What is the highest mountain in scotland
What is the highest mountain in scotland
10 Highest Mountains In Scotland
Located in the United Kingdom on the northern part of Great Britain, Scotland is a stunning country that is made up of more than 790 islands. While it may not be the first country you think of when you think of mountains, Scotland is home to numerous wild mountains that are worth climbing.
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The highest mountains in Scotland are also called Munros. A Munro is defined as a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3000 feet. Another Scottish mountain term is Marilyn, which is a mountain in Scotland with a prominence of over 150 meters (492 feet). All of the highest mountains in Scotland are Munros and many are Marilyns too.
Whether you call yourself a peak bagger or a Munro bagger, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland is a worthy challenge. Most people take their time climbing these peaks, but in 2014, Andrew Murray and Donnie Campbell tagged the “Big 10” in a mere 13 hours, 10 minutes (they did drive between Ben Lawers, the Nevis Range and, the Cairngorms).
Are you up to the challenge to climb the 10 highest mountains in Scotland? Good luck and have fun!
Highest Mountains In Scotland
A view of Ben Nevis on a clear day from the slopes of the Sgurr a’ Mhaim.
Ben Nevis in the Grampian Mountains is the highest mountain in all of the British Isles. The mountain provides a memorable mountain experience for climbers and hikers. The peaks of Ben Macdui, Braeriach, and Cairn Toul follow in height, respectively. These mountains and their cliffs make Scotland the most mountainous region of the United Kingdom. In fact, Scotland has an area called the Highlands where most of the mountain ranges are found. However, the Grampians forms the central belt of mountains in the heart of Scotland, and this belt houses the Cairngorms. Below we look at the highest mountains in Scotland.
Highest Mountains
Ben Nevis
The mountain stands at 4,409 feet above sea level. Located on the western side of the Grampian Mountains in Lochaber, the mountain attracts close to 100,000 ascents a year. The cliffs on the northern face are the highest in the Scottish Highlands and provide classic rock climbs and scrambles for except mountaineers and climbers, and ice climbing surfaces. The summit of the mountains was once an observatory built in 1883 until 1904 and a path was made to allow for ponies to deliver supplies. A Ben Nevis Distillery which is a single malt whiskey company is built at the mountain’s foot. Human impact on the fragile mountain environment is the significant environmental threat facing the mountain. The path erosion increases, but there are measures to upgrade the tracks and reduce the erosion.
Ben Macdui
Ben Macdui, in the center of the Cairngorms, is the second highest mountain in Scotland. With a summit of around 4,294 feet, the peak is wilder than the cliffs of Ben Nevis. Climbers and mountaineers can climb from both the Deeside and Speyside sides. Sources have it that the mountain is haunted by a sort of wraith referred to as the «Old Grey Man». The mountain provides climbs for all kind of experience with a tremendous challenge being the Cairngorm ascent from the Speyside. The best paths lie on the plateau which is exposed and quite tricky to navigate. At the summit of the mountain, there is a direction indicator constructed in 1925 by the Cairngorm Club of Aberdeen in memory of Mr. Alexander Copland its former president.
Braeriach
Ascending to a height of around 4,252 feet, Braeriach is the third highest mountain in the British Isles. The pass of Lairig Ghru separates the Braeriach from Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm. The pass is a wild place with a vast range of beautiful and dramatic corries. From March to November, the mountains provide the best climbing, hiking, and mountaineering. Climbers can take the Sron Na Lairige track which is easier. For the experienced or climbers who love a challenge, the Speyside is the epic challenge.
Cairn Toul
Rising to an estimated 4,236 feet, Cairn Toul is the fourth highest mountain in Scotland. To get to the mountain, a long walk through a plateau that is full of corries is required. The rough terrain to the Corrour Bothy is extremely tenuous with the rough boulders lying in the Chalamain Gap and the steep ascent to the plateau follows. Also, the exposed terrain suffers from foul weather and reduced visibility. Part of River Dee sources from the Cairn Toul.
Climbing the Mountains
Since these mountains are found in the Grampians and in the Cairngorms, the regions have an alpine maritime climate. The moraine topography is harsh on new climbers, mountaineers, and also experts. Going through the mountains requires an excellent guide and the right gears. In severe weather, the mountains are perilous even to the most experienced climbers.
Scottish Mountain Wildlife
The Cairngorms provide a beautiful alpine semi-tundra moorland environment, and it is home to many rare birds, plants, and animals. Birds here include the golden eagle, red grouse, purple sandpiper, and dotterel. Deep in the forests the black grouse, capercaillie, crested tit, Scottish crossbill, and the parrot crossbill. Ospreys come in the summer and attract crowds of people. The endangered species capercaillie and the endemic Scottish crossbill have a home here.
