Ever wondered why so many Scottish mountains are called Ben? It means ‘hill’ in Gaelic, that’s why – but Scottish mountain naming doesn’t stop there. Any peak over 3,000 feet (914.4m) gets to be called a Munro, after a baronet with a zeal for classification who listed them all in the 19th century. There are 282 around the country, and it’s a popular sport to summit them all. If you’re only in Scotland for a short while, though, here are six that are relatively easy to get to from Edinburgh. (As always, only attempt a climb like this if you’re experienced in mountain environments and you have the appropriate equipment and clothing.)
1. BEN LOMOND, the Trossachs
Ben Lomond by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond / Photo: © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
The most southerly Munro is a popular first to ‘bag’ thanks to clear paths to the top and the fact it’s easy to get to from Edinburgh and Glasgow. On clear days, summit views stretch across the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond as far as the lovely island of Ailsa Craig. Ben Lomond is in the Trossachs, one of Scotland’s two national parks and a wild area of lochs, forests and glens.
2. SCHIEHALLION, Perthshire
The unmistakeably pointy Schiehallion / Photo: © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Seen from Loch Rannoch, Schiehallion rises like a cone in the heart of Scotland, but is actually a pleasant climb. It’s got some pedigree: mathematician Charles Hutton invented contour lines here as part of an experiment to measure the Earth’s mass. More recently, its name has inspired a popular craft lager from Harviestoun Brewery in Alva. There’s a well-maintained path, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy climb – such a stunning view requires effort.
