Welcome to my blog, enjoy the journey!
What is a munro?
A munro is a mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet high, or in new money, 914.4 meters. There are 282 munros. In 1891, when the list was first published, there were 283. After new measurement techniques were introduced in 1921 this figure was revised to 276. A revision was once again made in 1953, increasing the number to 277.
Between 2007 and 2015 the Munro Society re-surveyed the munros, promoted a few and arrived at the figure of 282. In addition to actual summits, there are munro tops, estimated to be around 226 in number. A true munroist will include every top in their quest for munro immortality. In reality, few do.
So what distinguishes a munro summit from a munro top? Well it can be quite subjective as there was no actual formula set out by Sir Hugh Munro, who compiled the list in 1891. Essentially, a top is subsidiary to a nearby summit, and is identified as such if the drop and distance is not sufficient for it to be a summit in its own right.
The official list of munros is held by the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) and they also maintain a list of "compleaters". This is not a spelling mistake. This quirky spelling comes from the book “The Compleat Angler” by Izaak Walton, first published in 1653. At the start of 2024 the number of registered compleaters was 7651, of course there will be more than that who have not officially recorded their completion with the SMC.
A little known fact is that Sir Hugh Munro after whom the list of mountains is named, never completed them all. The Rev. A. E Robertson became the first person to complete the munros in 1901.
The munros have been climbed over summer, over winter and at night time. The record for climbing them in one go stands at 31 days 10 hours and 27 minutes. The oldest compleator, at time of writing, was 82. The highest number of complete rounds by one person is 16.
The highest munro is Ben Nevis in Fort William, this stands at 4,411 feet or 1,345 meters. The smallest is Beinn Teallach near Roybridge measuring 3,001 feet or 914.6 meters.
The shortest munro by height climbed is Carn Aosda in Glen Shee, you start at 2,132 feet or 650m and only climb 1,410 feet or 430m. My local hill in Stirling, Dumyat, is 1,371 feet or 418m and is a more enjoyable walk!
The only munro that truly requires a rope (and a guide if you cannot abseil safely alone) is Sgurr Dearg or the Inaccessible Pinnacle ('Inn Pinn' for short) on the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye. In dry sunny weather this iconic peak is a pleasure to ascend. The exposure adds to the drama of the climb. In wet and windy weather, the challenge is real, and I for one, was very glad of my guide.
Why do I do it?
I have been incredibly lucky in my life to have hiked in some amazing places, but nowhere holds my heart like Scotland. I was brought up walking the mountains of Fort William; Ben Nevis, the Aonach's and the Mamore's. The bug bit and it's a itch I've been scratching for over 40 years now.
Why has it taken so long Claire? People can climb the munros in 31 days!
Well, I like to take my time, and mild distractions such as work got in the way. I should also say whereas I do class myself a "munro bagger", I am also a lover of the mountains. I have my favourites that I have climbed many times and will do again and again. There are also very many mountains that are not munros, some much more interesting and deserving than a few munros I could name. There are similar lists to the munros for mountains between 2,500 and 3,000 feet - The Corbetts (222 mountains); and 2,000 to 2,500 feet - The Grahams (231) mountains.
Finally, there is the significant issue of access. When you get down to your last 50, the chances are you have climbed all that are reasonably easily reached in a day. The last 50 require more planning and more time to complete.
What to expect from my blogs?
A few people have said they liked getting the updates on Facebook and Instagram on my adventures in the mountains. Now I am moving into climbing some very remote mountains, it gives me a unique opportunity to show you parts of Scotland you may not have seen, and may never.
The layout will be the same for all blogs making it simple to read and navigate.
I will give route descriptions for anyone interested in completing the walks themselves along with lots of photographs of the walk, views, fauna and flora. I'll rate the walks, in my humble opinion, in terms of:
fun factor 😍
bogginess ☹️
effort 😓
navigational skill required 🤔
I will add the time it takes me to complete the walk and also the distance and height gain. I stop, a lot, I like to take pictures and enjoy just being in the mountains. Remember, it's also about the journey and not just the destination, well it is a lot about the destination or why would you do it!