Threats to Scotland’s Highlands Ecosystems
The maritime climate of the mountains in the Cairngorms is unusually cold, being situated at a latitude of 57 degrees North. The present global warming is leading to an increase in temperature and rainfall. Even though the natural population of birds is not disturbed, plans are underway to put the area under conservation. The urban population also threatens the mountainous region of Cairngorms with an increased need for recreation, trampling damage and erosion, littering and pollution to water quality.
8 Mountains In Scotland That Must Be Explored By Adventurers On Their Next Vacay!
Scotland, the home of British Highlands, offers a wide variety of natural beauties like the United Kingdom’s highest mountains, the southern uplands, beautiful rivers, cities built over mountains, Munros, Glens and a lot more. It is a city with traditions and culture rooted so deep that you can see it in their festivals, food, music and of course, architecture. Scotland gives an image of a beautiful landscape that dances to the beat of its own wonderful culture and history. But is Scotland just about its mores and traditions? We don’t think so.
The city is also famous for its majestic mountains where you can go hiking, trekking, walking and even meditating. Below is a list of the most majestic mountains in Scotland that will leave you in awe!
8 Famous Mountains In Scotland
Mountains in Scotland are called Ben, which are typically mountains ranging above 4000 feet from the sea level. Other smaller mountains are referred to as the Munros. Following is a handpicked and most famous list of mountains in Scotland.
1. Buachaille Etive Mor
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In the Highlands of Scotland, at the head of the Glen Etive mountain is Buachaille Etive Mòr, commonly known as The Buachaille. The pyramidal design made it one of Scotland’s most identifiable mountains and the most featured on postcards and calendars. This range is surrounded by the beautiful Etive River, while the other four significant peaks make up the hill.
Location: Buachaille Etive Mor, Ballachulish, Scotland
Highlights: The pyramidal form
Highest Peak: 1,022 meters
Prominence: 533 meters
Walking Length: 7 kilometers
2. Ben Nevis
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Ben Nevis is considered as the highest mountain in Scotland, standing at 1345 meters above sea level. It falls on the western side of the Grampian Ranges in the area of Lochaber of the Scottish Highlands. It is the most famous mountain in Scotland and gathers a lot of visitors for its scenic northern view.
Location: Ben Nevis, Fort William, Scotland
Highlights: The highest mountain in Scotland – 2300 ft.
Highest Peak: 1,345 meters
Prominence: 1,345 meters
Walking Length: 17 kilometers
3. Aonach Eagach
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The Aonach Eagach is a rocky ridge in the Scottish Highlands on the north end of Glen Coe with two Munro peaks. The full ridge continues 10 km west to east on the Devil’s Staircase from the Pap of Glencoe. It is the longest stretch of mountains in Scotland and also one of the highest mountains in Scotland with a beauty that fills your belly with butterflies.
Location: Aonach Eagach, Ballachulish, Scotland
Highlights: The longest stretch of mountains.
Highest Peak: 968 meters
Prominence: 623 meters
Walking Length: 10 kilometers
4. Sgurr na Stri
With a height of only 494 meters, the climb around this mountain is relatively straightforward and a bit lengthy. It has a fantastic view of the best mountains in Scotland. Right in the center of these mountain ranges lies the magnificent Lochan glen.
Location: Sgurr na Stri, Skye, Scotland
Highlights: The best view of all the mountains in Scotland
Highest Peak: 494 meters
Prominence: 494 meters
Walking Length: 24 kilometers
5. Stac Pollaidh
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Stac Pollaidh is a mountain in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands. The peak has a rugged plateau, with many pinnacles and deep grooves of Torridonian sandstone. It is elevated at 612 meters above the sea level and Stac’s rocky surface makes it one of the most challenging mountains in Scotland to climb.
Location: Stac Pollaidh, Ullapool, Scotland
Highlights: Rocky Mountain and many small peaks
Highest Peak: 612 meters
Prominence: 438 meters
Walking Length: 4.5 kilometers
6. Ben A’an
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We can’t list the famous mountains In Scotland and not mention Ben A’an. Among the smaller hills in Scotland, Ben A’an is one of the most popular. The position in the heart of the Trossachs makes it a genuinely excellent lookout point, often known as the mountain in miniature. It is raised at 454 above the sea level; this mountain attracts a lot of commuters for its sunset view.
Location: Ben A’an, Callander, Scotland
Highlights: Most beautiful sunset
Highest Peak: 454 meters
Prominence: 32 meters
Walking Length: 3.7 kilometers
7. Suilven
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Suilven, a Scottish mountain located in a remote region in western Sutherland is about 2 km in length and has a steep depression. It is a tall mountain with a height of 731 meters above the sea level, giving a fantastic view from the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve. It is one of the most challenging mountains to climb given that it is one of the biggest mountains in Scotland and in fact, the United Kingdom.
