Highest Mountains in Scotland and Best Routes to Climb

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Highest Mountains in Scotland and Best Routes to Climb | Beyonk Blog

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This complete guide outlines the highest mountains in Scotland and some of the best routes to climb them.

This complete guide outlines the highest mountains in Scotland and some of the best routes to climb them. Scotland is famous for its dramatic scenery, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, deep lochs and heather-covered hills. In fact, the highest 75 peaks in the UK are all in Scotland with Ben Nevis being the highest in the whole of the British Isles at 4409 feet (1344m).

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There are many ways of defining a mountain, not necessarily just by its height (some mountains start hundreds of feet/metres below sea level) and not just by elevation (some plains are over 2,000 feet above sea level but would not present a challenge for climbers!) In most cases a mountain is defined as a natural elevation rising to a summit, attaining an altitude greater than 2000 ft (610m) and with a prominence of at least 98 feet (30m) in all directions.

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Mountain Categories in Scotland

There are 282 Munros (peaks in Scotland exceeding 3,000 feet or 914.4m). This list was compiled in 1891 by Scottish mountaineer Sir Hugh Munro (and can be found at the bottom of this article)

Next are the Corbetts; hills between 2500 and 3000 feet (762 and 914.4m) with a prominence of at least 55 feet (152m). There are currently 221 Corbetts on the list, which is maintained by the Scottish Mountaineering Club.

The next lowest group is the Grahams, between 2000 and 2500 feet (609.6 and 762m). The updated list has 221 Grahams.

The Donalds are hills in the Scottish Lowlands exceeding 2000 feet (609.6m). It includes 89 summits and 51 subsidiary tops.

Finally, there are 1216 Marilyns in Scotland. These are hills with a relative height of 492 feet (150m) above their surroundings regardless of their elevation.

Scotland Mountain Ranges

Scotland is the most mountainous country in the UK with most peaks in the Highlands, the area north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault. The main mountain ranges in Scotland are located in:

Northwest Highlands

Cairngorms (including the Monadhliath Mountains)

Cuillin Mountains, Isle of Skye

Trossachs (including the Arrochar Alps and Crianlarich Hills)

Grampians

Torridon Hills

Southern Uplands

As well as being popular for hill walking and mountaineering, Scottish mountains are also a mecca for skiing and other winter sports. The mountains ranges in general are where you can find the highest mountains in Scotland.

The Highest Mountain In Scotland - Ben Nevis

At 4,409 feet (1344m) Ben Nevis is the highest peak in Scotland and the whole of the UK. It is in the Nevis region, 7 miles southeast of Fort William and popular for hiking, ice climbing and glacial valley viewing.

Quick facts about Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis Height in Meters: 1344m

Ben Nevis Height in Feet: 4,409 feet

How long does it take to climb Ben Nevis: Time varies on fitness and conditions, but can typically take around 8 hours (4 hours up and 4 hours back down) for the 10.75 mile total distance.

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Routes to climb up Ben Nevis

Despite its impressive height, there is a popular walking route to the summit of Ben Nevis starting from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park. This trail is straightforward but strenuous, demanding a certain fitness level with a steep path and some dangerous terrain. The upper section is usually snow covered and requires winter equipment and navigational skills as the path is often hidden. There is scree above Five Finger Gully which has claimed lives, particularly during the descent, so be warned. Ben Nevis summit has a trig point, cairns, memorials and ruins of a 20th century meteorological observatory. When not shrouded in mist, the views from the summit are extensive, taking in much of the Highlands and climbers tackling Tower Ridge. Allow at least 7-9 hours for the 10.75 mile total distance.

The classic route up Ben Nevis for more experienced climbers is along Carn Mor Dearg Arete with awe-inspiring views of the north face which towers 2000 feet high. This route combines rambling and scrambling and is said to be “the grandest ridge walk in Scotland”.

The Second Highest Mountain in Scotland - Ben Macdui

Ben Macdui is the second highest mountain in Scotland and the UK, at 4,295 feet (1309m). It is located in the Cairngorm National Park which was created to protect the area in 2003. It is home to many rare birds, animals and plants within the ancient pine forest and heather moorland. You may see golden eagles, osprey, dotterel, pine martens, red squirrels, otters and badgers. This large mountain range has four of Scotland’s five highest peaks within it and the montane zone (above 600 metres) is the largest area of Arctic mountain landscape in the UK.

Routes to climb up Ben Macdui

Ben Macdui can be ascended from the ski centre and includes Cairn Lochan. This high level 10-mile walk is graded “hard” and anyone making the 3,000 foot (909m) ascent should be well equipped in anticipation of the ever-changing conditions.

An alternate route up Ben Macdui starts from the National Trust Linn of Dee car park near Braemar. Head north on the forest footpath and join the Landrover trail up Glen Lui and past Derry Lodge. This route involves a long and remote walk up to the exposed artic-like plateau which often experiences savage weather conditions. At the tundra-like summit there’s a trig point, cairn and view indicator . It is said to be haunted by the apparition known as the “Grey Man”.

The Third Highest Mountain in Scotland -Braeriach

Also in the wild and exposed Cairngorms, Braeriach is 4,252 feet (1296m) in height with an impressive corrie system of hollows often harbouring deep snow patches even in summer.

Routes to climb up Braeriach

The usual route up Braeriach is out-and-back via the ski road through the Chalamain Gap on the eroded path through Lairig Ghru Pass and then crossing the stream. The well-trodden path is steep and follows the east ridge to the summit.

The Fourth Highest Mountain in Scotland - Cairn Toul

Cairn Toul is Scotland’s fourth highest mountain at 4,235 feet (1291m) and can easily be climbed in conjunction with Braeriach for a memorable traverse totalling 22.5 miles. Many walkers include an overnight stay at Corrour Bothy as the ascent takes 13 hours over two days.

