Tips For Bagging Your First Scottish Munro In The Summer

Scotland is home to 282 Munros - mountains over 3,000ft - and for many outdoor enthusiasts, Munro bagging is a rite of passage. Some people love the satisfaction of ticking another peak off the list, while others simply find it’s the best way to experience the beauty and drama of some of the UK’s most remote and wild landscapes. 

If you’ve never tackled a Munro before, you could start big with a Ben Nevis guided walk: the Pony Track is manageable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. However, there are plenty of other less busy and challenging Munros if you want to break in your mountain walking legs more gradually. 

For example, Ben Lomond, just to the north of Glasgow, has a well marked path with just a few rocky sections. It is a popular route and may get a little busy at peak times, but it’s well worth it for the stunning views over Loch Lomond and the mountain ranges beyond. 

Schiehallion towards the east  is considered to be the easiest Munro with an excellent path most of the way to the summit, with just a few rocky sections in the final stages. 

Why summer is a great time for novice mountain walkers

Summer generally offers the most favourable conditions for inexperienced walkers, with long daylight hours, drier weather conditions, better visibility and a lower risk of snow or icy patches.

That said, mountain weather conditions can be very unpredictable, and a pleasant dry day at sea level can soon turn into a wet, windy and chilly experience above 2,000ft or so. Always check the Mountain Weather Information Service before setting off, and consider postponing your plans if there’s likely to be strong winds, heavy rain or poor visibility.

What to pack

Regardless of the weather forecast, you should be prepared for all eventualities. Always carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, and wear breathable layers that can be removed or added to as required. 

You should also wear well-fitting boots with ankle support and grippy soles—avoid wearing brand new boots however, as they can take a while to wear in and you don’t want to be limping along with painful blisters halfway to the summit (pack blister plasters whatever the age of your footwear if you are not used to walking long distances). 

You’ll also need navigation tools. Digital devices and GPS maps are useful, but have a paper backup just in case you lose power or damage the device. Pack plenty of food and water, including extra high-energy snacks for emergencies, such as trail mix, flapjacks or dark chocolate. 

The Scottish Highlands in the summer also means midges, which are small flies that can swarm and bite. They are harmless and do not carry disease, but they can be a nuisance and bites can become swollen and itchy. Bring some midge repellent spray and wear light colours, because they tend to be more drawn towards darker colours.