My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go.

Robert Burns (1759 - 1796)

Although contentious, I think it�s fair to say that the British Isles have no great mountain ranges, and when I say great, I am of course referring to height and scale. After all, its highest mountain, Ben Nevis, only manages to reach a paltry height of 1344 metres; a height which would render it unnoticeable if it belonged to any of Europe�s other main mountain ranges.

These shortcomings in elevation have led to a peculiar phenomenon whereby various writers, travellers and artisans, in an attempt to extol the beauties of these mountains (for there are many), have resorted to likening the British ranges to those of continental Europe. One of the earliest examples comes from William Camden, who in 1586 wrote of Snowdonia ��man may truely, if hee please, terme these mountaines the British Alpes�. There may be earlier examples, but Camden�s work was so influential that it�s likely that he is largely responsible for this trend; and as the British gentry became increasingly mobile, the custom of imitating Camden, or perhaps imitating the imitators of Camden, grew also, turning the practice into something of a clich�.

Yet, despite the need of some Britons to exaggerate the nature of their mountains, such exaggerations were not needed for describing their mountaineers; because for as long as mountains have been climbed for exploration, for the challenge or simply for fun, British mountaineers and climbers have been at the forefront of the sport, pushing its limits increasingly upwards. I do not wish to disparage the achievements of other nations; Alpine countries such as Italy, Germany, Austria, not so much France, but definitely Switzerland have all produced exceptional mountaineers of unmatched quality, but these countries have had the benefit of their own large mountains and are therefore at an advantage when it comes to climbing them. In spite of this lack of high mountains in the mid 19th century it was British members of the Alpine Club who, along with their native guides, explored vast tracts of the Alps, Pyrenees, and Caucasus; in the late 19th/early 20th centuries it was members of the Climbers Club and Scottish Mountaineering Club who recorded routes of unmatched difficulty throughout the world; and in 1955 it was a British led expedition who were first to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The exploits of British mountaineers and climbers continue today.

Now it�s only a matter of opinion, and I�m sure that there are countless other factors that have played a part in this unusual propensity for Alpine climbing, but I feel that the credit must largely be given to that rare quality which British mountains possess, and in particular that of the Grampian Mountains; because despite their small size, they have a character that can easily match the best Europe, if not the world, has to offer. So before I guide you across the sections, paragraphs and pictures of this page, which will hopefully convey why this is all so true, please allow me to indulge myself in the old clich� and declare that the Grampian Mountains, above all others, are the true heirs to the title of the British Alpes, for they are higher, rockier and wilder than all others which call these islands home.

Overview

Appropriately it was the inhabitants of one of Europe�s most mountainous countries who sowed the seeds for the range�s modern name. The earliest reference is found in Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus� biography of his father-in-law Gnaeus Julius Agricola, who was governor of Britain between 78 and 85 AD. Tacitus describes how Agricola ��marched with an army equipped for expedition� and arrived at the Grampian hill, where the enemy was already encamped�; and on the slopes of Mons Graupius he met and defeated the combined forces of the Caledonian tribes. �Mons� of course directly translates as �mountain�, however the meaning and significance of the word �Graupius� remains unknown. The exact location of the battle is also unknown, though most favour a location somewhere in the eastern portion of the Grampian massif, possibly at Raedykes, Megray or Kempstone Hill.

During the Middle Ages the range was formally known as the Mouth or Mound, and remained so until 1520 when, in a 16th century equivalent of a typo, Scottish philosopher Hector Boece misspelled the battle�s name as �Mons Grampius", and the modern name, The Grampian Mountains, was born. In his Britannia, Camden refers to the ��[un] inhabitable, lofty, and rugged ridges of the Mountaine Grampius� so the name was at least in use by the early 17th century.

Despite these early references the name doesn�t seem to have been widely used, and up until the 19th century, the area was generally considered to be more than one range; a view still held by many today. In both Scottish Gaelic and the Doric dialect of the Lowland Scots, the mountains have no single name, with a number of names being used instead. Grampian Region translates into Scott�s Gaelic as "Roinn a' Mhonaidh".

