What Is the Highest Mountain in Scotland? What About the Top 12? The Top 100?

Scotland is a gorgeous country with stunning landscapes. Thankfully, there are many options to choose from if you are looking to explore its amazing nature and climb some breathtaking mountains. However, you might be wondering “What is the highest mountain in Scotland?”

The Munros are Scotland’s mountains that have over 3,000 feet (914 meters) in elevation. There are 282 Munros, so you have plenty of peaks to choose from. You can even make it your personal goal to climb all of them. Thus, whether you pick one of the top 12 highest mountains in Scotland or go through all of the Munros, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime.

Ben Nevis

At 4,411 feet (1,345 meters), Ben Nevis is the highest mountain located in Scotland. It can be found in the Grampian Mountains, and it is a formerly active volcano. Basically, the volcano’s roof collapsed into its magma chamber, creating Ben Nevis.

There are different routes you can take to reach this peak for a climbing adventure. For example, some hikers prefer The Mountain Track, while others go for the Carn Mor Dearg Arête route. The latter is a bit more challenging and requires practice and experience as a hiker.

Every year, thousands of people climb the mountain from the base. On average, it takes between 7 and 9 hours to reach the top.

Ben Macdui

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Ben Macdui is the 2^nd highest mountain in Scotland. It peaks at 4,295 feet (1,309 meters). While it’s lower than Ben Nevis, this mountain is a bit more difficult to climb. For this reason, you should have the proper equipment and skill. Furthermore, the best route to take – and the easiest – is through the Cairn Gorm plateau. The climb will take an average of 6 to 8 hours.

Braeriach

Found in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, Beaeriach is the 3^rd highest mountain in the region. Sitting at 4,252 feet (1,296 meters) the mountain represents a challenge to many climbers, mainly due to its weather conditions. The peak is known to experience heavy snowfall and strong winds quite often. So, this makes it more suitable for experienced climbers.

The best route to take is through the Chalamain Gap that starts at the Sugar Bowl car park. Regardless or the route, if you want to enjoy the great wilderness in the area, then Beaeriach is certainly a choice to consider.

Cairn Toul

The next peak on the list is Cairn Toul, a mountain with stunning views that will make any hiker’s experience unforgettable. The mountain has 4,236 feet (1,291 meters) and it has well-defined ridges. Also, it’s part of the Cairngorms mountains and it’s pretty close to the Braeriach. So, if you visit the Braeriach, you may want to explore its neighbor as well.

For a smoother experience, you can start hiking in Glen Feshie, Lairig Ghru, or the Linn of Dee.

Sgòr an Lochain Uaine

If you go to Glenmore Forest Park, you have the opportunity to see the Sgòr an Lochain Uaine. This mountain measures 4,127 feet (1,258 meters). It is close to Lochan Uaine lake, from where it also got its name. You can enter the Sgòr an Lochain Uaine area through the Auchlean in Glen Feshie. You can then go up over the Càrn Bàn Mò.

Cairn Gorm

The sixth tallest mountain in Scotland is none other than Cairn Gorm. Its name translates to “green cairn” or “blue cairn”. This peak is known for its ski resort and its weather station and it has 4,084 feet (1,244.8 meters).

To reach Cairn Gorm, you can get Windy Ridge or the Fiacaill a’ Choire Chais path. For an excellent scramble, you can also settle for the Fiacaill Coire an t-Sneachda ridge.

Aonach Beag and Aonach Mòr

Next on the list, we have Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor. The former is 4,049 feet (1,234 meters) high, whereas the latter is 4,004 feet (1,220.4 meters) high. Basically, the two make the Aonachs, which is a ridge of mountains shaped like a horseshoe.

A popular route to these mountains begins at the Nevis Range center, from where you can start walking on a track into the wilderness.

Càrn Mòr Dearg

Càrn Mòr Dearg peaks at 4,012 feet (1,223 meters), and it is a common climbing mountain for experienced hikers. It’s to the east of Ben Nevis, and while it’s challenging as a route, it has some stunning views.

People usually climb from the CIC hut to the summit ridge. Still, it’s extremely important to be careful, as it’s quite a broken and loose surface.

Ben Lawers

Ben Lawers has 3,983 feet (1,210 meters) and it is located close to Loch Tay, which is the sixth largest lake in Scotland. While it is certainly not the highest mountain in the world, Ben Lawers is the highest one in the Central Highlands. So, it can take up to six hours to complete the route.

