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Munro Bagging: A Sport For True Champions
The view from the top of Ben Vain
Only in Scotland would there be a competitive sport known as “Munro bagging”. To non-Scots, even the name doesn’t offer a clue into what might be involved, but it’s nowhere near as bizarre as it sounds.
The Munros are Scottish mountains that reach more than 3000ft above sea level. The peaks are named after Sir Hugh Munro, who was a keen mountaineer and the first person to compile a list of these peaks in the late nineteenth century.
What exactly is it?
Munro-bagging – not to be confused with teabagging! - involves climbing each of these Scottish peaks. Those that have climbed all 283 Munros are now known as ‘compleaters’. Munro bagging compleaters, of which there are around 4000, are put on a pedestal in the mountaineering community to recognise their impressive achievement.
It’s definitely not one of the most traditional sports, but even those that don’t usually spend their days slogging up the sides of mountain will struggle to avoid catching the Munro bagging bug. Once you’ve had your first bagging, you just can’t stop.
Due to their remote nature, finding suitable accommodation is not always easy. However, one of our state-of-the-art Rockin’vans is your ticket to successful Munro-bagging. Jump into one of these bad boys and head north for one of the most exhilarating trips you’ll ever experience.
At the foot of Ben Vain
The Munros by region
Cairngorms
There are numerous Munros in the Cairngorms, but a popular favourite is Lochnagar (1155m). This peak is the tallest of a cluster of mountains with spectacular views into the deep corrie. Others include Ben Macdui (1309m), Braeriach (1296m), Cairn Toul (1291m) and Angel’s Peak (1258m).
Stay: Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park
Fort William/Highlands
The most obvious peak in the Highlands and one that thousands have ‘bagged’ is Ben Nevis (1344m), the king of Munros. Other challenges in the vicinity are Chno Dearg (1046m), Meall na Teanga (918m) and Sgurr na Ciche (1040m).
Stay: Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Ben Lomond (974m) is definitely one of the better known and more challenging Munros in the picturesque Loch Lomond region. Nearby Munros include Ben Vorlich (943m), Beinn a’Chroin (942m) and Sob Binnein (1165m).
Stay: Cashel Caravan & Camping Site
Perthshire
This region is home to the ‘fairy hill of the Caledonians’ or Schiehallion (1083m), which is seen as a perfect cone shape from across Loch Rannoch. There are plenty of Munros to sink your teeth into in Perthshire, such as Carn Gorm (1029m), Carn Mairg (1042m) and Meall Greigh (1001m).
Stay: Kilvrecht Caravan and Camp Site
Islands
All but one of the Munros are located on the Isle of Skye; Ben More (966m) is on the Isle of Mull. Bagging this peak will grant you access to incredible views of the Scottish islands. Other mountains on Skye include Sgurr Alasdair (992m) and Am Basteir (934m).
Stay: Sligachan Campsite
Kintail
Here you will find the popular ridge called ‘The Five Sisters of Kintail’, three of the peaks are Munros, but it is definitely worth completing the five. The three Munros are Sgurr Fhuaran (1067m), Sgurr na Ciste (1027m) and Sgurr na Carnach (1002m).
Stay: Shielbridge Caravan Park & Campsite
Loch Ness
One of the highest summits in the Great Glen region is Carn Eige (1183m), which is usually climbed along with its twin peak, Mam Sodhail (1181m).
Stay: Gairlochy Holiday Park
Argyll
Ben Cruachan (1126m) is one of the most popular Munros and has the highest summit of a range of peaks in the Argyll area. Another of the peaks include Ben Sgulaird (937m), whose ascent starts from seal level so you have to climb every metre of rock.
Stay: Crunachy Caravan & Camping Park
Maybe shorts weren't the best idea.
Tips for successful Munro bagging
- Take suitable equipment – including crampons and an ice axe
- Always wear suitable footwear – snow shoes will come in handy
- Take suitable equipment – including crampons and an ice axe
- Always wear suitable footwear – snow shoes will come in handy
- Don’t forget your map or compass
- Study your route carefully before setting off
- Don’t worry too much about the weather
- Only tackle climbs that suit your level of expertise
