Think you need a week off work, a mountain guide, and a packed-out expedition to bag a Munro? Think again.
Yes, Scotland’s 282 Munros can be remote and wild — but some are surprisingly accessible, perfect for a weekend adventure or even a big day trip. Whether you’re based in the Central Belt or visiting for a couple of days, these peaks give you all the summit buzz without the logistical chaos.
Here are some of the best beginner-friendly Munros you can bag in a single day — no camping, no ropes, no need to book a week off.
🧭 What Makes a “Weekend-Friendly” Munro?
Before we dive into the list, here’s what we’re looking for:
✅ Walkable in 6 hours or less
✅ Easily accessible by car or public transport
✅ Straightforward routes with well-marked paths
✅ Not overly remote — ideal for a round trip from home or a base nearby
✅ Still feel like a proper Highland adventure
🏔️ 1. Ben Lomond
- Height: 974m (3,196ft)
- Region: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
- Time Required: 4–5 hours
- Why It’s Ideal: Scotland’s most southerly Munro, and one of the most popular. A well-trodden, non-technical path leads you to sweeping views over Loch Lomond and the Southern Highlands.
- Top Tip: Tackle it midweek or early morning for more peaceful summit vibes — it gets busy on weekends.
🏔️ 2. Schiehallion
- Height: 1,083m (3,553ft)
- Region: Perthshire
- Time Required: 4–6 hours
- Why It’s Ideal: That iconic conical shape makes it look intimidating, but the path is clear, well-maintained, and relatively steady. A perfect first Munro with a big-mountain feel.
- Top Tip: The final section is a boulder field — go on a clear day for easier navigation and safer footing.
🏔️ 3. Ben Chonzie
- Height: 931m (3,054ft)
- Region: Glen Lednock, near Crieff
- Time Required: 4 hours
- Why It’s Ideal: Often underrated, Ben Chonzie offers a gentle ascent with grassy slopes and excellent views across the Southern Highlands. Ideal for your first or second Munro.
- Top Tip: Great winter option for beginners (with kit) — less technical than snowier ridges elsewhere.
🏔️ 4. Mount Keen
- Height: 939m (3,080ft)
- Region: Eastern Cairngorms
- Time Required: 5–6 hours
- Why It’s Ideal: Scotland’s most easterly Munro, reached via a scenic glen walk and wide landrover tracks. It’s remote in feel, but very beginner-friendly in terrain.
- Top Tip: Spot red deer in Glen Esk on the way up — and stop at the picnic site for post-hike chill.
🏔️ 5. Meall nan Tarmachan
- Height: 1,044m (3,425ft)
- Region: Near Killin / Loch Tay
- Time Required: 4–5 hours
- Why It’s Ideal: Short, sharp, and spectacular. The summit has epic views over Ben Lawers and Loch Tay, and the initial path is well-built and clear.
- Top Tip: The full Tarmachan Ridge is a beauty, but you can summit and return on the same path if you’re tight for time.
🧢 Honourable Mentions
- Ben Vrackie (841m): Not a Munro, but a perfect “training hill” just outside Pitlochry
- Driesh and Mayar (947m & 928m): Two Munros in one trip — great for a weekend in the Angus Glens
🎒 Quick Gear & Planning Tips
Even for “easy” Munros, a little prep goes a long way:
- Check the forecast – MWIS and Met Office mountain forecasts are your friends
- Bring waterproofs and layers – yes, even in July
- Use offline navigation – like OS Maps, Komoot, or Peaky Baggers
- Pack a headtorch and backup battery – always
- Let someone know your route – especially if solo
- Snacks, water, and a warm drink – fuel is key on long hill days
💬 Bonus: keep a pair of dry socks in the car. Your future self will thank you.
🧠 Who This Guide Is For
This is for the:
- Edinburgh/Glasgow-based weekend warriors
- First-time Munro baggers looking for accessible climbs
- Road-trippers squeezing a summit into a Scotland itinerary
- Anyone who wants a big mountain buzz in a short mountain window
🏁 Final Thoughts
Not all Munros demand remote wild camps or back-to-back hiking days.
Some are surprisingly accessible, incredibly rewarding, and perfect for fitting into a weekend without the need for complicated logistics.
So whether you’re just getting into Munro-bagging or looking to tick another summit off your list, these hills prove that you don’t need a week off to have a big adventure.
Which Munro is calling your name?
Photo credit: Meg Pier