In order to reach the mountain, most individuals take the high-level car park and go through Beinn Ghlas.

Beinn a’Bhùird

At 3,923 feet (1,196 meters), this mountain can be accessed from the Glen Quoich ancient pinewoods, although some people also take the Gleann an t-Slugain moors. If this mountain is on your list, get ready because it can take between 7 and 9 hours to reach the top. Despite this, the views are definitely rewarding.

Càrn Eige

Càrn Eige has 3,881 feet (1,183 meters) and is the highest mountain in the northern area of Scotland. Due to its unusual shape, which resembles a horseshoe, it can give walkers quite a long journey, requiring between 10 to 13 hours to get to the top.

In case you want to take this route, you can begin your journey at the Chisholm Bridge car park.

Beinn Mheadhoin

On the twelfth spot, we have Beinn Mheadhoin, which is 3,878 feet (1,182 meters) high. Although it resembles a hill more than a mountain, it’s not hard to notice various granite rock formations at the summit plateau. On average, people take 8 to 9 hours to climb the mountain, after which they are able to see a stunning view.

In case you want to get to the northeast shoulder, you can take the route from below Loch Avon. Meanwhile, from down to Loch Etchachan, you can reach the southwest shoulder.

The Top 100 Munros

The name “Munros” refers to a classification system named after Sir H.T. Munro. Basically, it represents the highest mountains in Scotland. Sir H.T. Munro was the first one to make a compilation of all the peaks exceeding 3,000 feet (or 914 meters) in Scotland, which is why the system was named after him.

In total, there are 282 Munros in Scotland. Only 34 mountains in the rest of the United Kingdom reach more than 3,000 feet. Here are the top 100 Munros:

