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by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Join us to discover the Scottish mountains amidst the misty shroud of Scotland’s rugged landscapes. Towering majestically above the country’s untamed beauty, uncover the secrets behind the best Scottish mountains.
As the most mountainous country in the UK, there are countless Scottish mountains woven across the vast territory. Whether nestled in remote countryside, perched on picturesque islands, or on the outskirts of cities, you are never far from these dramatic peaks!
From Munros to Marilyns, there is something for everyone, whether you want to reach unfathomable heights or simply enjoy a leisurely hike with beautiful views.
For “summit” special, continue reading our guide to the best Scottish Mountains…
The 10 highest mountains in Scotland are:
Four of these Scottish mountains reside in Lochaber and people flock to the aptly named Lochaber 4000s to attempt to summit them in a day. These include, Ben Nevis, Aonach Beag, Aonach Mor and Carn Mor Dearg.
With endless mountains, its unsurprising that Scottish mountains have been classified into five different categories!
These mountains can fall into more than one category and the categories are as follows:
Munros are hills reaching over 3,000 feet. The list was compiled in 1891 by Sir Hugh Munro and is made up of 282 peaks. This category includes Ben Nevis, Ben Macdui and Ben Lomond.
Corbetts include mountains between 2,500 and 3,000 feet with a relative height of at least 500 feet. There are 222 Corbetts including Beinn a’Chlaideimh and Beinn Dearg.
Coming in between 2,000 and 2,500 feet are the Grahams; there are currently 221 Scottish mountains in this category.
The final two categories that Scottish mountains can fall into are Donalds, which are the 140 hills in the Scottish highlands over 2000 feet. And Marilyns which are hills that have a relative distance of 150m from across the British Isles, of which there are 1,216 Scottish Marilyns.
Lots of mountains in Scotland begin with the word ‘Ben’. This is because they have been translated from their Scottish Gaelic name which begins with ‘Beinn’ which is a Gaelic word for mountain.
Read on to discover more of the original Scottish Gaelic names for some of Scotlands most well-known mountains.
Kicking off our guide to the best Scottish mountains is Ben Ledi. Standing proud over the Trossachs, this Corbett offers truly breath-taking views across the countryside.
On the outskirts of Stirling, this Scottish mountain makes for the perfect day out. The hike takes around 4 to 6 hours, and it is particularly popular for Beltane celebrations, an annual holiday on May 1st marking the beginning of summer for Gaelic nations.
There is a well-maintained path up this Scottish mountain, although it can be steep in some places and muddy in winter months.
When you reach the summit, you can admire views of Loch Venachar and, on a clear day, as far as the Wallace Monument and one of Scotland’s best castles, Stirling Castle.
GPS coordinates: 56.258666,-4.3275386
Nearest car park: 56.253400, -4.282200, off the A84 after following the signs for Strathyre Forest Cabins
Parking charge: Free parking
More Information: Ben Ledi Route
Book a cottage near Ben Ledi today…
The Garden Cottage (Ref. 957483) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Kilbryde near Dunblane, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
Golden Gates Lodge (Ref. 1009393) |4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Doune near Stirling, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
6 Ronald Place (Ref. 1018353) | 5 guests, 3 bedrooms | 2 dogs | Stirling, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
The Studio (Ref. 957484) | 2 guests, 1 bedroom | No pets | Kilbryde near Dunblane, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
Ben Lomond is another of the best Scottish mountains. Being one of Scotland’s most famous Munros, it’s unsurprising that around 30,000 people summit this impressive peak every year!
Overlooking one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland, Loch Lomond, this mountain in Scotland lies around an hour outside of Glasgow. It provides an immersive experience in nature away from the city.
Your ascent begins in the car park, and soon you’ll be treated to dramatic views of Loch Katrine, Loch Sloy, and the Arrochar Alps. With a dedicated tourist path, this Scottish mountain is an achievable climb!
Sunset and sunrise promise unforgettable views, and if you time your visit right, you can reward yourself with a packed lunch at the top.
GPS coordinates: 56.1869008,-4.6240925
Nearest car park: Ben Lomond Car Park, G63 0AR, 56.1523805,-4.6430898
Parking charge: Pay and display car park. £2 for up to an hour and £5 for all day.
More Information: Ben Lomond Route.
