Some people try to do it fast, others will take a lifetime. In this Munro Bagging guide, Jenny gives us the low-down on what exactly this Scottish outdoor challenge is all about.
Considering Mr. Hugh Munro himself – the man behind listing all the Scottish mountains over 3000 ft – never actually visited all 282 (he sadly died with three to go!), it’s no surprise that ‘ticking off’ and visiting this set of Scottish mountains is a desirable challenge for mountain lovers.
With thousands of what are often termed as ‘Munro-Baggers’ across the UK, attempting to visit all, or as many Scottish mountains as they can, the round clearly captivates people’s imaginations.
But how did this whole thing even start? And is this an ingenious way of getting people out and exploring the mountains more, or turning hill walking into a destructive competitive activity? I guess it depends who you ask!
If you’re interested to learn more, here is your ultimate guide to Munro Bagging, including the pros and cons, and handy resources if you’re interested in visiting all Scotland’s Munros too!
Understanding the Munros
Image credit: Ray Harrington via Unsplash
At the core of Munro Bagging is the Munro itself.
A Munro is defined as a Scottish mountain with an elevation of over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres). To ‘bag’ one, is to have summited it.
The standard was established by Sir Hugh Munro in the late 19th century which he published in the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal, a club Mr Munro founded.
Sir Hugh’s compilation, known as “Munro’s Tables,” initially listed 283 peaks, although this number has slightly fluctuated over time due to re-measurements and revised classifications. There are now officially 282 Munros in Scotland.
The highest Munro is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain sitting at 4,411 ft (1,345 m). But it’s by no means the most challenging Munro!
The 12 airy peaks of the Black Cuillins on the Isle of Skye, or the narrowest ridge walk in the UK, Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe, will likely test adventurers the most!
Today, the pursuit of climbing all the Munros is not just an activity; it’s an impressively epic journey through Scotland’s most breathtaking and challenging terrains, which will absolutely give you full bragging rights afterwards!
When did ‘Munro Bagging’ Even Begin?
Although there is no obvious defining moment, it wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century (around the 70s) that the term “Munro Bagging” became widely recognised as the name for the distinct challenge of reaching or attempting to summit of all Scotland’s 282 highest peaks.
The task of climbing all the Munros is daunting, (to say the least), and it requires not just physical strength but also a resilient spirit in a pursuit that takes many people a whole lifetime!
How Many Munro Baggers are There?
Once someone summits all 282 Munros, they can be officially called a ‘compleatists’ or ‘Munroists’.
According to Visit Scotland, there are over 6,000 people in the world that have bagged all the Munros. All compleatists are listed on the Scottish Mountaineering Club’s website here.
However you don’t need to visit all to partake in the fun! Just summiting one Munro is enough to say you’ve ‘bagged’ it!
The Lure of the Challenge
Image credit: Getty Images.
What exactly drives individuals to take on Munro Bagging anyway? A loose screw? (probably – but I’m sure there’s more to it than just that!).
Ask each person and they’ll no doubt have their own unique reasons, but the themes will no doubt be much the same.
For many, it’s the sheer diversity of the mountains involved allowing them to intimately connect with the land. From the relatively accessible Ben Lomond to the remote and formidable peaks of the Cuillin on Skye, the Munros offer a vast spectrum of experience.
Each peak presents its own set of challenges and rewards, from navigating steep ridges to enjoying serene vistas.
Beyond the physical test (and a test it most certainly is!) Munro Bagging is a quest for personal achievement like no other.
Record Holders and Notable Achievements
The Munro Bagging community is filled with tales of extraordinary feats and personal triumphs.
Some enthusiasts aim to complete the challenge as quickly as possible, with record holders managing to summit all the Munros in a matter of months.
The quickest time is 31 days, 10 hours, and 27 minutes, achieved in 2023 by Jamie Aarons, a 43-year-old Californian woman living in Scotland who crushed the previous record by 12 hours! Wowwee!
And to make you feel depressed, the youngest to bag all Munros is 10 year old Quinn Young from Inverness (with a little help from her dad)!
The oldest Munro compleatist is said to be 82 year old Nick Munro, who took over 800 days, (400 days quicker than his target of 1200 days).
Others take a more leisurely approach, spreading their climbs over several years or even decades.
Regardless of the pace, the completion of all Munros is a significant accomplishment, celebrated within the tight-knit Munro Bagging community.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Munro Bagging?
Munro Bagging isn’t for everyone and there are some things to consider. Here are what I think are the pros and cons of Munro Bagging.
Pros:
Leads you to climb mountains you might not otherwise
The quest to complete the Munros takes adventurers to remote and unique places across Scotland that may not have been a consideration before!
Think the Black Cuillins on the Isle of Skye, the heart of the Cairngorm plateau and the rugged peaks of the west coast.
The Munros offer a whole range of mountains; getting you up dramatic peaks and rolling hills alike, rather than the same old hikes day in, day out.
Keeps you motivated to get out
Completing 282 ‘3000 footers’ is no easy feat, and requires a certain level of dedication. That should give you that extra push to get you out on days where motivation is low.