Munro no	Munro Name	Height in Metres	Height in Feet	Area or Range
1	Ben Nevis	1344.53	4411	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
2	Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]	1309	4295	Cairngorms
3	Braeriach	1296	4252	Cairngorms
4	Cairn Toul	1291	4236	Cairngorms
5	Aonach Beag	1234	4049	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
6	Carn Mor Dearg	1220	4003	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
7	Ben Lawers	1214	3983	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
8	Beinn a’ Bhuird [Beinn a’ Bhuird North Top]	1197	3927	Cairngorms
9	Beinn Mheadhoin	1182.9	3881	Cairngorms
10	Carn Eige [Carn Eighe]	1182.8	3881	Loch Duich to Cannich
11	Stob Choire Claurigh	1177	3862	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
12	Ben More	1174	3852	Loch Lomond to Strathyre
13	Ben Avon – Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe	1171	3842	Cairngorms
14	Stob Binnein	1165	3822	Loch Lomond to Strathyre
15	Beinn Bhrotain	1157	3796	Cairngorms
16	Lochnagar – Cac Carn Beag	1156	3793	Braemar to Montrose
17	Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan [Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan]	1151	3776	Loch Duich to Cannich
18	Sgurr na Lapaich	1151	3776	Killilan to Inverness
19	Bidean nam Bian	1149.4	3771	Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive
20	Ben Alder	1148	3766	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
21	Geal-charn	1132	3714	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
22	Ben Lui [Beinn Laoigh]	1130	3707	Inveraray to Crianlarich
23	Binnein Mor	1130	3707	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
24	An Riabhachan	1129	3704	Killilan to Inverness
25	Creag Meagaidh	1128	3701	Loch Lochy to Loch Laggan
26	Ben Cruachan	1127	3698	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
27	Meall Garbh	1123.1	3685	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
28	Beinn a’ Ghlo – Carn nan Gabhar	1121.9	3681	Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
29	A’ Chraileag [A’ Chralaig]	1120	3675	Glen Affric to Glen Moriston
30	Beinn Tulaichean	945.8	3103	Loch Lomond to Strathyre
31	Sgor Gaoith	1118	3668	Cairngorms
32	Stob Coire Easain	1115	3658	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
33	Sgurr nan Conbhairean	1109	3638	Glen Affric to Glen Moriston
34	Sgurr Mor	1108	3635	The Fannaichs
35	Meall a’ Bhuiridh	1107.9	3635	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
36	Mullach Fraoch-choire	1102	3615	Glen Affric to Glen Moriston
37	Creise	1099.8	3608	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
38	Sgurr a’ Mhaim	1099	3606	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
39	Sgurr Choinnich Mor	1094	3589	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
40	Sgurr nan Clach Geala	1093	3586	The Fannaichs
41	Stob Ghabhar	1090	3576	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
42	Bynack More	1090	3576	Cairngorms
43	Beinn a’ Chlachair	1087	3566	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
44	Beinn Dearg	1084	3556	Loch Broom to Strath Oykel
45	Schiehallion	1083	3553	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
46	Beinn a’ Chaorainn	1083	3553	Cairngorms
47	Sgurr a’ Choire Ghlais	1083	3553	Kyle of Lochalsh to Garve
48	Beinn a’ Chreachain	1080.6	3545	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
49	Ben Starav	1078	3537	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
50	Beinn Sheasgarnaich [Beinn Heasgarnich]	1077.4	3535	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
51	Beinn Dorain	1076	3530	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
52	Beinn a’ Ghlo – Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain	1070	3510	Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
53	Meall Corranaich	1069	3507	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
54	An Socach	1069	3507	Killilan to Inverness
55	Sgurr Fhuaran	1068.7	3506	Loch Duich to Cannich
56	Glas Maol	1068	3504	Braemar to Montrose
57	An Teallach – Bidein a’ Ghlas Thuill	1062.5	3486	Loch Maree to Loch Broom
58	Liathach – Spidean a’ Choire Leith	1055	3461	Loch Torridon to Loch Maree
59	Toll Creagach	1054	3458	Loch Duich to Cannich
60	Sgurr a’ Chaorachain	1053	3455	Kyle of Lochalsh to Garve
61	Beinn a’ Chleibh	916.3	3006	Inveraray to Crianlarich
62	Beinn a’ Chaorainn	1052	3451	Loch Lochy to Loch Laggan
63	Glas Tulaichean	1051	3448	Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
64	Geal Charn	1049	3442	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
65	Creag Mhor	1047	3435	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
66	Chno Dearg	1046	3432	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
67	Ben Wyvis – Glas Leathad Mor	1046	3432	Loch Vaich to Moray Firth
68	Cruach Ardrain	1045.9	3431	Loch Lomond to Strathyre
69	Beinn Iutharn Mhor	1045	3428	Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
70	Stob Coir’ an Albannaich	1044	3425	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
71	Meall nan Tarmachan	1043.5	3424	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
72	Carn Mairg	1042	3419	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
73	Sgurr na Ciche	1040	3412	Knoydart to Glen Kingie
74	Meall Ghaordaidh	1039.8	3411	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
75	Beinn Achaladair	1038.5	3407	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
76	Carn a’ Mhaim	1037	3402	Cairngorms
77	Sgurr a’ Bhealaich Dheirg	1036	3399	Loch Duich to Cannich
78	Gleouraich	1035	3396	Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
79	Carn Dearg	1034	3392	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
80	Beinn Fhada	1032	3386	Loch Duich to Cannich
81	Am Bodach	1031.8	3385	Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
82	Ben Oss	1029	3376	Inveraray to Crianlarich
83	Carn Gorm	1029	3376	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
84	Carn an Righ	1029	3376	Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
85	Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich	1027	3369	Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
86	Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe	1027	3369	Loch Duich to Cannich
87	Ben Challum [Beinn Challuim]	1025	3363	Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
88	Beinn a’ Bheithir – Sgorr Dhearg	1024	3360	Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive
89	Liathach – Mullach an Rathain	1023	3356	Loch Torridon to Loch Maree
90	Buachaille Etive Mor – Stob Dearg	1021.4	3351	Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive
91	Ladhar Bheinn	1020	3346	Knoydart to Glen Kingie
92	Meall na Aighean	981	3219	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
93	Meall Garbh	968	3176	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
94	Aonach air Chrith	1019.5	3345	Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
95	Beinn Bheoil	1019	3343	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
96	Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair	1015.2	3331	Loch Maree to Loch Broom
97	Garbh Chioch Mhor	1013	3323	Knoydart to Glen Kingie
98	The Saddle	1011.4	3318	Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
99	Beinn Ime	1011	3317	Inveraray to Crianlarich
100	Beinn Udlamain	1010.2	3314	Loch Ericht to Glen Tromie & Glen Garry

Conclusion

As you can see, Ben Nevis is the tallest among the Munros, and can provide you with breathtaking views. However, Scotland has numerous other tall mountains, such as Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Gorm, and many others that can offer you unforgettable adventures.