Munros

Munro is a Scottish mountain that rises above 3,000 feet (914.4 meters). The term comes from Sir Hugh Munro, who in 1891 published the first comprehensive list of such peaks, known as Munro’s Tables. The list has been revised as surveying methods improved, and the number of official Munros has varied over time. Today there are around 280 named Munros, with additional tops that exceed 3,000 feet but are not classified as separate Munros.

Most Munros lie in the Scottish Highlands, with concentrations in major ranges such as the Grampians and the Cairngorms. The highest Munro is Ben Nevis, which rises to 1,345 meters. The Munro population also includes peaks on several western and northern ranges and in some offshore locations, notably within the Cuillin range on the Isle of Skye.

In addition to Munros, many peaks above 3,000 feet are designated as Munro Tops. These are subpeaks that exceed the height threshold but do not meet the prominence criteria used for Munros themselves. The classification has prompted a dedicated hiking culture known as Munro bagging, in which climbers aim to ascend all Munros (and sometimes Tops) on the official list. The activity emphasizes planning, endurance, and safe navigation across varied Scottish terrain, often in rapidly changing weather conditions.