Munro Bagging for Beginners

Fancy testing your walking skills on a hike up one of Scotland's towering Munros? At 3,000 ft/914 m or above in height, the views are immense, so bagging one of these impressive Scottish mountains is something every walker should tick off their 'must-do' list. So how do you go about bagging your first Munro?

You don't have to be a pro to start, Scotland has many suitable Munros for beginners. There's no such thing as an easy Munro - they are all hills over 3,000 ft after all. But with the right clothing and preparation, these 11 Munros are more suitable for beginners.

  1. Mount Keen Cairngorms National Park

    Glen Tanar, south west of Aboyne

    Why climb it?

    • You might spot majestic red deer in Glen Esk and Glen Tanar.
    • Sweeping views over open moorland from the top.

    A vast dome rising out of the open countryside, Mount Keen is Scotland's most easterly Munro and easiest mountain to climb as it has a relatively straightforward path to the top. The simplest and quickest route is to tackle it from Glen Esk, but you also have the option of ascending via scenic Glen Tanar

  2. Broad Cairn Cairngorms National Park

    Loch Muick

    Cairngorms National Park, 3,274 ft (998 m)

    Why climb it?

    • Beautiful views out over glittering Loch Muick.
    • You might spot striking black grouse.

    One of five impressive Munros in the White Mounth plateau, the most direct route for climbing Broad Cairn is via the track from the Spittal of Glenmuick but more experienced hikers can tackle it as part of the White Mounth route, which takes in all five Munros.

  3. Ben Lomond Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

    A pair of walkers in the distance make their way toward the snowy summit of Ben Lomond.

    © VisitScotland / Allan Jamieson, all rights reserved.

    Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, 3,195 ft (974 m)

    Why climb it?

    • A clear path which rises gradually to the summit.
    • Some of the best views of Loch Lomond you can have.

    As well as being the most southerly Munro in Scotland (just over an hour and a half from Glasgow), Ben Lomond is also one of the most popular - with very good reason, just look at that view!

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
  4. Schiehallion Perthshire

    The Queen's view (looking east up loch Tummel with the pointed peak of Schiehallion in the distance.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

    Perthshire, 3,547 ft (1,083 m)

    Why climb it?

    • The boulder field and false summits - a good test for your basic hill walking skills.
    • Awe-inspiring views out across Perthshire and Rannoch Moor to the peaks of Glen Coe.

    DMWScotland said: "My first Munro was Schiehallion in Perthshire. I loved it. I can see why they call it the Fairy Hill of the Caledonians! The mountain sparkles with quartz and rainbows! It was beautiful."

  5. Ben Chonzie Perthshire

    Views to Ben Lawers

    Perthshire, 3054 ft (931 m)

    Why climb it?

    • Beautiful views out across Glen Turret and Loch Turret.
    • You might see a few speedy mountain hares as you climb.

    One of the most popular suggestions from the members of our community, Ben Chonzie offers a decent path to follow and relatively little technical difficulties - the best mountain to climb for beginners!

  6. Ben Vorlich Perthshire

    Ben Vorlich

    Loch Earn, 3,231 ft (985 m)

    Why climb it?

    • Relatively straightforward ascent up Ben Vorlich for beginners, with unbeatable views over sparkling Loch Earn.
    • If you feel confident, you can add on the trickier hike up Stuc a' Chroin and bag two Munros in one day.

    Rising out of lush greenery, Ben Vorlich and its neighbouring Munro, Stuc a' Chroin, dominate the landscape around them.

  7. Cairn Gorm Mountain Cairngorms National Park

    CairnGorm Mountain Ski Resort

    © Ski-Scotland / Steven McKenna

    Cairngorms National Park, 4084 ft (1,245 m)

    Why climb it?

    • Highest Munro on this list, but you get a head start because the car park is so high.
    • You might spot an elusive ptarmigan on your climb.

    Take in the dramatic cliff scenery of the northern corries before tackling this famous peak, which offers great views of the surrounding National Park.

  8. Mayar and Driesh Cairngorms National Park

    The Watchers in the Cairngorms National Park

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Cairngorms National Park, Mayar - 3,044 ft (928m) & Dreish - 3,106 ft (947m)

    Why climb them?

    • You might spot golden eagles in the gorgeous Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve.
    • The descent follows a well-trodden path through Glendoll forest.

    Samantha_Grant said: "I loved Mayar and Dreish in Angus which you reach via the stunning Corrie Fee. A fairly easy walk to bag both."

  9. Ben Wyvis Easter Ross

    Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve

    Easter Ross, 3,431 ft (1,046 m)

    Why climb it?

    • In the summer months you might spot dotterel, rare migratory birds which nest high up the mountain in the fragile moss (be careful to stick to the path so you don't disturb them).
    • Jaw dropping views across a sweeping area of the north Highlands.

    A vast mountain to the north of Inverness, Ben Wyvis is one of the easiest munros to climb. The mountain offers a relatively easy ascent and impressive views out across huge swathes of the Highlands from the top.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible toilets
  10. Fionn Bheinn North west Highlands

    A Hillwalker at the summit of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

    North west Highlands, 3,061 ft (933 m)

    Why climb it?

    • Impressive views of Toll Mor corrie on the north side of Fionn Bheinn and sweeping vistas from the summit.
    • Good practice for walking over boggy terrain as the first part of the walk can be quite wet.

    With towering mountain ranges formed centuries ago, the north west Highlands are a mecca for hill walkers. Fionn Bheinn is one of the easiest ascents in the area and offers beautiful views out across this impressive landscape.

Planning a trip to the hills this summer? Choose a route that's suited to your fitness and experience, and take suitable clothing, footwear and equipment for what you plan to do. 

For more information, visit our Munro Bagging page.

Other things you might like

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter