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Below are 10 of the easiest and most straight-forward Munro routes.



All of the routes have very obvious paths to their Munro summits and on some it is possible to continue further and bag more peaks.



There are links to get more information, including maps, longer routes, photos, accommodation and much more.





Just starting hillwalking, visiting Scotland's hills for the first time or just looking for a quick afternoon walk ?Below are 10 of the easiest and most straight-forward Munro routes.All of the routes have very obvious paths to their Munro summits and on some it is possible to continue further and bag more peaks.There are links to get more information, including maps, longer routes, photos, accommodation and much more.

1 - The Cairnwell and Carn Aosda





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The Glenshee Ski Centre sits at 650m above sea-level overlooked by several Munros, including Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell. These two peaks can be hiked in an afternoon involving very little ascent and following good tracks. Alternatively, you could do them all as part of a hillrace taking in another 7 Munros !





Munros The Cairnwell, Carn Aosda Ascent 430m (1,400ft) Distance 5km (3m) Time 2hr Start Glenshee ski-centre

Grid Ref : NO139782 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 43



Leave the car-park at the Glenshee ski centre and head up the track behind the main building.

Follow the track under the ski-tow heading north, this continues to just before Carn Aosda's summit.

Onto the top, there's a large sprawl of stones to mark the summit.

Leave Carn Aosda and follow the track around the top of the ski-tows to the col between the two Munros.

The track continues following fences and becomes a bit rougher as it travels to Cairnwell's summit with its buildings and masts.

To return, head back down to the top of the nearest chairlift, then follow the tow down back to the car-park.

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2 - Meall nan Tarmachan





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Meall nan Tarmachan is the Munro summit and the most easterly peak on a fine circular ridge walk above Loch Tay. The route starts from below the Lochan na Lairige reservoir at just under 500m above sea-level. The easiest way is straight up and back down ! Alternatively, head around the circuit to hike over three other 'Munro Tops' with some easy rock-scrambling on the way.





Munros Meall nan Tarmachan Ascent 700m (2,300ft) Distance 7km (4.5m) Time 3hr Start Lochan na Lairige

Grid Ref : NN604383 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 51



On the A827, 6km east of Killin along Loch Tay, there is a road aiming north up to the Ben Lawers car-park and Glen Lyon beyond.

Just below the Lochan na Lairige dam, by a bridge, there is an area to park cars, and this is where the Meall nan Tarmachan route begins.

From the car-park, head south-west for 0.5km, where a small cairn marks an obvious and fairly well constructed path uphill, initially through heather.

The path continues gently uphill on grass covered ground, through a gate in a deer-fence, then shortly after turns north to continue up over a minor summit (marked 923m on th OS maps).

Follow the path downhill a for few metres, then over a stile and up short steep and stepped section to flatten out.

Slightly further on the path turns back on itself for the final climb up to the summit cairn.

Return the same route.

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3 - Carn Liath on Beinn a'Ghlo





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Beinn a'Ghlo is a massive and complex mountain range towering above Blair Atholl and Glen Tilt. The most southerly peak of this range is Carn Liath, a fine Munro of conical shape as seen from the south. To reach Carn Liath obvious tracks and paths are followed. To continue further along Beinn a'Ghlo's crests, navigation skills will be tested.





Munros Carn Liath Ascent 640m (2,100ft) Distance 8km (5m) Time 3hr Start Loch Moraig

Grid Ref : NN905670 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 43



From the A9, Blair Atholl lies 50km north of Perth. Coming to Blair Atholl from either end, get to the centre of the village, just east of the entrance to Blair Atholl grounds, where there is a road off north marked to Monzie and Old Blair. Head up this road to a junction, keep right, reach another junction, keep right again towards Monzie Farm. Continue up this narrow road for 2.5km and park by the gate and cattle grid.

From the end of the public road by Loch Moraig, through a gate and follow a track for 2km to a couple of old huts.

Leave the track, cross the fence, then some wet ground, and continue following a path alongside a dyke. When the path leaves the dyke, the ascent steepens.

Higher up the path zig-zags through the boulders and scree - this is the scar that is so obvious from the south

Flatter ground is reached, then a cairn is reached, this is not the summit, but it is not much further. The summit has a trig point and a fine cairn to shelter behind. Great views !

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4 - Ben Chonzie





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Ben Chonzie sits in the Southern Highlands near Crieff and there are various approaches from Sma' Glen, Glen Turret and Glen Lednock. The easiest route is from Glen Lednock (pictured), following fine tracks and fence-posts all the way to the summit cairn. A fine and longer alternative is the circular route above Loch Turret, which also takes in the neighbouring Corbett peak of Auchnafree Hill.





Munros Ben Chonzie Ascent 750m (2,450ft) Distance 12km (7.5m) Time 4hr Start Coishavachan

Grid Ref : NN743243 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 51



By the Deil's Cauldron pub in Comrie, a road heads north up into Glen Lednock, where 7km up there is a small car-park with an information board.

