Sign up for Mighty Munro Muster challenge with our guide to Scotland’s mountains – discount code to enter

RHASS

The Mighty Munro Muster is a fantastic event, and I am delighted to be supporting it, seeing walkers and climbers summiting all of Scotland’s 282 Munros on one day.

Money raised will go to rural charities, helping those who live and work in the countryside, something close to the heart of organisers  RHASS (Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland) – which is celebrating its 240th year in 2024.

Readers of The Scotsman can enjoy a discount using the code Scotsman240, taking the entry price from £60 to £24.

But before you enter, here is my guide to what I think are some of the best Munros, for walkers and climbers of all levels. All details of length, height climbed and time are for the shortest routes up.

Getting started

If you have a reasonable level of fitness there are plenty of Munros you should be able to manage.

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The most difficult part in going up one of my favourites is organising the travel itinerary. Beinn Na Lap can only really be accessed from Corrour railway station, making it a mini-adventure in the vast, remote area of the Central Highlands.

The views from the top are terrific, taking in the huge bulks of Ben Nevis and Ben Alder. And as this is popular with those completing the last of their round of Munros, you may get a glass of champagne on top if you are lucky.

Ben Lomond is a classic and the most southerly Munro, so easily accessible from the Central belt. It was the first mountain I climbed in Scotland when I moved here a quarter of a century ago and one I return to regularly.

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The view takes in a fantastic panorama from the Arrochar Alps, right across the peaks of Crianlarich, the Lawers group, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’ Chroin to Ben Ledi, as well as the islands of the loch below.

Geal-Charn, above the Pass of Drumochter is another first in our family – my son’s first Munro.

As a wee boy he was a little fed up when the view of the A9 and railway line below disappeared but then amazed by the sight of Ben Alder and Aonach Beag with their twisting ridges, across Loch Ericht amid a vast area of empty, wild land.

Some would include A’Mharconaich or the other Munros which lie next to the Pass of Drumochter but that would entail rather more exertion.

From Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms, the shattered cliffs and mountains of the Northern Corries are one of the best sights in Scotland. Behind lies the vast sub-Arctic Cairngorm plateau and a walk up Cairn Gorm gives a wonderful experience of this special place.

Starting from the Caire Case car park below the ski slopes means there is not as much uphill as there might be for a summit over 4,000ft.

Some include a return over the top of the rock faces of Coire an t-Sneachda and Cairn Lochan but that makes it a bit more arduous.

Go a bit further

If you have a little more experience it is well-worth pushing your comfort zone and levels of exertion.

Ben Nevis or “The Ben” is probably the best-known mountain in Scotland but can be a relatively easy, if long, walk up to the top – going on the easier “Mountain Track” route rather than climbing its rock faces or scrambling along its ridges.

After enjoying the summit, and hopefully the view, begin the return but remember the descent is where most accidents occur. In poor visibility follow a compass bearing of 231 degrees for 150 yards from the trig point and then go 281 degrees for another 1,500 yards before continuing to retrace your steps to the start.

Ben Macdui is the second highest mountain in Scotland at the heart of the Cairngorm plateau. Mountain after mountain surrounds you in a genuine 360-degree view and without the view-finder at the summit you would need a few hours to pick them all out.

I once set off at 5am on the long but straightforward walk up, such was the strength of the hot spell of weather that summer (it does happen). It meant I had the whole expansive area of high mountain to myself, a selfish thing to enjoy in some ways but a treasured memory.

Across the huge chasm that is the Lairig Ghru is Braeriach, the third highest summit in the country. A walk up there from the Rothiemurchus Forest is a fine, long day.

Fitness levels need to be high as you make your way up to the Lairig Ghru and on to the mountain’s long shoulder of Sròn na Lairige. You are then presented with the most impressive corrie in the Cairngorms. Take your time to admire the scenery before returning, possibly passing the Cairngorm’s resident reindeer herd.

The Black Cuillin on Skye is a fearsome, knife-edge ridge of Munros frequented mainly by experienced mountaineers.

There is, however, one summit which needs only a slight head for heights, and no needs for scrambling – Bruach na Frithe.

The ascent from Sligachan takes you up to the ridge and a short way along it. Although strenuous, this Munro it can be completed by any fit and healthy walker. While a map is essential it should be noted that because the ridge comprises of gabbro rock, compasses do not work.

When the going gets tough

Arguably the toughest challenge any Munro-bagger will come up against is the Inaccessible Pinnacle further along the Cuillin Ridge from Bruach na Frithe.

This is one for climbers only, although there are tales of people literally being dragged up on the end of a rope. Even walking to the base of this tower of rock from Glen Brittle is a tough clamber – but worth it for stupendous views.

Top tips

Walking boots and warm gear are always advisable, as is a map and compass, and the ability to use them (GPS devices can go wrong).

Take a spare layer such as a fleece – the temperature can drop considerable as you reach 3,000ft – as well as water proofs.

Plenty of water and extra snacks, as well as a packed lunch, are always good.

Pace yourself – don’t charge off at a fast pace and find yourself out of energy. You should also try to walk at the same rate as the slowest member of your group.

Enjoy the view and don’t forget to take a picture – you can upload images to the website and have the chance for them to be used in a special supplement being published after the event by The Scotsman.

Use your discount

Applications are open for the Mighty Munro Muster which takes place on September 21, 2024. For all you need to know about entry requirements, visit the Mighty Munro Muster website.

A free training guide is given to all entrants, as well as useful resources, a fundraising toolkit, merchandise and kit-list.

Applications cost £60 and a minimum fundraising figure of £240 per person is required. However, readers of The Scotsman get a discount, taking the price to £24 if they use the code Scotsman240.