So you want to bag your first Munro? Brilliant. Welcome to the wonderful world of highland summits, epic views, weather mood swings, and a growing obsession with ticking things off a list.
Bagging your first Munro is a proper rite of passage in the UK hiking world — and no, you don’t need to be a mountain goat to do it.
With the right prep, a solid forecast, and a sensible starter peak, you can absolutely climb one of Scotland’s legendary 3,000-footers and live to tell the tale (with a smug grin and sore calves).
Here’s everything you need to know to get started, including what counts as a Munro, which one to pick first, what gear you’ll need — and how to track your growing mountain empire.
🏔️ What Actually Is a Munro?
Let’s start with the basics.
A Munro is any mountain in Scotland that stands over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres). The list was originally compiled in 1891 by Sir Hugh Munro, and today there are 282 Munros spread across the country.
There’s no technical climbing involved — Munros are for walkers, not climbers — but don’t let that fool you. Some are remote, steep, or scrambly. Others are friendly hillwalks with a big payoff.
People take on Munros for the views, the challenge, the sense of ticking off something epic — and, for a few hardy souls, the dream of completing all 282 (known as “completing a round”).
🥾 What You Need Before You Climb
Bagging your first Munro doesn’t require fancy mountaineering skills, but a bit of prep goes a long way.
Here’s what you’ll need:
💪 Fitness
- You should be comfortable walking for 4–6 hours on uneven ground.
- Start with local hillwalks or smaller peaks to build confidence.
🧭 Navigation
- At minimum: an OS Map and compass (and know how to use them).
- Bonus points for using an offline app like OS Maps, Komoot, or (shameless plug) Peaky Baggers — our app lets you tick peaks and track your progress even off-grid.
🌦️ Weather Awareness
- Scotland’s weather is… let’s say “emotionally unstable.”
- Check MWIS or Met Office Mountain Forecasts before you go.
- If it looks grim, postpone. The mountain will still be there tomorrow.
🎒 Gear Essentials
- Waterproof boots with good ankle support
- Base, mid, and waterproof layers
- Hat and gloves (yes, even in July)
- Map, compass, snacks, water (min 2L), and a headtorch
- Emergency foil blanket or bivvy bag
- Charged phone (plus power bank if possible)
⛰️ The Best Munros for First-Timers
Here are three Munros that are perfect for beginners — well-trodden paths, safe routes, and big views without sketchy ridges.
1. Ben Lomond
- Location: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
- Height: 974m (3,196ft)
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Why it’s perfect:
It’s one of the most popular Munros for a reason — well-maintained path, stunning loch views, and relatively accessible from Glasgow.
- Top Tip:
Go early to beat the crowds and consider descending via the Ptarmigan Ridge for variety and even better views.
2. Schiehallion
- Location: Perthshire
- Height: 1,083m (3,553ft)
- Time: 4–6 hours
- Why it’s perfect:
It’s an iconic, cone-shaped peak with a wide, gradual path for most of the way. The summit’s a bit rocky, but nothing technical.
- Top Tip:
Only attempt the summit boulder field in good visibility — it’s easy to lose the line if the cloud rolls in.
3. Mount Keen
- Location: South-east Cairngorms
- Height: 939m (3,080ft)
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Why it’s perfect:
It’s the most easterly Munro, so you’re likely to get better weather than the west coast — and the approach via Glen Esk is steady and scenic.
- Top Tip:
Bring insect repellent if walking in summer — midges can be feral in the glens.
🧠 Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable First Climb
- Start early – give yourself plenty of daylight, especially in autumn/winter.
- Don’t go solo unless you’re confident with navigation and mountain conditions.
- Let someone know your route and return time.
- Don’t be afraid to turn back. Safety > summit.
- Enjoy it! This is your first Munro. Stop, soak it in, take photos, eat celebratory snacks at the top.
📊 What Happens After You Bag Your First Munro?
Well, you’ve officially entered the Munro-verse. Welcome.
Here’s what to do next:
- Track your progress:
Use an app like Peaky Baggers (yep, that’s us) to log your climbs, track your stats, and discover nearby peaks — even offline.
- Set your next challenge:
Try a different region, bag a two-in-one, or chase a quieter Munro.
- Join the community:
Munro bagging is surprisingly social — check out the WalkHighlands forums, Scottish hillwalking groups, and local hiking clubs.
- Don’t rush:
Completing the full 282 is a long game. Some take a lifetime. Some never finish — and that’s totally fine.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Bagging your first Munro is more than just ticking a box — it’s a big step into one of the most iconic adventures in the UK outdoors.
So whether you climb Ben Lomond on a blue-sky day or scramble through the mist on Schiehallion, your Munro journey starts now — and trust us, it’s an adventure worth having.
Pack your bag, check the forecast, and pick your peak.
🥾 You’ve got this.
Already bagged your first Munro? Let us know which one you picked — or tell us which one’s next on your list!
Ready to start tracking your Munros?
➡️ Download Peaky Baggers and start your summit journey today.
Photo credit: ilya
