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20 of the Best Mountains to Climb in Scotland
Climbing a mountain is more than basking in glorious views – it’s also about the satisfaction of overcoming the (seemingly) impossible!
Whether it’s rocky or grassy pathways, there are a bunch of mountains in Scotland that’ll bring out the adrenaline junkie in you. Here are our top 20!
1. The Cobbler
Location: Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Height: 884 metres
The Cobbler, aka Ben Arthur, is famously known as a beautiful mountain that has unique and ragged edges. It has a narrow clear pathway, but it gets steeper as you become closer to the summit.
You’ll have to pass through a series of loose rocks on the way and endure quite a challenging climb, which takes around 4 to 6 hours back and forth. But trust us, it’s a rewarding experience to see those stunning mountain views at the top.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the chance to take a photo on the ‘eye of the needle’ where you’ll get a breathtaking glimpse of your surroundings. But, please be careful since there’s a sheer drop on either side to reach this wee hole.
2. Cairn Gorm
Location: Ballater, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Height: 1,245 metres
Known as the sixth highest mountain in Britain, the Cairn Gorm stands at 1,245 metres found in Ballater. Despite its great height, it’s a relatively easy climb to the summit that’s suitable for beginners.
There are many routes to reach the peak, but one of our favourites is from the ski car park with a clear and slightly rocky pathway. It’s not a strenuous trail for any physically fit hiker and has an easy climb.
Pro tip:
Avoid climbing the mountain around October and April since the area is prone to avalanches during this time.
3. The Cairnwell
Location: Blairgowrie, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Height: 933 meters
The Cairnwell is often described as one of the easiest Munros to climb since it has a high car park and a straight pathway. We think it’s fitting for beginners who want to start climbing different mountains in Scotland.
Before you reach the peak of The Cairnwell, you’ll pass by two other Munros namely Carn Asoda standing at 917 metres and Carn a’Gheoidh at 975 metres. So, by the end of it, you’ll have actually bagged three Munros – a win-win for sure!
Pro tip:
The best time to climb the Munro is around May and September when there’s good weather for both walking and taking photos – can’t miss a snap for the ‘gram!
4. An Caisteal
Location: Crianlarich, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Height: 995 metres
The An Caisteal is known as ‘The Castle’ because of its unique outcrop near the summit. It’s one of the seven Munros in the Crianlarich range which stands at 995 metres, where you’ll pass through Beinn a’ Chròin along the way.
Although it’s fairly manageable to navigate your way to the peak despite winter conditions, it’s a wee challenging for beginners. Ideally, this is for intermediate to experienced hikers because of the steep climb and boggy sections.
Pro tip:
Bring extra clothes since you’ll be crossing through rivers. Or, you can wear gaiters to cover your legs, keeping your trousers dry and clean when you pass by boggy terrain.
5. Blà Bheinn
Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Height: 929 metres
Popularly known as a challenging route, climbing the Blà Bheinn or the ‘Blue Mountain’ is not for the faint of heart because of its rocky pathways and steep climbs. There’s even a series of scrambling needed, so you better be ready for that.
However, once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive view of the surrounding mountains and Loch Slapin. You could even take a photo and stand on top of the marker at the summit to commemorate the moment.
Pro tip:
If there’s poor visibility while you’re going up the peak, we suggest you go back and not continue for your safety.
It can get very misty on top and you might lose your way or worse – you might lose your balance and not notice the bunch of loose rocks on the pathway.
6. Sgòr Gaoith
Location: Kingussie, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Height: 1,118 metres
Standing at 1,118 metres, Sgòr Gaoith has one of the most dramatic views in the Scottish Highlands with a glimpse of Loch Einich. But, it won’t be easy to reach the peak since it has several wooded and unclear paths.
You should also be prepared for a few boggy sections, but apart from that, the trail’s mostly straightforward from the car park. Make sure to bundle up though since it can be very chilly and wet at the peak, regardless of the season.
Pro tip:
For those with pollen allergies, don’t forget to bring antihistamines since there are a lot of flowers in the area. This may cause trouble for you later on if you’re unprepared.
For legit bragging rights, add to your list of Munro-bagging by walking to nearby mountains like Sgoran Dubh Mòr and Càrn Bàn Mòr after conquering Sgòr Gaoith.
7. Suilven
Location: Lairg, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Height: 731 metres
Although it’s not as tall as most Munros in Scotland, make no mistake in underestimating the climb to the top of Suilven. This stands at 731 meters with a series of steep and zigzag paths.