Gets you out in all weathers
On a similar note, waiting for the perfect day each time you want to tick off a peak will take a while. This is Scotland afterall, and if you are serious about completing the round before you reach 100, then it’s inevitable that you are going to have to get out in a variety of grim weather conditions.
So get the waterproofs out and crack on!
A sense of community
For all its flaws, social media undoubtedly has a very strong adventure community. There are Facebook groups and Instagram pages dedicated to the cause.
Adventurers can easily find like-minded people to accompany adventures or to learn from. Whether that’s going out in pairs, groups or just sharing your progress online, the hill walking community will welcome you with open arms!
Cons:
You may miss out on other mountains
Slightly contrary to point number one… having such a specific list of mountains to summit often means that many smaller (and sometimes better) peaks get overlooked.
Not only can these lower peaks be a fantastic day out, but they can offer unique views of surrounding Munros that you wouldn’t be able to get from their summits.
Ticking off peaks rather than enjoying
The slightly competitive nature to this challenge often lends itself to people rushing these mountains.
Seeing the hill as solely an item tick list can easily destroy someone’s passion for the mountains too. Allow time to enjoy the journey as well as smashing goals, and your mind and body will certainly thank you for it.
More people on the mountain
Munros do tend to attract a higher footfall and the challenge does attract a lot of tourism.
If you’re looking for a quieter more mindful stroll, perhaps swap out your planned route for an overlooked Scottish Corbett. Having said that, due to the isolation of many Munros (and vast numbers of them) it’s relatively easy to find a quiet one if you keep away from tourist hot spots.
My local Munro A’chailliach is one of the less busy ones for example; I don’t think I have ever encountered another person on it!
You can get bogged down in the stats
There can be lots of numbers involved in mountain walking. Distance, elevation gain, time, pace, amount completed. Not to mention all the Strava segments.
Remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, and what your drive is. I’m a sucker for a stat, but if it’s getting you down, don’t be afraid to take a step back.
Why I Count Munros
Image credit: Jenny C.
I personally love to count Munros. It keeps me motivated, excited and ultimately I’m just a sucker for ticking things off a list. If Munro counting is a key helping you unlock the joys of the mountains; then crack on.
If you find yourself slipping into the dark depth of Munro Bagging stat smashing, don’t forget to take a breath and keep your walking boots firmly on the ground, enjoying the mountains for what they are!
Munro Bagging Resources
Fancy bagging some (or all) the Munros yourself?
In recent years, technology has transformed the way Munro Baggers approach their challenge. GPS devices, smartphone apps, and online resources provide valuable information on routes, weather, and mountain conditions.
Munro Map has an interactive tool to identify where all 282 Munros lie. If you create an account, you can also log whether you’ve done it next to the Munro listing, which are accompanied by their stats.
Equally important is the role of community. Online forums, social media groups like the Facebook page “I am Bagging the Munros”, and mountaineering clubs offer spaces for sharing advice, experiences, and encouragement, fostering a sense of camaraderie among Munro Baggers.
Tips for Munro Bagging:
Image credit: Caroline Anderson via Getty Images.
- Start Small and Build Up: A common tip is to begin with easier Munros to build up your stamina, experience, and confidence. This approach allows you to gradually adapt to the physical demands and navigation skills required for more challenging peaks later on.
- Invest in Good Gear: The right equipment can make a significant difference in your Munro Bagging experience. Essential gear includes waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a reliable map and compass (even if you use a GPS), a backpack with waist and chest straps, and walking poles for additional support.
- Learn Navigation Skills: GPS devices and apps are useful, but batteries can fail, and signals can be lost. Learning how to use a map and compass is an invaluable skill that ensures you can always find your way, even in poor visibility or if technology fails.
- Check the Weather: Scottish weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly. Always check the weather forecast before setting out and be prepared for all conditions. Remember, it’s OK to turn back if the weather turns against you; the mountain will always be there another day.
- Plan Your Route: Plan your route carefully, taking into account distance, elevation gain, terrain, and estimated time. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day, and always leave room for unexpected delays.
- Join a Munro Bagging Group or Club: As mentioned above, there are many groups and clubs with members who share a passion for Munro bagging. Joining one can provide you with valuable advice, companionship on your hikes, and the chance to learn from more experienced Baggers.
- Keep a Log: Document your climbs in a logbook or digital app. Recording your achievements, routes taken, weather conditions, and personal reflections can be incredibly rewarding and a great resource for future climbs.
- Embrace the Challenge and Enjoy the Journey: Every Munro offers a unique experience. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment with each summit and embrace the journey, not just the destination. The memories, views, and friendships formed along the way are what make Munro Bagging truly special.
For those considering this challenge, Munro Bagging is an invitation to explore, to connect, and to conquer, one peak at a time.
Whether you aim to complete all the Munros or just a few, the journey is sure to be an unforgettable one. I home this Munro Bagging guide has been an interesting read!
See you out in the hills!
Awesome introductory!!!! Exactly all the info I needed in a concise format! Fascinating!!!!!! Thank you!