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ben nevis

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

You are here: Home / Places / Mountains / What Is the Highest Mountain in Scotland? What About the Top 12? The Top 100?
by Andreea Iavorenciuc ・ March 18, 2023

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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

Ben Nevis
Source: Thincat

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

Ben Macdui peak
Source: Graham Lewis

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Ben Macdui is the 2nd 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

Braeriach mountain
Source: Angus

Found in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, Beaeriach is the 3rd 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

Cairn Toul summit
Source: Elliott Simpson

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

Sgòr an Lochain Uaine
Source: Mike Pennington

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

Cairn Gorm mountain
Source: Callum Black

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

Aonach Beag and Aonach Mòr
Source: Mick Knapton

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 peak
Source: Iangpark

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 mountain in Scotland
Source: Rick Johnson

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

Beinn a'Bhùird
Source: TheCreator

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 mountain
Source: Andy Waddington

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

Beinn Mheadhoin Scotland
Source: Mick Knapton

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 noMunro NameHeight in MetresHeight in FeetArea or Range
1Ben Nevis1344.534411Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
2Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]13094295Cairngorms
3Braeriach12964252Cairngorms
4Cairn Toul12914236Cairngorms
5Aonach Beag12344049Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
6Carn Mor Dearg12204003Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
7Ben Lawers12143983Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
8Beinn a’ Bhuird [Beinn a’ Bhuird North Top]11973927Cairngorms
9Beinn Mheadhoin1182.93881Cairngorms
10Carn Eige [Carn Eighe]1182.83881Loch Duich to Cannich
11Stob Choire Claurigh11773862Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
12Ben More11743852Loch Lomond to Strathyre
13Ben Avon – Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe11713842Cairngorms
14Stob Binnein11653822Loch Lomond to Strathyre
15Beinn Bhrotain11573796Cairngorms
16Lochnagar – Cac Carn Beag11563793Braemar to Montrose
17Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan [Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan]11513776Loch Duich to Cannich
18Sgurr na Lapaich11513776Killilan to Inverness
19Bidean nam Bian1149.43771Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive
20Ben Alder11483766Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
21Geal-charn11323714Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
22Ben Lui [Beinn Laoigh]11303707Inveraray to Crianlarich
23Binnein Mor11303707Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
24An Riabhachan11293704Killilan to Inverness
25Creag Meagaidh11283701Loch Lochy to Loch Laggan
26Ben Cruachan11273698Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
27Meall Garbh1123.13685Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
28Beinn a’ Ghlo – Carn nan Gabhar1121.93681Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
29A’ Chraileag [A’ Chralaig]11203675Glen Affric to Glen Moriston
30Beinn Tulaichean945.83103Loch Lomond to Strathyre
31Sgor Gaoith11183668Cairngorms
32Stob Coire Easain11153658Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
33Sgurr nan Conbhairean11093638Glen Affric to Glen Moriston
34Sgurr Mor11083635The Fannaichs
35Meall a’ Bhuiridh1107.93635Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
36Mullach Fraoch-choire11023615Glen Affric to Glen Moriston
37Creise1099.83608Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
38Sgurr a’ Mhaim10993606Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
39Sgurr Choinnich Mor10943589Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
40Sgurr nan Clach Geala10933586The Fannaichs
41Stob Ghabhar10903576Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
42Bynack More10903576Cairngorms
43Beinn a’ Chlachair10873566Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
44Beinn Dearg10843556Loch Broom to Strath Oykel
45Schiehallion10833553Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
46Beinn a’ Chaorainn10833553Cairngorms
47Sgurr a’ Choire Ghlais10833553Kyle of Lochalsh to Garve
48Beinn a’ Chreachain1080.63545Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
49Ben Starav10783537Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
50Beinn Sheasgarnaich [Beinn Heasgarnich]1077.43535Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
51Beinn Dorain10763530Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
52Beinn a’ Ghlo – Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain10703510Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
53Meall Corranaich10693507Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
54An Socach10693507Killilan to Inverness
55Sgurr Fhuaran1068.73506Loch Duich to Cannich
56Glas Maol10683504Braemar to Montrose
57An Teallach – Bidein a’ Ghlas Thuill1062.53486Loch Maree to Loch Broom
58Liathach – Spidean a’ Choire Leith10553461Loch Torridon to Loch Maree
59Toll Creagach10543458Loch Duich to Cannich
60Sgurr a’ Chaorachain10533455Kyle of Lochalsh to Garve
61Beinn a’ Chleibh916.33006Inveraray to Crianlarich
62Beinn a’ Chaorainn10523451Loch Lochy to Loch Laggan
63Glas Tulaichean10513448Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
64Geal Charn10493442Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
65Creag Mhor10473435Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
66Chno Dearg10463432Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
67Ben Wyvis – Glas Leathad Mor10463432Loch Vaich to Moray Firth
68Cruach Ardrain1045.93431Loch Lomond to Strathyre
69Beinn Iutharn Mhor10453428Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
70Stob Coir’ an Albannaich10443425Glen Etive to Glen Lochy
71Meall nan Tarmachan1043.53424Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
72Carn Mairg10423419Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
73Sgurr na Ciche10403412Knoydart to Glen Kingie
74Meall Ghaordaidh1039.83411Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
75Beinn Achaladair1038.53407Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
76Carn a’ Mhaim10373402Cairngorms
77Sgurr a’ Bhealaich Dheirg10363399Loch Duich to Cannich
78Gleouraich10353396Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
79Carn Dearg10343392Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
80Beinn Fhada10323386Loch Duich to Cannich
81Am Bodach1031.83385Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
82Ben Oss10293376Inveraray to Crianlarich
83Carn Gorm10293376Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
84Carn an Righ10293376Pitlochry to Braemar & Blairgowrie
85Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich10273369Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
86Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe10273369Loch Duich to Cannich
87Ben Challum [Beinn Challuim]10253363Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay
88Beinn a’ Bheithir – Sgorr Dhearg10243360Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive
89Liathach – Mullach an Rathain10233356Loch Torridon to Loch Maree
90Buachaille Etive Mor – Stob Dearg1021.43351Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive
91Ladhar Bheinn10203346Knoydart to Glen Kingie
92Meall na Aighean9813219Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
93Meall Garbh9683176Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon
94Aonach air Chrith1019.53345Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
95Beinn Bheoil10193343Loch Treig to Loch Ericht
96Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair1015.23331Loch Maree to Loch Broom
97Garbh Chioch Mhor10133323Knoydart to Glen Kingie
98The Saddle1011.43318Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich
99Beinn Ime10113317Inveraray to Crianlarich
100Beinn Udlamain1010.23314Loch 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.

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Andreea Iavorenciuc

My name is Andreea, and I’ve been a content writer for almost 10 years. My passion for writing is linked with my interest in reading and I'm also a travel enthusiast. My purpose for these articles is to bring as many tips as possible for those who are into mountaineering, hiking, skiing or trekking. So, let's explore this world together!

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