But, of course, each ache and heavy breath is worth the gain of having impressive views of the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve. Plus, you’d have unlimited gloating privileges for overcoming this challenge.
Pro tip:
We recommend hiking during the summer for more daylight hours because completing the entire trail would take around six to nine hours in total.
8. Schiehallion
Location: Pitlochry, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Height: 1,083 metres
If you’re new to Munro bagging, the Schiehallion is one of the best Munros to start with since it has a beginner-friendly trail with a well-maintained path. Legend has it that the mound was once visited by fairies, hence its nickname “Fairy Hill of the Caledonians.”
But, more than that, the views on top are magnificent, with a peek of Loch Rannoch and the surrounding mountains that’s one for the books!
Pro tip:
Instead of starting early in the morning when more people are walking around, you should start later in the day around 3 PM to have the place to yourselves. It’s not a long walk, and you’ll be back by sunset.
9. Buachaille Etive Mòr
Location: Ballachulish, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Height: 1,022 metres
Ever wonder why the Buachaille Etive Mòr seems familiar, with its unique pyramidal shape that’s surrounded by the majestic Etive River? This is because it’s the most-photographed mountain in the country!
Standing at 1,022 metres, this Munro is a challenging but gratifying climb for hikers who love the Glencoe area. It has a steep and rough ascent, and while the descent can be a bit scrambly for some sections, the epic views at the top are too beautiful to pass up.
Pro tip:
Put on midge repellent since there’s a swarm of them, especially during the rainy season.
You should also be on the lookout for important signs along the trail since there are some areas that are designated for hunting only.
10. Aonach Eagach
Location: Ballachulish, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Height: 968 metres
Situated at the north end of the Glencoe, the Aonach Eagach is a rocky ridge in the Scottish Highlands which reaches up to 968 metres. It’s a very challenging trail, which has several sections requiring scrambling.
Take note that this is Britain’s longest and narrowest ridge, so there are a few drops along the way which need rope protection. But, once you beat all the odds, nothing compares to the majestic view of the mountains and that sense of achievement.
Pro tip:
Although there’s a shorter descent path through the Clachaig Gully, it’s highly dangerous and has a high fatality rate. We encourage you to go with the longer route down into Glencoe, even if it’s further.
11. Sgurr na Stri
Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Height: 494 metres
Even if it only has a height of 494 metres, the climb to the top of Sgurr na Stri is not a walk (Best Scenic Walks In Scotland) in the park. It’s a bit lengthy, taking an entire day, with a few steep climbs and loose rocks along the way.
However, the view from the top is outstanding as you look around the Isle of Skye. Many even call it the best view of all the mountains in Scotland and Lochan Glen!
Pro tip:
Ideally, you should go here during the summer when there are more daylight hours and better weather conditions. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few red deer along the way.
12. Stac Pollaidh
Location: Ullapool, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Height: 612 metres
The Stac Pollaidh is one of the easiest mountains to climb in Ullapool, Scotland with a height of 612 metres. Although it has a few steep parts, it’s a straightforward pathway with beautiful views of the mountains of the Inverpolly Nature Reserve.
You’ll only take around three hours to climb up to the top of the mountain, so you won’t need to hurry back and can take lots of photos while you’re here. Visiting around May and September is ideal because of the great weather.
Pro tip:
A word of caution for beginners, refrain from going to the west summit because you might have a difficult time with the scrambling. You can still explore the area and take photos even if you won’t reach the peak.
But, for those who are experienced, the west summit is relatively manageable, and you’ll get to the top in no time.
13. Ben Lomond
Location: Stirling, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Height: 974 metres
With a height of 974 metres, the Ben Lomond is one of the easiest climbs in Scotland that’s fit for beginners. It has a well-maintained and easy-to-follow path that’s not too steep for a novice.
Since this is a popular trail, expect lots of people along the track, especially if it’s a clear and sunny day. But, that’s a small price to pay since you’ll get fantastic views of the entire Loch Lomond and its islands at the peak of this mountain.
Pro tip:
As mentioned previously, the mountain is quite popular and the car park by the visitor centre easily gets packed. Try to arrive before 9 AM to snag a spot.
An alternative parking area is the one outside of Rowardennan along the access road to Ben Lomond.
14. Ben Nevis
Location: Fort William, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Height: 1,345 metres
Speaking of the best mountains to climb in Scotland, we can never forget to mention the well-known Ben Nevis. Not only is it the tallest Munros (Best Munros Scotland) in Scotland standing at 1,345 metres; it’s also the highest peak in Britain.