Follow the track to the nearby houses, turn right, through a gate, over a cattle grid and go around the back of the houses.

Continue along this track, past a small dam, over a little burn to a junction - keep straight on and continue to the end of the track, where just beyond you'll meet up with some fence posts.

Turn left and follow the posts north-west, then north-east right to the large cairn on the summit.

Return the same way.

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5 - Cairngorm





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The highest point on Cairngorm stands at over 4,000ft above sea-level, yet with the ski centre directly below, the mountain is very accessible. A fine path starts from the centre and leads all the way to Cairngorm's summit, from where views are over vast plateaus with Artic-like tundra, hidden lochans, long narrow crests and dark corries. But beware, due to this mountain's height and location, conditions can change dramatically, even summer !





Munros Cairngorm Ascent 625m (2,050ft) Distance 6.5km (4m) Time 2:40hr Start Cairngorm ski centre

Grid Ref : NH990060 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 36



"Windy Ridge" is the easiest way to reach Cairngorm from the ski centre, even when the ski-season is underway.

Start from the ski centre and begin uphill on a track between the main buildings of the centre.

Immediately after passing under the funicular railway, a sign points left up "Windy Ridge". Follow the well constructed path uphill as it initially twists and turns, then heads directly towards the Top Station and Ptarmigan Restaurant.

Beyond the restaurant, another well constructed path, with posts and rope on either side, heads towards Cairngorm's summit.

Once the last of the posts is passed, a series of cairns mark the route to the summit and the automatic weather station just behind.

Return by the same way.

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6 - Schiehallion





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Where scientists estimated the mass of the earth and contours began, Schiehallion is a significant mountain. The shape and isolation of this Munro make it a prominant mountain and a distinctive landmark from some directions. The John Muir Trust own much of the land around Schiehallion and have constructed a fine path up its north-east flank. This path rises to just over 800m, from where terrain becomes a bit tougher than you'd think, and navigation can be testing if the mist is down !





Munros Schiehallion Ascent 750m (2,500ft) Distance 9.5km (5.5m) Time 3:30hr Start Braes of Foss

Grid Ref : NN753757 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 51



The fairly narrow roads into the area are best accessed from the A9 at either Ballinuig or just north of Pitlochry. Just south of the highest point on the Aberfeldy-Tummel Bridge road (B846), a sign points west to 'Schiehallion Road'. Follow this road for 3km to a car-park by Braes of Foss. In winter this road doesn't seem to be well-gritted !

From the Braes of Foss car-park, head to its southern end and through a gate to a couple of information boards put up by the John Muir Trust.

The route heads south around this forest on a well constructed path. The path starts to turn, meets up with a stone fank and crosses an old faint track.

It then starts to climb, passing a few stone 'chairs' that make for a fine picnic spot looking onto Meall Tairneachan and over to Beinn a'Ghlo.

The path twists as it continues to rise and ends abruptly at around the 870m contour at a fine view looking north.

Now on boulderfield, head westwards. A cairn is seen ahead, this is not the summit. Nor is the next one.

The boulderfield requires concentration and is at odds with the path left behind.

Eventually the slabby summit is reached with its vast and outstanding views.

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7 - Mount Keen





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Mount Keen is the most easterly of all the Munros, and sits in the fringes of the Cairngorm National Park, south of Ballater. The easiest approach is from the end of the public road in Glen Esk. Fine tracks pass the 'Queen's Well' and lead up to over 650m, from where an excellent path is followed to the summit. A bike is recommended for the cycle along much of the track !





Munros Mount Keen Ascent 700m (2,300ft) Distance 18km (11m) Time 5hr Start Invermark

Grid Ref : NO447804 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 44



From A90 near Montrose, the B966 heads to Edzell and further on towards Fettercairn, where a minor road heads north into Glen Esk. At the end of this road, some 20km from the junction with the B966, there is a car-park and notice board.

Leave the car-park and cycle over a bridge, then turn right up a track towards a house, turn left just before the house, through a gate.

Follow this track for 4km to the house at Glenmark and unless you've got powerful thighs, leave bikes there.

Cross two burns (some difficulty in spate), then head uphill on the track to a cairn at 670m.

A well constructed path continues directly to the summit.

Return the same way.

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8 - Mayar and Driesh





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The Munro twins of Driesh and Mayar look down over the Angus Glens. The easiest route starts from Glen Doll, where fine tracks, paths and fence-post lines make for straightforward navigation to the summits. This, combined with the relative short distance make for a lovely afternoon's hiking and a good introduction to hillwalking.





