Hiking in Scotland – Munro Bagging

31st July 2020

by Sarah Johnson

WHAT IS A MUNRO?

A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 914 meters or 3000 feet high. There are 282 Munros altogether and Munro Bagging is the endeavour of trying to climb all of them. While climbing all 282 may be a lofty goal for your vacation to Scotland, you might consider bagging one or two if you are a lover of adventure and the great outdoors. The team at Away from the Ordinary hope you find some inspiration from some of our favourites…

THE SKYE CUILLIN

Each of the peaks of the Black Cuillin are technical ascents in their own right and each and every one rewards its hikers with stunning views. This unique and beautiful mountain range is comprised of dark gabbro and basalt rock which looks very different from other hills in Scotland. These Munros can be done either as stand-alone peaks or part of a Cuillin ridge traverse. An ascent of one of the Munros or even just a walk into Coire Lagan is an impressive experience. Away From the Ordinary don’t know of anyone who has spent time in the Cuillins and not been left intoxicated by its grandeur. (a Coire is a large circular hollow in the side of a hill or range of hills).

BEN NEVIS

Being the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis does get more traffic than some of the other hills in Scotland. There is a well-maintained path up from the Glen Nevis side that many visitors take which provides the easiest route up to the summit. Just a note of caution to say that although this path is the ‘easiest’ it is a long walk and there are hazards like cliffs and changeable weather to be aware of. From the top, you can, quite literally, see as far as the eye can see. Being where it is in Lochaber, it is surrounded by beauty to marvel at. For more experienced walkers, an ascent via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete reveals the true beauty of Ben Nevis on its North Face. Carn Mor Dearg is also a Munro in its own right and can be done separately from Ben Nevis. It provides excellent views of Scotland’s highest mountain’s best side.

BIDEAN NAM BIAN

Bidean nam Bian is the highest peak in Glen Coe at 1150m (3770ft), but what is most impressive is the sheer mass of this mountain. The famous ‘three sisters’ of Glen Coe are actually ridges descending from the Bidean nam Bian massif and its subsidiary Munro tops. The views of this mountain from the road are already spectacular, some of the most famous in Scotland, and the views from the top literally take things to the next level. Only recommended to more experienced climbers and with a guide, these views are quite simply, breathtaking. There are also lots of very accessible and beautiful walks around Glencoe.

Munros can vary in difficulty and are accessible to a wide range of climbers – from the novice to the highly experienced. Depending on your own experience levels you may wish to go with a guide; Away from the ordinary can arrange a safe and enjoyable day out with a local guide for you on your escape to Scotland. For the adventurous, a mountain activity could be combined with guided kayaking and overnight camping.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAN A TRIP TO SCOTLAND THEN PLEASE GET IN TOUCH AND WE WOULD BE ONLY TOO HAPPY TO HELP YOU PLAN SOMETHING AWAY FROM THE ORDINARY CONTACT US