It’s a steep and strenuous path towards the top which might be too difficult for beginners. But, you can try your luck by going by the Mountain Path where scrambling is necessary.
Pro tip:
Although it’s more convenient to park in the visitor centre, it’ll cost you £6, and there’s usually limited space given the large influx of hikers.
You can save on costs and park around 300 yards back down the main road at the forestry commission car park, which is free. Yay!
15. Ben A’an
Location: Callander, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Height: 461 metres
Even though it’s on the shorter side, Ben A’an is a popular 454-metre mountain for hikers with its stunning sunset views. It’s even perfectly positioned in the heart of Trossachs, nestled between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray.
Its trail is easy to navigate even if you’re a first-timer, but there’s a steep climb nearing the top. Do this at your own pace and allot enough time in the day to take breaks and pictures.
Pro tip:
If you don’t want to pay £3 for parking, there’s a free one along the Ben Venue which not many people know of.
Also, make sure to bring a midge repellent because a number of them can be pesky when you reach the top of the mountain.
16. Ben Lawers
Location: Aberfeldy, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Height: 1,214 metres
The Ben Lawers is the tenth tallest Munro in Scotland, reaching 1,214 metres. It’s a famous mountain for several reasons, namely its pretty views, various flora and fauna, and elevated car park.
Although this is one of the ‘easiest’ Munros to climb, this monster is not for beginners since it’s quite a strenuous and long walk, taking around 6 hours to complete. On top of that, it’s very challenging to conquer during winter with the icy ground and harsh winds.
Pro tip:
Ben Lawers is teeming with distinct wildlife, so bring a pair of binoculars with you to easily spot a red deer and ptarmigan around the area.
You might even smell a faint vanilla scent during your climb which is from the gorse. These are bright yellow flowers that commonly grow along the trails to the top of the mountain.
17. Ben Macdui
Location: Ballater, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Height: 1,309 metres
Ben Macdui is the second tallest Munro in Scotland, reaching 1,309 meters with breathtaking views over the Cairngorms at the top. It has over a thousand hikers yearly, especially around May to September when there’s decent weather.
Rumour has it that the peak of this mountain has a spooky figure called “the Grey Man” that appears out of nowhere in the fog to scare those who get lost – yikes! But, scaredy cats like us are lucky because the path’s usually clear on a sunny day.
Pro tip:
To know you’re going on the right way, be on the lookout for small cairns since they serve as a guide towards the peak.
18. Ben More
Location: Crianlarich, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Height: 1,174 metres
With its sharp pyramid shape, the Ben More is a challenging climb, standing at 1,174 metres with a steep pathway to the peak.
But, if you overcome this leg-aching and lung-heaving trail, you’ll be rewarded with delightful views of the surrounding countryside. Most hikers usually go here around May through September for the best weather, with their furry pets on lead.
Pro tip:
The route over A Chioch is relatively less difficult since the scrambling is manageable compared to other pathways. There’s also a left-hand route that is shorter, but the terrain is very steep, so go whichever fits your current fitness level.
19. Ben Venue
Location: Stirling, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Height: 729 metres
The Ben Venue is a 729-metre mountain in Stirling with a challenging route that’s suitable for experienced hikers. It has several boggy sections and a steep climb as you get close to the summit.
Its most common route starts at the parking lot along Dukes Pass near Loch Achray until you eventually get closer to the foot of the mountain. Once you reach the top, you’ll get a sprawling view of Loch Katrine and the nearby peaks.
Pro tip:
We suggest having a picnic on the peak since there’s a flat space there that you can sit on as you bask on the stunning vista while relishing a scrumptious meal.
20. Beinn Ghlas
Location: Aberfeldy, Scotland
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Height: 1,103 metres
If you’re going to Ben Lawers, you should also make a stop at Beinn Ghlas which is part of its entire range. It lies north on the shore of Loch Tay with a grassy pathway with a few rocky outcrops along the way.
When you reach the summit, you’ll see how close it is to Ben Lawers, so make sure to take a shot or two (or a hundred!) of this picturesque moment.
Pro tip:
If you’re climbing during winter, don’t underestimate the trail since the icy conditions can prove to be dangerous even if you’re experienced.
Check the weather ahead of time and prepare an entire mountain winter kit – complete with ice axes or crampons for this climb.
