What to Expect When Hiking the Highest Munros in Scotland

There's nothing quite like hiking Scotland's highest Munros, the highest peaks that guarantee stunning views, fresh mountain air, and an authentic spirit of adventure. Munro bagging is the pinnacle of Scottish hiking and a popular activity among many adventurers in the Highlands. 

In 1891, Scottish mountaineer Sir Hugh Munro named one of the most renowned groups of peaks in the world after publishing a list of Scotland's highest mountains. Around these high Munros, a proud culture of tough hiking and inexpensive bothy stays has grown up. For those who walk outside, the breathtaking views and fireside companionship provide lasting benefits. You can see their tall peaks all over the Scottish Highlands, from The Trossachs and Isle of Skye to Wester Ross and the far north. Climbing a Munro is a real adventure! 

Here, we'll explore what to expect when hiking Scotland's highest Munros, covering everything you need to know for the journey. 

What Is the Height of a Munro?

Officially, Munros are mountains that are higher than 3000 feet (914 meters). But in the Cairngorms region, massive peaks like Ben Macdui, Braeriach, and Cairn Toul surpass the 4265-foot (1300-meter) mark. Hikers face more than just elevation; they also have to deal with the rugged Highlands landscape and bad weather.

How Many Munros Are There in Scotland?

There are officially 282 Munros, ranging from the high Ben Nevis at Fort William to the smaller Beinn Teallach, which barely just counts as a Munro at 3002 feet (915 metres). With so many Munros close together, hardy hillwalkers can "bag" many Munros on a single good trip or even in a single day. 

After climbing all of the well-known Munros, Rev. AE Robertson became the first "completist" in 1901, which led to the creation of the sport of Munro bagging.

Top 17 Breathtaking Highlights of the Scottish Highlands

As you know, Scotland is home to over 7000 peaks, and Munros are just one of several summits that mountaineers and hillwalkers can choose from. Let's talk about some of the best attractions of the Scottish Highlands:

1. Views of Glen Etive from Loch Etive

In the centre of the Highlands, there is a climb called Glen Etive from Loch Etive. It is 19.4 kilometres long and covers 316 vertical meters with an average slope of 1.6%, which produced a difficulty score of 104. The Summit of the climb sits 251 meters above sea level, quite majestically. Vast moorlands sprawl majestically alongside incredibly clear lochs and stunning valleys beneath rather incredible mountains on this utterly glorious drive. This picturesque location was featured prominently in the James Bond movie Skyfall and ranks among Scotland's most stunning routes.

2. The Flowing River Etive

The River Etive flows through the beautiful, rugged Glen Etive under the stunning shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor. It is one of the most famous Munros of Scotland. It is crowded with pale-coloured rocks, occasionally covered with green vegetation and a mixture of red pebbles, over which swift-moving, sparkling water flows. It is well regarded among kayakers as one of Scotland's great whitewater runs.

3. Ben Cruachan Overlooking Loch Etive

Ben Cruachan is undoubtedly the most lovely Munro in the Southern Highlands. It is also known as Hollow Mountain since a hydroelectric power station is located in its lowest part. A large dam at the base of this mountain provides a beautiful view of the mountain above and the beautiful valley and Loch Awe below. A few years ago, this dam was included in the Star Wars film Andor as well.

4. The Cuillin Hills from Elgol, Isle of Skye

Elgol has remained ridiculously popular among tourists since Victorian times, owing largely to the breathtaking vistas of Cuillin, a wildly majestic sight. It acts as a starting point for boat trips into the remote mountainside of Loch Coruisk quite frequently. The Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin form two distinct groups of rugged mountains on the misty Isle of Skye, somehow. The Black Cuillin boasts Skye's tallest peaks. Mainly, they comprise basalt and gabbro, containing all twelve Munros on the island, while Red Cuillin consists mostly of granite.

5. Eilean Donan Castle at Loch Duich

In the Scottish Western Highlands, Eilean Donan is a small tidal island located near Dornie, where three sea lochs converge: Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. It has an iconic appearance because of the footbridge that connects it to the mainland and is likely the most photographed castle in Scotland. A journey to Eilean Donan Castle is a must if you're thinking about visiting Scotland. And surely you need the essential portable survival kit from Munro Bagger for your hike.

6. Creag na Calman in Glen Affric

One peak in the area or range in Scotland is called Creag nan Calman. The height of Creag nan Calman is 828 meters. The child summit of Cul Mor is Creag nan Calman. In addition, Creag nan Calman is the 1077th-tallest peak in Scotland and the 1187th-highest in the British Isles. It is not only particularly high, but its slopes also feature attractive heather-clad sections mixed with fresh pine forests. The hill is a popular destination for hiking and walking, offering stunning views of the surrounding environment.

7. Exploring Glen Affric

Glen Affric's picturesque glen resides somewhat mysteriously within the rugged Scottish Highlands. It lies southwest of Cannich village, roughly 15 miles west of the famous Loch Ness. Renowned for breathtaking scenery featuring stunning mountains and Loch Affric alongside River Affric, with many more natural attractions present here. Sixteen Munros lie within reach from Glen Affric, sprawling out rather messily into the surrounding terrain, notably northwards down Glen Cannich and Strathfarrar.

8. Clan Chisholm Cemetery in the Affric Hills

Clan Chisholm is blessed with historic estates that include some of Scotland's most stunning towns. Clan members walked throughout regions that included Glen Cannich and the breathtaking Glen Affric. The Chisholm Burial Ground is located near Erchless Castle in Scotland. It is a burial site for the Chisholm clan, particularly its leaders. It is said to be a calm and serene place with tall oak trees. 

9. Creag na Calman: A Favorite Hill

Creag nan Calman is a hill located in the Scottish Highlands. It is known for its beauty and symmetrical shape. Also, it is a common choice for hillwalkers. The hill's lower part, covered in heather, evergreen pine trees, and stunning views, makes it a popular destination. Creag nan Calman is accessible via several different pathways despite the area being relatively remote. It is popular for day hikes and longer walks.

12. The Village of Cougie Near Glen Affric

The "Cougie Loop," which passes over one of Scotland's most breathtaking glens, is an interesting mountain bike path. The Cougie Loop is only one example of the lonely and breathtaking landscapes that mountain riding in Scotland frequently offers. When seen from an MTB viewpoint, the Cougie Loop has very little challenging terrain. Cougie is well-known for its wild beauty and is a well-liked location for mountain biking and pony trekking.

16. Camping Weekend at Loch Affric Beach

Looking for the ideal location for a camping weekend? Loch Affric Beach is the place to go! It is possible to camp on the beach in Loch Affric in Scotland. It is a popular destination for wild camping. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 allows you to camp on unenclosed land, such as beaches. Keep your tent above the high tide line and pay attention to the weather. Thus, purchase heavy duty tent pegs from Munro Bagger right now for safe camping.