For many tourists visiting Scotland, Edinburgh is the focal point of the journey - but that doesn't mean that the rugged landscapes of Scotland are inaccessible.
Arthur's Seat is a popular choice, but for some hill walkers it may not present enough of a challenge - which is why it's fortunate there are plenty of Munros close enough to the capital that they can be incorporated into a day trip.
In Scotland, mountains with an elevation of more than 3,000 feet (914.4 metres) are called Munros.
There are 282 Munros in Scotland, many of which are named Ben, and they can be "bagged" by reaching the summit. Many dedicated mountaineers look to become "completers" and join the ranks of those who have climbed every Munro in the country.
But if you're looking to start small and enjoy breath-taking views of the Scottish countryside, for more than one reason, here are 21 hikes you can choose from without venturing too far north.
In Scotland, mountains with an elevation of more than 3,000 feet (914.4 metres) are called Munros.
![Of the four Munros on the east side of the Cairnwell Pass, Glas Maol is the tallest at 1,068 metres. In Gaelic it is named the “Green (or Grey) hill” which reflects its grassy and rocky terrain.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/07/24/15/Glas%20Maol%20%20%20Richard%20Law.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
17. Glas Maol
Of the four Munros on the east side of the Cairnwell Pass, Glas Maol is the tallest at 1,068 metres. In Gaelic it is named the “Green (or Grey) hill” which reflects its grassy and rocky terrain.
![According to the Munro Magic website: “Creag Leacach is effectively a summit on the winding south-west ridge of Glas Maol, the flanks of the ridge being steep rocky slopes.” It stretches over 987 metres.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/07/24/15/Creag%20Leacach%20%20%20Stephen%20Sweeney.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
18. Creag Leacach
According to the Munro Magic website: “Creag Leacach is effectively a summit on the winding south-west ridge of Glas Maol, the flanks of the ridge being steep rocky slopes.” It stretches over 987 metres.
![The John Muir Trust says this is “distinctive summit in Highland Perthshire with breathtaking views and a diverse range of habitats.” It rises to 1,083 metres.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/07/24/15/Schiehallion%20%20Daniel%20Giza%20from%20Getty%20Images.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
19. Schiehallion
The John Muir Trust says this is “distinctive summit in Highland Perthshire with breathtaking views and a diverse range of habitats.” It rises to 1,083 metres.
![Ben Vane is a munro nestled in the Arrochar Alps. It is the smallest of Scotland’s munros but is said to have many “false summits” that trick you into thinking you’ve ascended further than you truly have. It is 914 metres in height.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/07/24/15/Ben%20Vane%20%20via%20WikiCommons.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
20. Ben Vane
Ben Vane is a munro nestled in the Arrochar Alps. It is the smallest of Scotland’s munros but is said to have many “false summits” that trick you into thinking you’ve ascended further than you truly have. It is 914 metres in height.