Book a cottage near Ben Lomond today…
The Old Farmhouse (Ref. 1110749) | 6 guests, 3 bedrooms | No pets | Gartocharn near Balloch, Loch Lomond and Trossachs
Gaidrew Cottages (Ref. 1110820) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Drymen, Loch Lomond and Trossachs
Dunaivon Cottage (Ref. 1083526) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Rhu, Argyll and The Isles
Ellanderroch (Ref. 1060262) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Drymen, Argyll and The Isles
Known as the Queen of the Scottish Mountains, Ben Loyal boasts a distinctive profile that draws climbers to its summit!
Located in the Scottish Highlands, this Scottish mountain feels like it’s on the edge of the world! You are greeted by beautiful views from the car park where the route to the summit begins.
Taking around 6 hours to complete, this walk rewards hikers with far-reaching views across the sea, moorlands, bog and other peaks.
Be sure to take an obligatory photo of yourself amongst the clouds at the top!
GPS coordinates: 58.3967137,-4.4739577
Nearest car park: Near Ribigil Farm, 58.457500, -4.428100
Parking charge: Free Parking
More Information: Ben Loyal Route
Book a cottage near Ben Loyal today…
Challenger Bothy (Ref. 1128585) | 5 guests, 2 bedrooms | 1 dog | Lairg, Northern Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
Challenger Lodge (Ref. 1128542) | 9 guests, 4 bedrooms | 1 dog | Lairg, Northern Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
Burnside (Ref. 1056659) | 6 guests, 4 bedrooms | 2 dogs | Lairg, Northern Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
Towering an impressive 4,295 feet in the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park, Ben Macdui is next on our guide to the best Scottish mountains.
As the UK’s second highest mountain, this mountain in Scotland is one of the most popular to climb. It is also thought to be haunted by the ‘Grey Man of Ben Macdui’ making it one of the spookiest locations in the UK.
Keen climbers often summit this Scottish mountain alongside another entry on our list, Cairn Gorm! For Munro baggers, people trying to summit all Munros, this is perfect as it means ticking off 2 of the 282 Munros in one go.
This mountain in Scotland is the best choice for wildlife lovers as reindeer can be spotted roaming the peaks as well as birds such as snow bunting which usually prefer an Arctic environment.
GPS coordinates: 57.0703605,-3.6742609
Nearest car park: Cairngorm Ski Centre Car Park, 57.134000, -3.671200
Parking charge: £3 for daytime parking
More Information: Ben Macdui Route
Book a cottage near Ben Macdui today…
Westwood (Ref. 989445) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | 1 dog | Ballater, Moray, Aberdeenshire and The Coastal Trail
Gairnlea Cottage (Ref. 1058616) | 2 guests, 1 bedroom | No pets | Ballater, Moray, Aberdeenshire and The Coastal Trail
As another of Scotland’s Munros, standing at 3852 feet, this Scottish mountain is aptly named Beinn Mhòr or Ben More, which translates to “great” or “big mountain.”
Climbing this Scottish mountain is a popular activity, and the route up this majestic mountain begins in a car park off the A85, close to Ben More Farm.
Uninterrupted views across the wild Scottish landscape are the reward for people brave enough to tackle this Scottish peak. You can also look forward to views over other imposing Scottish mountains including Ben Lui, Ben Lawers, Ben Vorlich and on a clear day, Ben Lomond!
GPS coordinates: 56.3859438,-4.5452609
Nearest car park: Ben More Farm, 56.402800, -4.561200
Parking charge: Free Parking
More Information: Ben More Route
Book a cottage near Ben More today…
Clionadh Shepherd’s Hut (Ref. 1132879) | 4 guests, 1 bedroom | 1 dog | Balquhidder near Strathyre, Stirling
Ninevah (Ref.1131891) | 6 guests, 3 bedrooms | No pets | Auchtubh near Strathyre, Loch Lomond and Trossachs
Alma Cottage (Ref. 6858) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | 2 dogs | Argyll and The Isles
Inglis Nook Cottage (Ref. 1109849) | 5 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Balquhidder, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
Next up on our guide is the most famous Scottish mountain on this list, Ben Nevis! This peak is also arguably the most famous mountain in the UK, thanks to its status as the tallest.