And so to defining the extent of these mountains... by most modern definitions, the Grampians occupy a huge area covering almost half of the land-area of Scotland. They extend southwest to northeast between the Highland Boundary Fault and Gleann M�r (the Great Glen) and encompass the highest, most famous mountains in Britain, including those of Glen Coe, the Cairngorms and Lochaber. Like Europe�s other large mountain range�s, the mountains and sub-ranges of the Grampians are remarkably diverse, generally being steeper and rockier in the west and becoming more rounded and subdued in the east.

Located in the far western corner of the range is Britain�s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which as previously mentioned, reaches 1344 metres above sea level, and owing to its northerly latitude harbours a covering of snow for much of the year. At the opposite end of the range (the eastern part for those not paying attention) the Cairngorm Mountains include among their ranks a substantial number of Britain�s highest peaks, including the country�s second highest, Ben Macdui (1309 metres). Up until the late 18th century Ben Macdui was thought to exceed even Ben Nevis in height, however, in 1794 The Ben was re-measured using more up-to-date surveying methods and Ben Macdui lost its place on the top-spot. In-between these two high points lie a ramshackle assortment of mountains, lochs and wild places of great scenic beauty, which are rich in natural heritage, and of enormous cultural value. These characteristics combine to create an area of great wealth to the outdoor enthusiast; and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will find something to satisfy them here.

Thanks to the areas northerly latitude, each winter its mountains become laden with snow and ice, which when accumulated in their numerous gullies and on their many buttresses, provide a seasonal paradise for winter climbers. Routes range from easy snow ascents, through to delicate ice routes, and on to challenging mixed climbing, which involves moving over both rock and ice. The North East Face of Ben Nevis and the Northern Corries of the Cairngorm Mountains are particularly popular, and both are home to routes of world-class quality. Winter climbing in Britain originated in these mountains, with early members of the Cairngorm Club and Scottish Mountaineering Club laying the foundations for what the sport would become today. Early pioneers such as Raeburn and Naismith developed their techniques here, which they would later apply to the mountains of Europe, the Caucasus and the Himalaya; a practice which is continued by British climbers today.

In the summer, when the snows have thawed and the rock has dried, the crags become the abode of the rock climber and scrambler, who come enticed by the prospect of matching wits with some of the highest rock faces in these isles. Again Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms are probably the most popular locations, and they are joined by the areas other impressive ranges including the mountains of Glen Coe, Tyndrum and the Arrochar Alps. Hikers will find something to enjoy in all seasons, with some form of trail providing access to almost every mountain in the area. Popular trails give way to, less visited paths, which in turn give way to almost untouched wildernesses, which if it weren�t for the local fauna, would go unseen for years. Several long-distance treks cross the area, including the famous West Highland Way, a 152 kilometres (95 miles) long network of paths, running from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Essentially, there is something for everyone here.

Every British hiker, climber and mountaineer worth their salt will have made at least one trip into the Grampians in pursuit of their sport. And if they haven�t, they�re probably planning on doing so very soon. In pubs and barrooms across the country, tales are told of climbers, who did battle with the rock and the elements and overcame seemingly insurmountable odds, to return home little heroes; and later affectionate recollections of those who didn�t. For while these mountains may be small, they are not without danger, and every year exposure, falls and avalanches claim the lives of the experienced and inexperienced alike. However, if the mountains are treated with the respect they deserve, a trip to the Grampians could produce some of the greatest mountain experiences you�ll ever enjoy.

This page will act as your guide to these mountains. It will provide you with general information about the area, brief descriptions for each sub-range, and an outline of what sights you may see while visiting. It will also function as a window to Summitpost�s other Grampian pages, and help direct you to more detailed, locally specific information, that the site holds, and will help you plan your visit to the area.

I'm on this!

-Dan

Eastern Grampians

Everything east of A9/Strathspey/Pass of Drumochter/River Tay

--- Few paragraphs about the area

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Cairngorm Mountains

The Cairngorms seen from the summit of Carn Aosda (Photo by Boydie)

About 35 kilometres from east to west, and 20 kilometres from north to south, the Cairngorm plateau is the biggest, highest, coldest and snowiest piece of land in all of the British Isles. The average elevation of the plateau is a little over 1000 metres, with rounded, glacial hills dotted all over the area. Other distinctive features of this range are the corries, which dot the plateau, as well as the high passes, Lairigs both carved out by glaciers in the many ice ages this land has seen. Of the 20 highest peaks in the UK, half are in the Cairngorms. Furthermore, the Cairngorms are also home to the highest source of any major river in the UK, the River Dee rises on Braeriach at around 1200 metres, as well as the highest Loch in Scotland, Loch Avon at 726 metres. The lower reaches of the NW Cairngorms are home to Rothiemurchus, one of the last ecologically viable expanses of the old Caledonian forest. This is also one of the very few places in Scotland where one may observe a natural treeline.

