June 30, 2025

10 Munros You Can Bag in Under 6 Hours

Short on time? These 10 Munros can all be bagged in under 6 hours. Ideal for beginner walkers or spontaneous weekend hikes in the Scottish Highlands.

Big Summits, Less Time on the Trail

Let’s face it — not every Munro mission has to involve a 4am start and a soggy tent. Whether you’re on a time crunch or just easing into the world of Munro-bagging, there are plenty of mountains that offer epic views and summit satisfaction without chewing up your whole day.

This list is for anyone who wants that peak-bagging buzz in under six hours, from beginner-friendly hills to slightly more rugged ridges — all achievable in a solid morning or afternoon.

Time estimates are based on average pace in decent weather — adjust for your own ability, and always check the mountain forecast before heading out.

1. Ben Lomond – Southern Highlands

  • Height: 974m
  • Route Length: ~12km
  • Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
  • Start Point: Rowardennan
  • Why it’s doable: Clear path the whole way, one of the most accessible Munros
  • Highlight: Sweeping views over Loch Lomond — a true “starter Munro”
  • Bonus Tip: Very popular — hit it early or midweek to avoid crowds

2. Mount Keen – Glen Esk

  • Height: 939m
  • Route Length: ~17km
  • Time: 4.5–6 hours
  • Start Point: Invermark car park
  • Why it’s doable: Smooth track most of the way, long but steady
  • Highlight: Scotland’s most easterly Munro, peaceful and scenic
  • Bonus Tip: Add the Queen’s Well for a bit of royal history

3. Meall nan Tarmachan – Killin

  • Height: 1,043m
  • Route Length: ~8km
  • Time: 3.5–5 hours
  • Start Point: Ben Lawers car park
  • Why it’s doable: Quick ascent and a cracking ridge without major exposure
  • Highlight: Excellent intro to ridge walking
  • Bonus Tip: Watch for mountain hares near the summit

4. Ben Chonzie – Glen Lednock

  • Height: 931m
  • Route Length: ~12km
  • Time: 4–5 hours
  • Start Point: Coishavachan
  • Why it’s doable: One of the easiest Munros — clear paths and gentle gradients
  • Highlight: Quiet moorland with panoramic view
  • Bonus Tip: Gaiters recommended — bog central after rain

5. Carn Aosda – Glenshee

  • Height: 917m
  • Route Length: ~6km
  • Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
  • Start Point: Glenshee Ski Centre
  • Why it’s doable: Possibly the easiest Munro — short and direct
  • Highlight: Great for snowy conditions or first winter walk
  • Bonus Tip: Pair with The Cairnwell for a quick double Munro

6. Beinn Ghlas – Ben Lawers Range

  • Height: 1,103m
  • Route Length: ~7km
  • Time: 3.5–5 hours
  • Start Point: Ben Lawers car park
  • Why it’s doable: Often tackled en route to Ben Lawers — but worthy on its own
  • Highlight: Classic views and a solid path
  • Bonus Tip: Great confidence booster before tackling the full Lawers ridge

7. Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn) – Southern Highlands

  • Height: 985m
  • Route Length: ~10km
  • Time: 4–5.5 hours
  • Start Point: Ardvorlich House
  • Why it’s doable: Steady trail and direct route
  • Highlight: Sweeping views over Loch Earn and the Central Highlands
  • Bonus Tip: Leave early to beat the weekend rush — it’s a busy one

8. Cairnwell & Carn a’ Gheoidh – Glenshee

  • Height: 933m & 975m
  • Route Length: ~10km
  • Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
  • Start Point: Glenshee Ski Centre
  • Why it’s doable: Lift-accessed start makes for a high-level loop
  • Highlight: Double Munro with minimal effort
  • Bonus Tip: Ideal for low-cloud days — terrain is fairly straightforward

9. Ben Wyvis – Ross-shire

  • Height: 1,046m
  • Route Length: ~14km
  • Time: 4.5–6 hours
  • Start Point: Garbat forest car park
  • Why it’s doable: Long but steady trail with a solid ridge
  • Highlight: Vast summit plateau with incredible northern views
  • Bonus Tip: Keep an eye out for ptarmigan and golden eagles

10. Stob Coire Raineach – Glencoe

  • Height: 925m
  • Route Length: ~8km
  • Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
  • Start Point: Lairig Eilde car park
  • Why it’s doable: Shorter of the Buachaille Etive Beag pair
  • Highlight: One of Glencoe’s best value-for-effort summits
  • Bonus Tip: Great intro to Munros in more dramatic terrain

Final Thoughts

Not every Munro needs to be a monster. These 10 routes prove you can have an epic Highland day out without committing to 10+ hours in the hills. Whether you’re new to Munro-bagging or just after a quick win, these mountains deliver the goods without stealing your weekend.

Photo by Jonas on Unsplash

Related posts

5 Munros to Bag in One Trip
Guides

5 Munros to Bag in One Trip

Top Walks in the Lake District’s Western Fells
Guides

Top Walks in the Lake District’s Western Fells

3 Walks That Bag at Least 3 Wainwrights
Guides

3 Walks That Bag at Least 3 Wainwrights