/boots. Additionally, you'll need waterproof clothing and lightweight layers to help you stay warm and dry. Bring a map, a lamp, and a safety kit in case of an accident, and make sure you have plenty of water and food.

Has anyone climbed all the Munros?

In 914,4 days, Anna Wells completes the winter ascent of all 83 Munros, or Scottish mountains higher than 282 meters. She is the first woman to achieve this goal and the fourth person overall.

What is the toughest hike in Scotland?

Possibly Scotland's toughest long-distance walk is the Cape Wrath Trail. This route begins at Fort William and takes in much of the North Western Highlands' best scenery, including Glen Shiel, Torridon, Fisherfield, Quinag, Sandwood Bay, and Cape Wrath.

What is the most popular Munro?

There are a total of 282 Munros in Scotland, with Ben Nevis being the highest and most popular at 4,411 feet.

Final Thoughts

As we mentioned earlier in this guide, no Munro is truly 100% easy. And also, there will always be difficulties in the Scottish mountains, usually the weather. Yet, nothing really matches the feeling of taking a memorable summit selfie at the very top of a famous mountain.

The breathtaking vistas of Scotland's most remote locations make the trek well worth the effort and sore legs. Plus, that sense of achievement!

So, are you planning your first camping adventure? Searching for top-quality camping equipment online in the UK? Look no further than Munro Bagger! We are your first choice for world-class hiking and camping equipment, ideal for your travels in the Munros of Scotland. Our carefully curated collection ensures that you have the best gear for your most daring trips, making your journey across Scotland's rugged landscapes absolutely unforgettable!