You may already be familiar with a Munro, which is a term used to describe a Scottish mountain over 3000ft. The name is the legacy of Sir Hugh Munro, who was the founding member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC), and in 1891, became the first person to measure and list all of the peaks in Scotland over 3000ft.
There are 282 Munros in Scotland, and conquering them, or ‘Munro bagging’, is a popular pursuit among enthusiastic mountaineers, who aim to scale as many of the peaks as possible. However, fewer people have heard of their less famous cousins, the Corbetts.
The Corbetts are Scottish mountains which are classed in the next category down from the Munros, between 2,500-3000ft in height. There are 222 Corbetts in Scotland, and the list was first compiled in the 1920s by John Rooke Corbett, who was also a member of the SMC, although he was based in Bristol. The list was published posthumously in 1953.
When it comes to discussing mountain walking in Scotland, familiar names such as Ben Nevis and the Skye Cuillins will probably crop up, where some of the highest and most challenging climbs are to be found. However, one of the most beautiful and remote areas of the country for nature lovers to visit is the Torridon Hills in the north west.
There are three mountain ranges to the north of Glen Torridon; Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Beinn Eighe. Each of these ranges contains two Munros, and there can also be found a number of Corbetts.
One of the highest Corbetts is Beinn Dearg, Torridon, which is just a couple of feet shy of being a Munro. The full ascent requires some advanced steep scrambling skills, but you will be rewarded with some wonderful views from the ridge over this stunning landscape of lochs, glens, rugged peaks, and coastline.
A less challenging climb is Beinn Damh, on the southern side of Loch Torridon. On the ascent, you will walk past Scot’s pine forests, an impressive waterfall, and in the autumn months, you will find the beauty of a heather-clad mountainside in full bloom. It is a good place to start for anyone who is reasonably fit but not a very experienced mountain walker.
One of the best-known mountains in the region is Baosbheinn, near Gairloch. The translation of its name from Gaelic is ‘Wizard’s Hill’, the origin of which seems to be open to interpretation. This sandstone ridge is accessible for fit walkers, and the most capable can combine it with the adjacent Corbett of Beinn an Eoin to really test themselves.
For an easier day’s walking, there are plenty of spectacular lower level walks around the freshwater lochs, sea lochs, and glens of the region, as well as miles of infrequently visited coastline and unspoilt beaches. You will find something to suit the novice, the intermediate level, as well as the most experienced mountaineers in this special area of Scotland.
If you would like some information about Torridon mountains guided walks, please get in touch.