A Hiker’s Guide to Munro Bagging

As it goes, not many people have the privilege of having a mountain named after them. Moreover, there are perhaps even less people who have a specific type of mountain named after themselves. But the Scottish mountaineer, Sir Hugh Munro, has the unique distinction of having all Scottish mountains over the height of 3000ft (914.4 metres) named after him. Indeed, Hugh Munro compiled a list of Scottish mountains that was published in the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) journal in 1891, and listed 538 summits that were over 3000ft in height.

However, Hugh Munro himself never managed to climb all the peaks. But as of 2008, more than four thousand people have climbed all of Scotland’s highest mountains, and countless others take part in an activity that has gradually become known as ‘Munro Bagging’.

Of course, ‘Munro Bagging’ doesn’t necessarily have to culminate in the completion of all the highest peaks in Scotland; such a formidable task would take years, even for the most dedicated of Munro-climbers. And for the more casual Munro-climber, it can be difficult to know where to start, given there is literally hundreds of Munros scattered throughout Scotland.

But, for those who are only considering climbing one or two mountains, then it’s perhaps best to go straight for the biggest mountain in the whole of the British Isles and the most famous of all the Munros, Ben Nevis.

Standing at almost four and a half thousand feet tall in the western end of the Grampian Mountain range in the Scottish Highlands, over one hundred thousand people make the ascent each year, using a variety of different routes. Many choose to use the ‘tourist route’ though, which is the simplest and hence most popular ascent route.

Furthermore, there is Schiehallion, which is another of Scotland’s best known peaks. It was nicknamed the ‘fairy hill of the Caledonians’, and is particularly popular due to its easy ascent and spectacular views to the west, across the wild, remote plains of Rannoch Moor.

But, although Munros are technically Scottish mountains, the SMC also recognise other mountains from across the UK, with six peaks in England, fifteen in Wales and thirteen in Ireland falling into the category of ‘Furth Munros’ – a kind of honorary Munro. In fact, Mount Snowdon in Wales’ Snowdonia National Park is the UK’s tallest mountain south of the Scottish Highlands. At over one thousand metres tall, it has been described as being the busiest mountain in the UK, with half a million people ascending its slopes each year.

Of course, most people have no interest in the mountaineering side of Munros and are simply seeking a challenging day’s walk in the wilderness, with a comfortable night’s sleep at the end. And, given the UK’s relatively small size, many of the popular Munros are situated a short drive from top hotels and restaurants, ensuring there is relaxation to look forward to after a hard day’s Munro-bagging!

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Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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