Munros Dreish, Mayar Ascent 900m (2,950ft) Distance 14km (9m) Time 5hr Start Glen Clova

Grid Ref : NO234761 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 44



The nearest town to these Munros is Kirriemuir to the south, from where roadside signs point to Glen Clova. At the end of Glen Clova, there is large car-park (pay to park) and visitor centre.

From the car-park, follow a track north-west, pass some farm buildings, through a gate and come to a junction. At this junction, turn left and walk down to a bridge. Beyond the bridge the track veeres right, which is followed for 400m to a sharp turn.

Look for a path aiming directly uphill. Follow this path, which crosses another track further on. The path climbs up what used to be thick forest, but with felling, the now open views look over an untidy mess.

Further on, the remaining forest is entered and the Burn of Kilbo is reached and crossed (with care in spate). The path exits the forest and climbs up below the crest of Shank of Druimfollow to meet with a cairn just before reaching the bealach between Driesh and Mayar.

The cairn marks a junction in the path - turn to the left and follow the path as it drops slightly, then climbs initially hugging the edge of the corrie. The path becomes fainter and travels to the summit of Driesh with a cairn sheltering its trig point.

Return to the bealach, climb up ahead, following a few fence posts partically buried in the grass and rocks.

Upon reaching the top of Shank of Druimfollow, turn left (west) then continue on fairly level ground, following fence posts east until a Right-of-Way sign at a sharp corner on the fence line is reached. At this point, leave the fence behind and on a very obvious and worn path, continue westwards. The ground rises and becomes more bouldery as the summit of Mayar is attained.

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9 - Ben Lomond





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The most southerly of all the Munros ! With a well-maintained path to the summit and being close to the large conurbations of the Central Belt, Ben Lomond can therefore can get quite busy, particularly on bank-holidays and in summer. Best therefore to head up first thing in the morning to savour the vast views from the summit in tranquility.





Munros Ben Lomond Ascent 975m (3,200ft) Distance 11km (7m) Time 4:20hr Start Rowardenan

Grid Ref : NS360987 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 56



At the end of the public road on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond there is a visitor centre with ranger service, loos and car-park.

Behind the visitor centre, a sign points the start of the path up the hill.

The path climbs gently at first, then a few 'granny-stoppers' (boulders requiring hands out of pockets) need negotiating.

The path continues through the recently felled forest and comes to a gate at the edge of the Forestry Commission's ground.

Through the gate and over a wooden bridge, the open ground belonging to the NTS is climbed using a well maintained path.

Some zig-zags up steep ground gain a second gate. A bit more steep ground and the gradient eases.

The path is followed for 2km to the base of some zig-zags climbing a bit more steep ground, then swings north-east for a short detour to gain the narrow summit crest.

Turning north-west, a narrow rut is followed to an easy last scramble up loose ground and the summit trig-point with superb views in all directions.

Return by the same route.

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10 - Ben Vorlich, Loch Earn





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The easiest route up Ben Vorlich begins from the shores of Loch Earn and travels through delightful woodland. Easy walking on a fine track to the base of the mountain from where a decent path leads up higher. A bit of easy rock-scrambling can be enjoyed if you fancy extending the route to include the nearby rocky Munro of Stuc a'Chroin.





Munros Ben Vorlich Ascent 885m (2,900ft) Distance 8km (5m)) Time 3:30hr Start Ardvorlich

Grid Ref : NN633232 Terrain easy hard Nav easy hard Effort easy hard Scenery ok fab Map OS Landranger 51



On the A84, just south of the village of Lochearnhead, a minor road heads east along the southern shores of Loch Earn. Drive along this for just over 4km to where the road comes close to the banks of the loch and park on the verge under the trees. On summer weekends and particularly in the fishing season, it may be difficult to find a space, in which case there are more opportunities beyond the bridge over Ardvorlich Burn.

From Loch Earn's shore, head along the road and over the bridge across Ardvorlich Burn. Turn up the drive through the trees, past some buildings until you see grand Ardvorlich House. A sign points the way up to Ben Vorlich. Head up the track for 2km and cross the burn coming down Coire Buidhe - this is a fine place to stop at the end of the day and cool off tired feet in the clear water.

From the bridge, a well maintained path continues to the lower slopes of Ben Vorlich.

At around c550m the path takes a sharp turn left uphill, notice directly ahead there is another fainter path contouring around the hill - this is the return route from Stuc a'Chroin.

The path continuing uphill to Ben Vorlich is not maintained, but is well-worn and obvious to follow. Continue up it to the summit, zig-zagging through loose scree higher up. Great views are to be had from the trig-point, with the Lawers and Crianlarich peaks well displayed.

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Important note

Times are calculated using Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascentOther fairly easy Munros that just missed out being in the list of the 10 easiest Munroes are :Although the Munro routes listed are considered easy, it should be noted that conditions on all Scottish hills can change rapidly, therefore never head out under-equiped. Always carry a relevant map and compass and know how to use them !