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What a scorcher last Sunday was. I could've had a BBQ in the garden, or gone for a paddle at the beach, but instead I chose to climb my first Munro! It wasn't a particularly pleasurable walk in the heat, but we made it to the top and felt pretty chuffed with ourselves.
I'm climbing Ben Nevis for charity in August, but plan to continue my 'munro bagging' thereafter, and was wondering if anyone could suggest some non-hardcore Munros to tackle within a 3 hour drive from Edinburgh? Or any that are on a train route?

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It's on my list of places to try out. I even worked out that it's possible to get there by bus, as there's regular Citylink services from Edinburgh > Glasgow > Arrochar.
Here in Balloch Ben Lomond dominates the landscape but I have yet to reach the top! How long did it take you?
Good path for the first half, then a boulder field, a few false summits, then the top! There is no trig point. I loved it and it really felt like I was on top of the world! The scenery is just stunning and it's the heart of Scotland.
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Although that shouldn't take anything away from it being a fine hill. In fact I try and climb hills on their own merit rather than whether they're on a particular list. Some of the Munros are mind numbing slogs, I'm looking at you Ben Chonzie!
To the OP, 'non-hardcore' probably comes with the caveat that the weather can be anything but! When I started out on the hills I was exploring the Trossachs and surrounding areas. Ben Ledi, Ben A'an, Ben Vorlich and Lomond were all pretty straightfoward in some stunning countryside. Another good non-technical round to do is Cairngorm and the Northern Corries. You get a head start because the carpark is so high and you have the option of Ben Macdui if you have time. The plateau can be tricky to navigate if the clag sets in but it's a great day out.
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It took us 5.5 hours up and down, but that was with a picnic stop and at a slow pace given the heat. I reckon most people would do it much quicker!
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Great blog - the photos are stunning and I love the birds eye view of Craigh na Dun
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I've noted your suggestion, thanks
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@TheChaoticScot Some 'easier' munros (in height terms - noting @Leodhasach's warning that you need to be prepared for conditions on all hills) would be: The Cairnwell group (Glenshee), Schiehallion, Fionn Bheinn, both Ben Vorlichs (Loch Earn & Loch Lomond), Mayar & Driesh, and Mount Keen.
This listing of most popular munros (among hill-baggers) might be of use.
On the subject of munros accessible by public transport, in theory 75% are possible. However, you need to have lots of time at your disposal to do this. My blog post gives more details but these are the pick of the bunch for me:
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I climbed my first munro last year... We chose Ben Wyvis as it is one of the easiest to climb. I can see it from my house and I've always wanted to climb it. Sam Heughan climbed Ben Wyvis in January 2014, ( in the snow and ice) when he visited Inverness, however we waited until September and had a beautiful day for a climb.
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These all sound like great places to start - but what about clothing/gear to take with you - what would everyone recommend to a first-timer?
Get yourself a decent pair of boots, they don't need to heavy clunky leather ones either. There's a good selection of lightweight and robust boots out there. I bought a pair of Merrells that have been brilliant and have done well during some typically 'scottish' days out. I even know guys that do summer hillwalking in trail-shoes/approach shoes although the down side of those is there's a little less ankle support and if it's wet then your feet are more likely to get soaked! A decent base layer, waterproof shell and walking trousers would be the next on your list. You don't need to spend £££££ on fancy Arcterxy or Patagucci but you do tend to find the quality improves the more you spend.
My first days on the hill were spent in a pair of Brasher boots, a Peter Storm waterproof and fleece and a pair of cargo trousers from a cheap shop in Glasgow! That got me through my first summer without too much grief, although the waterproof was showerproof at best! A day rucksack is essential to carry food, water and spare clothes and a map and compass too of course! The best thing you can do is to go with someone who has a reasonable amount of experience and they can hopefully pass on some hillcraft and compass/map reading skills.
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Take plenty of layers (and waterproofs) as you can get hot while walking but it's likely to be chilly and very windy at the top. You don't need to invest in expensive gear - I borrowed everything from my son's scouting expeditions!!
I totally agree with @Leodhasachand @Fofomaabove re. proper boots (no trainers!), layers of quick drying material (no jeans!), a good waterproof, and maps/ directions. I too now buy cheaper walking boots (rocks like gabbro eat boots, no matter how much they cost!) but a good pair of insoles can transform boots quite cheaply.
Just a couple more things:
1. A comfy hiking rucksack for food, plenty of water, maps, etc. I'd definitely recommend a proper one that supports around your waist/ chest as well as over your shoulders for more even support/ comfort. It's a long way to carry kit in a sports rucksack just on your shoulders.
2. A buff (piece of lightweight stretchy fabric sewn into a tube). Sounds simple, but super useful and cheap. I wouldn't go out hiking without (at least) one now! I use mine for all sorts depending on what I need - windproof round my neck, headband (for hot or cold!), hairband, balaclava (protection from cold and beasties!), and even once as a bikini top to cool off in a loch when too hot! You can pick them up for less than £15.
3. Don't forget, it's also a good idea to tell someone when/ where you're going, and when you anticipate getting back down
Hopefully at some point over the summer I'll be enjoying amazing views like these on Ben Lomond thanks to all your pointers!
I hope you don't mind me crashing your thread
I'm hoping to climb my first Munro this summer and was wondering if anyone thought any of the ones on the Corrour estate were doable as that's where we're staying. I'm not a complete and utter novice in that when I can I walk up the odd hillock. For example last weekend I was up Berwyn and Bronwen in Wales. I'm just limited for opportunity as I live in Norfolk.
I don't know much about the Munros though and don't want to challenge myself with anything unmanageable. Especially as I'll probably be on my own.
Thanks in advance
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It was harder on the way down as it's all little rocks and you are concentrating more as you need to watch your step. (the back of my legs hurt for a couple of days after). Just take it slow and steady and remember it's not a race!