See my section below on Naismith's rule and calculating the time you'll spend on the hill.
I'll suggest which maps are best for the area and whether alternative transport could help, such as cycling in to shorten the walk. Also whether camping is required.
Personally, I don't use a GPS device, I only use good old fashioned maps and a compass. I'm not saying don't use a GPS, they are amazing, but please learn how to navigate with a map and compass in case technology fails.
Naismith's Rule
Naismith's rule is a formula designed to help you determine how long a hike will take. It takes into account travel across the flat and altitude gain. Personally, I find the rule produces timings that are a little tight so I adjust it slightly. I also add time on for stops.
William Wilson Naismith was a Scottish Mountaineer and devised the formula in 1892.
The rule:
Allow one hour for every 3 miles (5 km) forward, plus an additional hour for every 2,000 feet (600 m) of ascent.
This suggests 20 minutes for a mile and 12 minutes for a kilometre.
The basic rule assumes hikers of reasonable fitness, on typical terrain, and under normal conditions. It does not account for delays, such as extended breaks for rest or sightseeing, or for navigating obstacles.
For me, I adjust the timings to 25 minutes for a mile and 15 minutes for a kilometre. My ascent is generally between 10 and 15 minutes per 100 meters.
As a rule, I'll stop 5 minutes every hour and 20 minutes for lunch. I walk steadily and whilst ascending slow down so I can take easy steps without becoming too breathless, I rarely stop for long periods on an ascent. I use 2 walking poles and would definitely recommend them.
The Munro Book gives approximate timings and these are often quite accurate if I add on the extra time for my stops. Munromagic.co.uk also gives timings which tend to be slightly slower. A good guide for me is somewhere between the two.
Having said all of that, you'll learn your own pace and it's useful to know your own time to complete a mile or kilometre, and how long it takes you to ascend 10 meters and 100 meters. These times are crucial for navigation if caught in the mist or snow showers.
Who am I?
Born in West Yorkshire to a Canadian mother and English Father, I spent the first 10 years of my life in towns and villages around Leeds and Wakefield. We then moved to Ardnamurchan Peninsular on the west coast of Scotland, actually the most westerly point on the British mainland. Our small village was so far from Fort William, we had to board at high school, leaving early Monday morning and returning late on Friday evenings. It was whilst at Lochaber High School my love for the mountains and wilderness flourished. Completing my Duke of Edinburgh awards, and climbing with friends, I explored the many amazing mountains and glens in and around Fort William and Ben Nevis.
My schooling continued at Stirling University and when I moved here in 1988 I didn't know that it would become my forever home. I still live in Stirling and the location is perfect for escaping to the highlands. A degree in Biology with Education set me up for a career as a teacher, but I didn't progress. Instead 20 years in various banking positions, culminating as a Financial Advisor with Scottish Widows, was my journey.
Latterly I took my customer service experience with me into the charity sector and worked for 7 years in fundraising for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
In 2020 COVID changed us all.
I am now a self employed wood turner and totally content in my little workshop in the back garden, selling my wares at Made In Stirling, and producing bespoke commissions for friends.
The mountains continue to be a huge force in my life. Every so often I need to get away and reset my soul in their embrace. My loving husband and partner of 33 years, Bill, supports me in all adventures and he's with me in my heart on every climb.
I've ventured overseas and climbed bigger and different mountains. Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Mount Fuji and Mont Blanc being the biggest. We were married in the Italian Dolomites and spent many summers walking the valleys and mountains with friends, and scaling Via Ferrata.
It's fair to say I'm not a fan of the altitude so on completing Mont Blanc in 2019, l sold my 'big' boots and 5 season sleeping bag and settled down to complete the munros and more long distance walks in Scotland.
And here we are........the final fifty munros!
Thank you for reading ❤️ xx
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