Location: Suilven, Lairg, Scotland
Highlights: The Longstanding mountain
Highest Peak: 731 meters
Prominence: 496 meters
Walking Length: 2 kilometers
8. Ben Venue
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In the mountains of Trossachs area of Scotland lies a gem called the Ben Venue. The ascent is a great walking distance from the summit, with both sweet and rocky terrain higher up the mountain. With a height of 729 meters above the sea level, Ben Venue is famous for its rich natural beauty that can be captured from Loch Venachar, Loch Achray, and Loch Katrine
Location: Ben Venue, Stirling, Scotland
Highlights: Rich natural beauty from different angles and views
Highest Peak: 729 meters
Prominence: 554 meters
Walking Length: 14 kilometers
Scotland is a land of mountains, some small and some big, but trekking on these mountains is heavenly and so divine in its presence. Most of these mountains in Scotland have fantastic valleys and widely spread ranges of plateaus that are surely worth making your friends envious of. The chilled breeze of life that runs through the depths of these mountains is surely enduring and charismatic to the skin and your soul. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Scotland with TravelTriangle to experience the magnificence.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mountains In Scotland
What are the major mountain ranges in Scotland?
The Scottish Highlands, Central Lowlands, and the Southern Uplands are the major mountain ranges in Scotland.
What is a mountain called in Scotland?
Mountains in Scotland that are elevated above 3000 feet from the sea level are called Munros. Peaks above 4000 feet from the sea level are called Ben.
How many mountains are there in Scotland?
Scotland has nine major mountains with a height of 4000 feet above the sea level and more than a hundred peaks above 3000 feet from the sea level.
Which is the most famous mountain in Scotland?
Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain, is the most famous mountain in Scotland.
Which is the smallest Munro in Scotland?
Ben vane, of the Trossachs, is the smallest Munro in the famous mountains of Scotland.
Which is the most comfortable climbing Munro in Scotland?
The Cairnwell is the most comfortable climbing Munro in the mountains of Scotland.
When is the best time to visit Scotland?
During spring ( March to May ) and autumn ( September to November) are the two best times to visit Scotland because the weather is sunny and comfortable and the mountains are easier to climb during this time.
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The Top 10 Highest Mountains in Scotland and Where to Find Them
We have already seen the worlds highest mountains and the highest mountains in the US, but now we take a look at the UK. Starting with Scotland we will travel around the UK looking at the highest mountains, some of which are truly amazing…
The Top 10 Highest Mountains in Scotland and Where to Find Them
Ben Lawers Mountain in Scotland
10 – Ben Lawers – 1214 m (3983 feet)
Ben Lawers is not only the tenth highest in Scotland, it is also the highest mountain in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands. Located just North of Loch Tay it is the highest point of a long ridge that includes seven Munros! (A Munros is a mountain located in Scotland with a height of at least 3,000 feet – 914 meters)
Càrn Mòr Dearg Mountain in Scotland
9 – Càrn Mòr Dearg 1220 m – (4003 feet)
Located in the West of Scotland it is close to Fort Willian in Lochaber in the Highlands. Said to be one of the best ski mountains in Scotland it is often a big tourist trap whenever there is snow (which happens a lot in the Highlands).
Aonach Mòr Mountain in Scotland
8 – Aonach Mòr 1221 m – (4006 feet)
Located right next to our number 1 (Ben Nevis) its name “Aonach Mòr” means it is bigger than its closest rival, but of course Satellite data has since revealed that not to be true. In fact, it is 13 lower than the summit of Aonach Beag!
Aonach Beag Mountain in Scotland
7 – Aonach Beag – 1234 m (4049 feet)
Talking of Aonach Beag this mountain is also located very near Ben Nevis and is accessible via a gondola lift that goes along the Nevis Range ski area. As a weird fact, the North face of the mountain holds the UK record for the longest lasting patch of snow when a patch located at the bottom of the climb known as ‘Queen’s View’ lasted for 5 years!
6 – Cairn Gorm – 1244 m (4081 feet)
Cairn Gorm (meaning Blue Hill) is located once again in the Scotish Highlands and is also home to a funicular railway (cliff railway) which has helped it become very popular with both ski tourists and mountain walkers.
Sgòr an Lochain Uaine Mountain in Scotland
5 – Sgor an Lochain Uaine – 1258 m (4127 feet)
This remote mountain is often climbed along with many other mountains in the same range. It was once called The Angel’s Peak, but this was just a 19th-century invention to act as a counterpoint to The Devil’s Point which is also located nearby.