Ben Nevis was once an active volcano, and its Gaelic name has been interpreted in different ways. Translations vary from cloudy mountain, mountain of heaven and venomous mountain, all reflecting the imposing stature of this Scottish mountain!
Standing at an impressive 4,413 feet, this Scottish mountain is the ultimate challenge for mountaineers in the UK. There are an array of routes up the mountain all varying in difficulty.
The most popular route is the mountain path, which spans 10.5 miles and takes roughly 7 hours. The astonishing views from the top make the ascent well worth it. Bagging this Munro is a truly impressive accolade!
GPS coordinates: 56.796852,-5.0097032
Nearest car park: Ben Nevis Visitor Car Park, 56.8099938,-5.0793709
Parking charge: £1 for an hour or £4 for all day
More Information: Ben Nevis Route
Book a cottage near Ben Nevis today…
Lochside, 1 The Corries (Ref. 1083346) | 6 guests, 3 bedrooms | No pets | Spean Bridge, Fort William, The Western Isles
The Garden Flat (Ref. 932724) | 2 guests, 1 bedroom | 2 dogs | Torlundy near Fort William, The Western Isles
Taorbeag at Taormina (Ref. 1098908) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | 1 dog | Banavie, Fort William, The Western Isles
Glen Nevis (Ref. 1013913) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | 2 dogs | Fort William, The Western Isles
Sharing its name with the idyllic Cairngorms National Park in which it resides, another of the best Scottish mountains is Cairn Gorm.
Presenting a 4,084-foot challenge, this iconic mountain offers a rugged heath-clad terrain for keen climbers to explore! In summer months, the route from the ski centre car park is captivating.
In winter months, however, this Scottish mountain can be treacherous due to its Trunda climate; it once recorded the highest-ever wind speed in the UK!
The snow, however, draws snow sports lovers who take on the thrilling slopes of the Cairngorm mountain ski area. Making this Scottish mountain one of the best places for adrenaline-filled activities in the UK!
GPS coordinates: 57.0724688,-3.6145002
Nearest car park: Cairngorm Ski Centre Car Park, 57.134000, -3.671200
Parking charge: £3 for daytime parking
More Information: Cairn Gorm Route
Book a cottage near Cairn Gorm today…
Gairnlea House (Ref. 1053964) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Ballater, Moray, Aberdeenshire and The Coastal Trail
Ferneytoun (Ref. 1126316) | 6 guests, 3 bedrooms | 1 dog | Ballater, Northern Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
Claiming the title of one of the easier Scottish mountains to climb, we had to feature Schiehallion on our guide to the best mountains in Scotland!
Perched on the outskirts of Pitlochry, overlooking Loch Rannoch, Loch Tay and Loch Tummel, Schiehallion is set in a truly picturesque location. Its popularity made this Scottish mountain so well-traveled that the original path to the summit eroded due to the sheer volume of climbers!
There is now an alternative route maintained by the John Muir Trust, so you can still appreciate this mountain’s beauty. The route begins in the Braes of Foss car park and meanders 6 miles up to the summit.
GPS coordinates: 56.6668327,-4.1052886
Nearest car park: Braes of Foss Car Park, 56.675800, -4.036030
Parking charge: £3 for the day for cars, £10 for minibus or coach
More Information: Schiehallion Route
Book a cottage near Schiehallion today…
Verdi (Ref. 1069564) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | 1 dog | Strathtay, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
Balvig (Ref. 1014474) | 6 guests, 4 bedrooms | No pets | Pitlochry, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
Bugaboo Cottage (Ref.21366) | 7 guests, 3 bedrooms | 1 dog | Weem near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
Larch Cottages (Ref.21598) | 2 guests, 1 bedroom | 1 dog | Weem near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Angus and Fife
Resting on one of the best Scottish Islands, the Isle of Skye, is another of Scotland’s best mountains, Sgùrr nan Gillean.
Resting on the outskirts of the quaint village of Sligachan, this mountain in Scotland is hugely popular with mountaineers visiting Skye. The best route to take is the tourist route, which stretches 7.5 miles and takes around 7 hours!
Despite its popularity, this Scottish mountain presents a formidable challenge, as the final part of the route requires some scrambling, and the summit is completely exposed. However, this provides uninterrupted views across the rugged landscape.
