Munro Bagging
What Is Munro Bagging?
Munro Bagging is the popular outdoor pursuit of climbing Scotland’s Munros—mountains over 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) in elevation.
Named after Sir Hugh Munro, who first catalogued them in 1891, there are 282 Munro tops scattered across Scotland.
To “bag” a Munro means to reach its summit. Many walkers aim to climb all 282, earning the title of Munroist or compleater. Over 7,000 people have officially completed the full round, the list can be seen HERE.
Origins and History
Sir Hugh Munro published the original list in the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal in 1891.The first recorded compleater was Rev. A.E. Robertson in 1901.
Munro Bagging gained popularity in the 1980s, especially after Hamish Brown’s book published in 1978 – Hamish’s Mountain Walk, chronicled a self-propelled journey across all Munros and The Munro Show by Scottish author and journalist Muriel Gray
Why It’s So Popular
Munro Bagging is more than simply conquering peaks—it’s an incredible journey through Scotland’s breathtaking wilderness. Traverse dramatic ridges, secluded glens, and ancient woodlands. Revel in solitude and sweeping landscapes. Uncover local legends, poems, clans, and tales like the enigmatic Big Grey Man of Ben Macdui—Am Fear Liath Mòr. It’s a thrilling challenge that captivates both seasoned climbers and eager beginners alike.
Getting Started
You don’t need to be an expert to start Munro Bagging. While all Munros can challenge your mental and physical endurance, it’s wise to begin with ones that have good paths and attempt them in favorable weather. In good conditions, some Munros are definitely easier to climb than others.
Here are three Munros with well-defined paths that are ideal for beginners. Have a look at our virtual tours, this will give an idea of the terrain.
| Munro | Height | Why It’s Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Lomond | 974 m | Well-maintained path, stunning views |
| Schiehallion | 1,083 m | Clear route, iconic peak |
| Mount Keen | 939 m | From South. Gentle ascent, open moorland |
Tips for Safe Bagging
Plan ahead: Check weather forecasts and route details.
Gear up: Wear sturdy boots, waterproof layers, and carry a map and compass.
Stay safe: Many Munros are remote—phone signal may be unreliable. Always let someone know your route.
Mountaineering Scotland offers free resources like Sofa 2 Summit, a skills program for new hillwalkers.
The Culture of Bagging
Munro Bagging has become a beloved tradition in Scotland. 360munros.co.uk offer 360° Virtual Tours, interactive maps, GPS tools and Logbook to help baggers plan and track their progress. Many walkers keep diaries, share photos, and celebrate each summit.
Once you’ve completed the Munros, many move on to Corbetts (2,500–3,000 ft) and Grahams (2,000–2,500 ft), continuing the adventure.
Mountain Weather
A vital part of Munro Bagging is knowing the weather forecast. The 360 Munros forecast below is brought to you by Windy.com
Zoom to the mountain area you plan to visit, click the area to drop the pin, the weather forecast for that area will be shown.