Cairn Toul Mountain in Scotland
4 – Cairn Toul – 1291 m (4236 feet)
Cairn Toul name means “Hill of the barn’ and it often climbed once again with other peaks at the same time. But with its boggy plateau it is not the easiest to get to, but yet every year thousands of people do just that.
Braeriach Mountain in Scotland
3 – Braeriach – 1296 m (4252 feet)
Braeriach is the 3rd highest in the British Isles and that is not its only claim to fame. Its peak is also home to the longest-lying snow patches in Scotland that have only melted 5 times since 1933 with 2006 being the last time. But with global warming, it is happening much more frequently.
2 – Ben Macdui – 1309 m (4295 feet)
While Ben Macdui might be the 2nd highest in Scotland and UK, it is also said to be one of the easiest to climb with a very handy carpark located at the bottom of it. While even this route is over 4 miles long it is one of the most direct to the peak, unlike many others on this list that require climbing others to get to them.
Ben Nevis Mountain in Scotland
1 – Ben Nevis – 1344 m (4409 feet)
Located in the Grampian Mountains is the UK and Scotlands tallest beast of a mountain. While only 114 ft higher than Ben Macdui its location makes it look much higher. Said to be climbed on average of 100,000 times per year (while still being considered one of the hardest climbs in the UK) it is thought the mountain is the collapsed dome of an ancient volcano! I can only imagine how tall it would have been before its lid popped off!
Mountains In Scotland
October 27, 2010 by ron 1 Comment
Mountains of Scotland
The mountains of Scotland are usually the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of the Highlands and Scotland is the most mountainous country in the United Kingdom. The mountains across the Highlands vary in looks from gentle sweeping slopes and plateaus to craggy and dangerous rock faces that challenge some of the world’s best rock climbers, the Mountains even offer great skiing during the winter months.
Some of the most well-known mountain ranges are The Cairngorms, Grampians, Cuillins, and the magnificent mountains around Glencoe, that is home to Buachaille Etive Mòr with its triangular shape best typifies what a mountain should look like. it is located south of Glencoe on the A82 close to the junction of Glen Etive.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is Scotland’s highest mountain and is located close to Fort William, it is also the highest mountain in the UK at 4,409 ft. In fact 10 of the United Kingdom’s highest mountains are all in Scotland. Ben Nevis can be climbed all year round, but special care should be taken during the winter. The mountain can be easily accessed from Fort William heading down the road to Glen Nevis, There are many places to stay in Fort William and you will find many walkers or climbers who know Ben Nevis well, If you are unsure and not experienced in walking mountains, try to get a guide or walk with someone who has done Ben Nevis before. Many people make the mistake of heading to the foot of the mountain on a nice sunny day in Fort William, and get caught out at the top of the mountain with weather they did not expect. It is much higher than it looks, so do not underestimate Ben Nevis.
Scotlands Highest Mountains
Mountains in Scotland that are over 3000 feet are known as Munros, these where named after Hugh Munro who collated a list of mountains over the height of 3000 ft and named it Munro’s tables.
Cuillin Mountains
The Isle of Skye is host to one of Scotland’s most spectacular range of mountains named the Cuillins the highest point of the Cuillin mountains is Sgurr Alasdair standing at 3255 feet, these mountains are very rugged and fantastic to look at, anyone seeing these mountains for the first time would be excused for thinking they where standing somewhere else but the British Isles, they make one of the most fantastic vistas anywhere in Europe.
Cairngorm Mountains
The Cairngorm mountains are well known for the winter skiing available during Scotland’s winter, the Cairngorms sit proudly in the Cairngorm National Park overlooking Aviemore, the mountains are a large plateau and have the largest volume of snow of all the mountains in Scotland, in fact the Cairngorms are home to five of the highest six mountains in Scotland.
I have named only a few mountain ranges available to you in Scotland, and there are many more to visit when you are on holiday in Scotland in the winter or the summer. So don’t forget your camera when you visit Scotland and take some of the most fantastic pictures you will ever own. But also be careful venturing onto the mountains of Scotland as they can be a very unpredictable place, especially during the winter months when the mountain weather can change without much notice. Always let someone know when you are venturing onto the mountains to walk or take photographs, and let them know a time when you are expected to return. Do not go unprepared and always wear the correct clothing and take necessary tools with you like maps, compass, warm clothing and food.
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[…] to end the article, a little legend: “Along Bidean nam Bian and Aonach Eagach, on every mountain in Scotland, three thousand of the Feinn are sleeping. Their breathing is the wind, and one day they will arise […]