Bagging Munros in Scotland

Bagging Munros in Scotland

Although many come to Scotland to simply look and admire the mountains many of us like to actually climb. With no less than 282 mountains meeting the criteria of being a Munro (they must be over 3000 feet) you won’t be stuck for choices. A motorhome holiday can be an ideal opportunity to bag yourself your first, a repeat or add some more onto your done list! Although Munros are relatively simple to climb, they are by no means easy and you are best to be equipped and have done some simple research prior to starting out. 
 
What Do I Need to Consider? 
•    Where you are heading to is a great start. We do also recommend any of our customers to let others know where you are planning to climb in case you may find yourself in any sort of trouble.  Once you have decided on which Munro to tackle, a route planner is a great idea along with how long you think it will take you. You really don’t want to find you are climbing back down in the dark! On a side note, which Munro you choose to climb should be according to your experience of Munro climbing, fitness levels, weather and of course where you are. 
•    The weather is always tricky in Scotland even in the summer months. It can change from glorious sunshine to hailstones in the blink of an eye. Having a plan of what you will do should the weather turn i.e. turning back. Having the appropriate clothing packed with you is recommended as there is nothing worse than being soaked halfway through a walk and being stuck in wet soggy clothes when a pair of waterproofs could have kept you dry and comfy. 
•    What to Pack? A rucksack which is big enough to fit all the essentials in and ideally one with a waterproof cover for the event of rain. 
     o    Wear warm, waterproof and windproof clothing. This may sound simple but just because it is warm at the bottom does not mean it will be warm at the top. There is a high chance it will be bitterly cold and windy. A windproof jacket is absolutely essential as well as being waterproof. 
     o    Sore feet are something people always complain of. Don’t try out your new walking boots on the way up a Munro. Ensure you have picked a pair of boots that will again keep your feet warm, dry and comfy all the way up and down again. We do recommend a good pair of walking socks, they really do make all the difference in terms of wicking away moisture and keeping your toes and feet comfy. 
     o    A map, sounds silly but we would always recommend you take something other than just your mobile. You never know when you may lose signal or battery. Sometimes the good old fashioned way is the best. Ordnance survey maps are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain. 
     o    Simple first aid kits are something people often overlook. We are not talking about taking a whole kitchen drawer but some basics won’t go a miss such as plasters and saline water. A torch and whistle are also essentials and take up very little space. Dependant on which route you are taking and how long you think you will be you might want to consider packing a shelter of some sort should you get caught out. However if you are going this far it would be likely you are an experienced climber. 
     o    Snacks are not just for children. Pack enough for your planned trip and then some extra reserves for the just in case scenarios. Pack food that is small and light but high in energy such as chocolate, cheese or bananas. 
     o    Let it snow,  some of the Munros in Scotland will have snow most of the year, so plan that you are able to cope at the top with some or a significant amount of snow. 

Most of all, have fun climbing a Munro isn’t easy but the views and the experience are worth every step that you take. Once you have bagged your first you are likely to want to get to the next one. The views are simply breath-taking on a clear day. The crisp air and the freshness of the surroundings will awaken your senses entirely. 
For more information and how to book your motorhome holiday please visit our website www.scottishtourer.co.uk and look out for our next blog of 6 Munro’s to try out for beginners.