Bennachie (Ben-ah-hee) is an extraordinarily endearing eminence in the north east of Scotland. Its distinctive profile exhibits many attributes of a true mountain despite its diminutive size, and the hill provides a feeling of perceived wilderness in complete contrast to its ease of accessibility. Bennachie is by far the most compelling prominence within the convenient … Read more
Lochnagar is not only a noble mountain; it is nobility itself, an aristocratic eminence that defines the highland landscape of Deeside. Nearly fifty years before the mountain became a sporting playground of the Royal Family, Lochnagar had already captured the boyhood soul of Lord Byron, who as a club-footed fifteen-year-old in 1803 determinedly arrived at … Read more
Stob Bàn cuts a fine figure. Both on the map and on the ground, its soaring conical form, capped by a shattered crust of white quartzite, captures attention and ignites aspiration. For those embarking on the magnificent traverse of the complete Mamore range, Stob Bàn is of little more consequence than comprising the second Munro … Read more
Creag Meagaidh is seen by many to be a mountain preserve for ice climbers, skiers and winter walkers, and indeed, under its customary white mantle, the mountain is undoubtedly at its finest. However, there is also much to recommend for the summer visitor, from the extraordinary natural regeneration of the landscape and the secluded splendour … Read more
The Mamores are one of the great ranges of the Highlands, a monumental group of ten Munros, with Binnein Mor being the mother mountain and highest summit at 3707ft (1130m). It’s name aptly translates as ‘big peak’ and many authorities regard Binnein Mor to be the finest of the range. The full traverse forms a magnificent … Read more
Ben Lawers is the friendly face of 4,000-foot mountains, rising proudly above the shimmering waters of Loch Tay and set in a softer landscape than the rockier or more remote giants to the north. With the option of a high starting point and a gently graded path, the ascent might just feel a little like … Read more
The two historic routes to the Isle Skye, through Glen Shiel and Glenfinnan demark a vast, remote mountain landscape penetrated by just two minor roads, both abruptly terminated by the fabled Rough Bounds of Knoydart. Amongst this wilderness are twenty-eight Munros with Sgurr na Ciche claiming first place in altitude and Gleouraich a close second. … Read more
This is the highest and most complex mountain in Glencoe standing at 3771 feet (1150m), with multiple ridges that sprout nine individual summits. The loftiest top is bashfully concealed behind the monumental spurs of three of these ridges, The Three Sisters, which themselves form the most celebrated view in Scotland’s most revered glen. In fact, … Read more
Popularity is bestowed on some hills due to their arresting appearance regardless of their altitude; Stac Pollaidh is an audacious example and so is the Cobbler, which scores on an additional front due to its southern Highland location, thus accessible to the masses from the Scottish Central belt. To describe the mountain as being like … Read more
Ben Mor Coigach forms the entrée to Coigach and Assynt, a land of mystical pointy mountains. Driving north from Ullapool to Ardmair Bay the imposing wall of Garbh Coireachan thrusts into view, an awe-inspiring sight, with the dynamic interplay of light and sea constantly reflecting the capricious atmospheric conditions. What most observers will not comprehend … Read more