Scotland the best
Easy Munros
More than 3,000ft high, Scotland’s Munros are mountains, but it’s fairly easy to get to some summits Càrn Aosda Glenshee
Very accessible, starting from Glenshee ski car park; follow ski tow up. Ascent only 270m of 917m, so bag a Munro in an hour. Easier still, take chairlift to Cairnwell, take in peak behind and then Càrn Aosda – and you’re doing three Munros in a morning (cheating, but hey). The Grampian Highlands unfold. Another easy (500m to climb) Munro nearby is Carn an Tuirc from the A93.
Meall Chuaich, Dalwhinnie
Starting from verge of the A9 south of Cuaich at Cuaich Cottages. Ascent only 623m, though the total walk is 14km. Follow aqueduct to power station then Loch Cuaich. An easily bagged 951m.
Ben Lawers nr Killin
The massif of 7 summits, including 6 Munros that dominate the north side of Loch Tay, linked by a 12km twisting ridge that only once falls below 800m. If you’re fit, you can do the lot in a day starting from the north or Glen Lyon side. Have an easier day of it knocking off Beinn Ghlas then Ben Lawers from the Lawers car park, 5km off the A827. 4 or 5 hours.
Blà Bheinn, Skye
Pronounced “Blahven”. The magnificent massif, isolated from the other Cuillin, has a sea-level start and seems higher than it is. The Munro Guide describes it optimistically as “exceptionally accessible”. It has an eerie, jagged beauty and – though some scrambling is involved and it helps to have a head for exposed situations – there are no serious dangers. Take B8083 from Broadford to Elgol through Torrin, park 1km south of the head of Loch Slapin, walking west at Allt na Dunaiche along north bank of stream. Blà Bheinn is an enormously rewarding climb. Rapid descent for scree runners, but allow 8 hours. 928m.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99