Routes to climb up Cairn Toul

From the Linn of Dee or via Chalamain Gap from the Sugar Bowl car park on Speyside the arduous walk up Cairn Toul follows the edge of the plateau around the corries. Expect rough paths across the boulder field followed by a steep ascent to the plateau. It can be exposed in bad weather

The Fifth Highest Mountain in Scotland - Sgor an Lochain Uaine

Known as Angels Peak, Scotland’s fifth highest peak is Sgor an Lochain Uaine at 4,127 feet (1258m). It is often climbed along with Cairn Toul. Lochain Uaine means “little green loch” and is high on the slopes of this scenic mountain.

Routes to climb up Sgor an Lochain Uaine

Sgr an Lochain Uaine has easy approaches from the south and west and is normally reached via Cairn Toul or from Glen Feshie to the west. It takes around 11 hours with moderate climbing and hazardous boulder fields in poor visibility. To save time, you can cycle to Derry Lodge (easy) and ascend from there.

Scottish Munros Map

We've mapped the highest 200 munros in Scotland onto an interactive map. Explore the icons to see the location of each mountain. Click on the icon to see height in meters and feet.

Complete List of Highest Mountains (Munros) In Scotland to Climb

Munro 1 - Ben Nevis (1344.53 Meters, 4411 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 2 - Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh] (1309 Meters, 4295 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 3 - Braeriach (1296 Meters, 4252 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 4 - Cairn Toul (1291 Meters, 4236 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 5 - Aonach Beag (1234 Meters, 4049 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 6 - Carn Mor Dearg (1220 Meters, 4003 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 7 - Ben Lawers (1214 Meters, 3983 Feet) - Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay

Munro 8 - Beinn a’ Bhuird [Beinn a’ Bhuird North Top] (1197 Meters, 3927 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 9 - Beinn Mheadhoin (1182.9 Meters, 3881 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 10 - Carn Eige [Carn Eighe] (1182.8 Meters, 3881 Feet) - Loch Duich to Cannich

Munro 11 - Stob Choire Claurigh (1177 Meters, 3862 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 12 - Ben More (1174 Meters, 3852 Feet) - Loch Lomond to Strathyre

Munro 13 - Ben Avon – Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe (1171 Meters, 3842 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 14 - Stob Binnein (1165 Meters, 3822 Feet) - Loch Lomond to Strathyre

Munro 15 - Beinn Bhrotain (1157 Meters, 3796 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 16 - Lochnagar – Cac Carn Beag (1156 Meters, 3793 Feet) - Braemar to Montrose

Munro 17 - Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan [Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan] (1151 Meters, 3776 Feet) - Loch Duich to Cannich

Munro 18 - Sgurr na Lapaich (1151 Meters, 3776 Feet) - Killilan to Inverness

Munro 19 - Bidean nam Bian (1149.4 Meters, 3771 Feet) - Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive

Munro 20 - Ben Alder (1148 Meters, 3766 Feet) - Loch Treig to Loch Ericht

Munro 21 - Geal-charn (1132 Meters, 3714 Feet) - Loch Treig to Loch Ericht

Munro 22 - Ben Lui [Beinn Laoigh] (1130 Meters, 3707 Feet) - Inveraray to Crianlarich

Munro 23 - Binnein Mor (1130 Meters, 3707 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 24 - An Riabhachan (1129 Meters, 3704 Feet) - Killilan to Inverness

Munro 25 - Creag Meagaidh (1128 Meters, 3701 Feet) - Loch Lochy to Loch Laggan

Munro 26 - Ben Cruachan (1127 Meters, 3698 Feet) - Glen Etive to Glen Lochy

Munro 27 - Meall Garbh (1123.1 Meters, 3685 Feet) - Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay

Munro 28 - Beinn a’ Ghlo – Carn nan Gabhar (1121.9 Meters, 3681 Feet) - Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie

Munro 29 - A’ Chraileag [A’ Chralaig] (1120 Meters, 3675 Feet) - Glen Affric to Glen Moriston

Munro 30 - Beinn Tulaichean (945.8 Meters, 3103 Feet) - Loch Lomond to Strathyre

Munro 31 - Sgor Gaoith (1118 Meters, 3668 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 32 - Stob Coire Easain (1115 Meters, 3658 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 33 - Sgurr nan Conbhairean (1109 Meters, 3638 Feet) - Glen Affric to Glen Moriston

Munro 34 - Sgurr Mor (1108 Meters, 3635 Feet) - The Fannaichs

Munro 35 - Meall a’ Bhuiridh (1107.9 Meters, 3635 Feet) - Glen Etive to Glen Lochy

Munro 36 - Mullach Fraoch-choire (1102 Meters, 3615 Feet) - Glen Affric to Glen Moriston

Munro 37 - Creise (1099.8 Meters, 3608 Feet) - Glen Etive to Glen Lochy

Munro 38 - Sgurr a’ Mhaim (1099 Meters, 3606 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 39 - Sgurr Choinnich Mor (1094 Meters, 3589 Feet) - Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven

Munro 40 - Sgurr nan Clach Geala (1093 Meters, 3586 Feet) - The Fannaichs Munro 41 - Stob Ghabhar (1090 Meters, 3576 Feet) - Glen Etive to Glen Lochy

Munro 42 - Bynack More (1090 Meters, 3576 Feet) - Cairngorms

Munro 43 - Beinn a’ Chlachair (1087 Meters, 3566 Feet) - Loch Treig to Loch Ericht

Munro 44 - Beinn Dearg (1084 Meters, 3556 Feet) - Loch Broom to Strath Oykel

Munro 45 - Schiehallion (1083 Meters, 3553 Feet) - Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon