10 Munros for beginners in Scotland

A very popular introductory Munro with an easy-to-follow path and minimal technical difficulty – 3,054 ft (931 m).

Why climb it? 

Follow the steady path as it threads across Ben Chonzie’s rolling slopes, with the hush of open moorland broken by wind in the grass and the occasional flash of a mountain hare. As you gain height, Glen Turret and the dark water of Loch Turret open out below, creating a landscape that feels wonderfully remote without becoming technically demanding. Gentle gradients and clear ground underfoot make this a reassuring first Munro.

Explore the Ben Chonzie route

A vast and imposing mountain with a steady, well-defined route to a large summit plateau – 3,999 ft (1,148 m).

Why climb it? 

Ben Wyvis rises boldly above Easter Ross, its long, well-defined path drawing you steadily from lower slopes into cooler, more exposed air. With every step, the horizon widens across the northern Highlands until you emerge onto a vast, level-summit plateau where wind sweeps over short grass and the sense of space is immense. The route is long, but remains straightforward and non-technical throughout.

Read about the Ben Wyvis route

One of Scotland’s most accessible Munros, with a clear and well-maintained path that makes the ascent straightforward for most walkers – 3,195 ft (974 m).

Why climb it? 

The path up Ben Lomond climbs steadily above the loch, with woodland sounds fading into open hillside and fresh air as the water begins to glitter far below. Higher up, the view stretches across Loch Lomond’s islands and into the folds of the Trossachs, making every pause feel rewarding. Its proximity to Glasgow, gradual ascent and lack of technical sections make it an inviting choice for a first Munro.

See the Ben Lomond route

A beautifully-shaped mountain with a magnificent summit and a great introduction to steady hillwalking – 3,547 ft (1,083 m).

Why climb it? 

Schiehallion’s near-perfect cone draws you upwards over pale slopes dotted with quartz that sparkle after rain. The steady climb gives way to the crunch and clatter of a boulder field and a couple of false summits add anticipation to the final approach. From the top, wide views sweep across the lonely expanse of Rannoch Moor towards Glen Coe, delivering drama without requiring technical skill.

Dawn-Marie from DMWScotland said: "My first Munro was Schiehallion in Perthshire. I loved it. I can see why they call it the Fairy Hill of the Caledonians! The mountain sparkles with quartz and rainbows! It was beautiful." 

Find out more about the Schiehallion route

A straightforward climb with a breathtaking summit overlooking Loch Earn – 3,231 ft (985 m).

Why climb it? 

Ben Vorlich’s path rises in a steady rhythm, with boots pressing into the hillside as Loch Earn gradually lengthens and gleams behind you. At the summit, the air feels sharper and the view opens across the water to layers of surrounding peaks. It is an excellent introduction to higher hillwalking, with the option to continue to nearby Stùc a' Chròin for a longer, more challenging outing.

Explore the Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chroin route

One of the highest Munros is made relatively more accessible by its high starting point – 4,084 ft (1,245 m).

Why climb it? 

Cairn Gorm feels huge, with steep corries, bare rock and broad skies replacing the softer scenery below. Cooler air and flurries of wind across the plateau heighten the sense of altitude, while the summit reveals incredible views across the surrounding National Park. Keep a keen eye out for ptarmigan, whose plumage blends almost perfectly with this mountain landscape.

See the Cairn Gorm Mountain and Northern Corries route

The most easterly Munro and one of the easiest to climb thanks to its long but gentle slopes – 3,054 ft (931 m).

Why climb it? 

Mount Keen rises gently from a wide open moorland, where the breeze moves through heather and the long approach creates a growing sense of seclusion. A well-defined path makes navigation simple as the Angus Glens recede behind you. From the summit, the view rolls across the glens and Cairngorm foothills, and red deer may appear as small moving shapes in the valleys below.

Explore the Mount Keen route

You might spot golden eagles in the gorgeous Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve – Driesh 3,031 ft (929m) / Mayar 3,047 ft (929m).

Why climb it? 

The walk begins in Glen Doll before entering the natural amphitheatre of Corrie Fee, where cliffs rise around the path and burns thread through grasses and wildflowers. Clear tracks, well-defined paths and fence posts then guide you onto the broad tops of Mayar and Driesh, with open views across the Angus Glens. The manageable distance makes this two-summit outing a rewarding introduction to hillwalking, with the chance of spotting a golden eagle overhead.

Sam from @scotland_with_sam said: "I loved Mayar and Dreish in Angus which you reach via the stunning Corrie Fee. A fairly easy walk to bag both."

Read about the Mayar and Driesh route

It has impressive views of Toll Mor corrie and is good practice for walking over boggy terrain as the first part of the walk can be quite wet – 3,061 ft (933 m).

Why climb it? 

Fionn Bheinn begins with a soft, often waterlogged crossing where your boots may sink into boggy ground before the mountain’s long grassy slopes settle into a steady rhythm. In mist, the broad hillside can feel quiet and featureless to you; in clear weather, the summit suddenly opens onto Toll Mor corrie and a panorama of Wester Ross peaks. It is one of the area’s easier ascents and a useful introduction to wet Highland terrain.

Find out more about the Fionn Bheinn from Achnasheen route

A relatively straightforward Munro with a clear path to the main summit and the option of extending into a more technical ridge – 3,425 ft (1,043 m).

Why climb it?

From its high starting point, the direct path climbs clearly towards Meall nan Tarmachan’s main summit, with the air cooling and Loch Tay spreading out behind you. Rock begins to break through the grass near the top, hinting at the jagged ridge beyond. In good weather, the summit is surprisingly straightforward to reach, but turn back by the direct path unless you are ready for the more technical ridge traverse that follows.

Explore more about Meall nan Tarmachan

Before heading into the Scottish mountains, it’s essential to be well prepared. These resources provide expert advice on mountain safety, essential kit, and developing your hillwalking skills. 

Safety & skills guides - Mountaineering Scotland 

Essential hillwalking kit checklist 

Sofa 2 Summit training programme 

Winter mountain safety guidance 

Mountain weather information service 

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.