After experiencing the beauty of Sgùrr nan Gillean, you can reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the nearby Fairy Pools, one of the best hidden gems in Scotland.
GPS coordinates: 57.2473327,-6.1991498
Nearest car park: Layby near the Sligachan Hotel, 57.289400, -6.176000
Parking charge: Free Parking
More Information: Sgùrr nan Gillean Route
Book a cottage near Sgùrr nan Gillean today…
MacKenzie’s Peak (Ref. 912924) | 6 guests, 3 bedrooms | No pets | Sconser near Portree, Isle of Skye
Tigh na Creag (Ref.26278) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Sconser near Portree, Isle of Skye
Taigh Tearlach (Ref. 1119834) | 3 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Kyleakin, Isle of Skye
Beaton’s Croft House (Ref. 1060396) | 2 guests, 1 bedroom | No pets |Kilmuir near Uig, Isle of Skye
Next up is the instantly recognisable Suilven, a dramatic Scottish mountain towering over the enchanting and rural landscape of Assynt.
Despite being almost half the size of Ben Nevis, Suilven is one of the most unforgettable mountains in Scotland, thanks to its unique shape. From Lochinver, this peak appears rounded yet from a road in Ullapool, its spikes are prevalent!
Begin your ascent in the small car park off a public road in Lochinver and follow the road until it becomes a track. Enjoy the almost 13-mile hike, which meanders through lush greenery up the mountain. Pass the impeccable dry stone wall, and soon the summit of Caisteal Liath will be in sight!
After completing your ascent, there is plenty more to discover in the area. This impressive Scottish mountain lies around 6 miles from Achmelvich Beach, one of the best beaches in Scotland – a must-visit location!
GPS coordinates: 58.0999994,-5.1384831
Nearest car park: Small car park at the end of a public road, 58.146100, -5.217400
Parking charge: Free Parking
More Information: Suilven Route
Book a cottage near Suilven today…
Glaven (Ref.970523) | 6 guests, 3 bedrooms | No pets | Bonar Bridge, Northern Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
Rowan House (Ref. 1053530) | 10 guests, 5 bedrooms | 3 dogs | Bonar Bridge, Northern Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
Old Grumbeg Cottage (Ref. 945345) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | No pets | Bettyhill, Northern Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
Concluding our guide to mountains in Scotland are The Three Sisters of Glencoe. The trio of majestic peaks stand in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, each distinct in character and allure.
The three Scottish mountains consist of Aonach Dubh, Beinn Fhada and Gearr Aonach and have long been a source of inspiration for artists, hikers, and adventure seekers. These mountains are the perfect place to find solace!
Beinn Fhada towers at an impressive 3,386 feet and has a rugged landscape of secret valleys, hidden peaks, and savage cliffs. At 2,263 feet is Gearr Aonach, the next mountain in the trio and is a complex climb, filled with many ridges and subsidiary peaks. Finally, Gearr Aonach, the shortest but no less captivating, provides a less demanding route for those who wish to explore this stunning but dramatic landscape.
The Three Sisters of Glencoe invite the most experienced climbers to explore and enjoy the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
GPS coordinates: 56.6593209,-4.996876
Nearest car park: Hidden Valley Car Park, 56.6672262,-4.989704
Parking charge: Free Parking
More Information: Bidean Nam Bian Route
Book a cottage near The Three Sisters of Glencoe today…
Spinnyfield (Ref.933746) | 4 guests, 2 bedrooms | 2 dogs | Roy Bridge near Fort William, The Western Isles
Mullach Ruadh (Ref. 1110774) | 8 guests, 4 bedrooms | No pets | Glenfinnan near Corpach, Fort William, The Western Isles
Rhunacairn (Ref. 1110746) | 8 guests, 4 bedrooms | 1 dog | Connel, Argyll and The Isles
Little Tigh Clovelly (Ref. 1034630) | 2 guests, 1 bedroom | No pets | Spean Bridge, Fort William, The Western Isles
Feeling inspired to summit these spectacular Scottish mountains? Then book one of these cottages in Scotland to be your home-away-from-home. Our Scottish Travel Guide is bursting with more things to do on your next adventure!
Image Credits: Ronnie Fleming LRPS – CC BY 2.0 ; John Mason – CC BY 2.0
by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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