A Beginner's Guide to Munro Bagging

What is a Munro?

A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914.4 m). There are 282 of them, first catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891. “Munro bagging” is the pursuit of climbing every one — a challenge that spans the wildest corners of the Highlands and can take a lifetime, or if you're Glenn Campbell, is being tackled with real urgency in support of Brainpower.

Easiest Munros to start with

These are gentler introductions — well-trodden paths, forgiving terrain, and huge rewards.

• Ben Lomond (974 m) — the most southerly Munro, on the shores of Loch Lomond. A clear tourist path from Rowardennan.
• Schiehallion (1,083 m) — an elegant cone with a beautifully rebuilt path from Braes of Foss.
• Ben Chonzie (931 m) — a grassy giant near Comrie with an easy track most of the way.
• Cairn Gorm (1,245 m) — accessible from the ski centre, though weather turns fast.
• Mount Keen (939 m) — the most easterly Munro, a long but straightforward walk-in.

Gear essentials

• Waterproof boots with ankle support and grippy soles.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers — Scottish weather changes in minutes.
• Warm mid-layer (fleece or synthetic) even in summer.
• Map (OS Explorer or Harvey) and compass — and know how to use them. GPS is a backup, not a substitute.
• Head torch, whistle, first-aid kit, food, and at least 1.5 L of water.
• A charged phone with OS Maps or a similar app, plus a portable battery.

Safety and etiquette

• Check the Mountain Weather Information Service the evening before and on the morning of your walk.
• Leave a route plan with someone at home, including estimated return time.
• Start early. Turn back if the weather closes in — the mountain will still be there.
• Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Take all litter home. Give deer, sheep, and ground-nesting birds space.

For the full pre-trip briefing — kit, forecasts, and how to call Mountain Rescue — see the Brainpower Mountain Safety hub.

Tracking your round

Most baggers keep a log — a simple notebook, a spreadsheet, or a dedicated app. You can follow Glenn's round on the interactive map or read the story behind each summit in The Journey.