The passes through the Cairngorms are also exceptionally high, for Scots standards. Whereas in most lerger ranges in Scotland there's always a col under 500 metres somewhere, the lowest pass through the Cairngorms is Lairig an Laoigh with a summit at 740 metres. Lairig Ghru, the best known pass in the Cairngorms, and the main route from Deeside to Strathspey before the Lecht road was built, has a summit at 835 metres, probably the highest of all passes in Scotland in everyday use.

Clint

Ben MacDui

Breariach

Cairn Toul

Sgor an Lochain Uaine

Cairn Gorm

Beinn a' Bhuird

Beinn Mheadhoin

Ben Avon

Beinn Bhrotain

Derry Cairngorm

Sgor Gaoith

Monadh Mor

Bynack More

Beinn a' Chaorainn

Carn a' Mhaim

Mullach Clach a' Blair

The Devil's Point

Beinn Bhreac

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Cairnwells & Blairgowrie

The Cairnwell seen at its best from Rhiedorrach in Gleann Beag (Photo by Daveyboy)

The Cairnwell Hills are bounded by the River Dee in the north, Tilt in the west and the A93 Perth to Braemar road in the east. Although this large, sprawling area of upland boasts a total of eight Munros, which you would imagine would make it an attractive destination for hikers, it has suffered greatly over the years. Sadly, part of the area is now heavily commercialised, largely due to the growth of the ski industry, and in particular the growth of the Glen Shee and Cairnwell Ski Centre. The Cairnwell itself, and its neighbour Carn Aosda, are the most heavily scarred of these Munros, which consequently makes them the most accessible too, as both these summits are covered in ski lifts and access tracks. The Cairnwell has the added extra of three radio towers on its summit. This accessibility is boosted by the A93 road, which reaches its apex near the two mountains, a point known as the Devils Elbow, and leaving an ascent of about 300 metres to The Cairnwell's summit.

In contrast, the area's other hills, located far from the ski centre and the road, are wonderfully isolated, and easily match those of Lochnagar and Glenshee for unadulterated beauty. These large, open, rolling, heather covered hills are rarely visited and offer something far wilder than their eastern counterparts. An extra peak worth mentioning is Morrone, which at 859m qualifies it as a Corbett, and rewards great views over the town of Braemar and east up through the Dee Valley.

An Socach

Glas Tulaichean

Carn an Righ

Beinn Lutharn Mhor

Carn Bhac

The Cairnwell

Carn a' Gheoidh

Carn Aosda

"
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Atholl and East Drumochter hills

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Lochnagar hills

The great Lochnagar Massif seen from the neighbouring summit of Broad Cairn (Photo by Daveyboy)

Lochnagar and the Glenshee Hills, as they are known, cover a vast area of the eastern Grampian Mountains. The area is split by the A93 pass, linking Perth to Braemar in the west, and the valley of the River Dee (known as Deeside) in the north. The area is characterised by a vast upland plateau known as The White Mounth. The Mounth consists of a series of large, green, rounded and rugged summits, intersected by deep, glacially cut valleys which are furnished with a number of impressive corries. The mass of Lochnagar is the highlight of all the summits, and stands proud when viewed from all angles. Lochnagar also has a stunning corrie cut out of its north face.

Out of all the glacially cut valleys, the three which divide the summits of Glen Callater, Glen Muick and Glen Clova are the best known. Glen Muick is probably the most dramatic of these, with its mountain bound loch, the aptly named Loch Muick, setting the scene. The head of the Glen is dominated by the cliffs of Creag an Dubh Loch which are known for their demanding, but high quality, winter routes. A great ridge walk starting within Glen Muick combines five of the great summits in the Lochnagar range in one day. These are the summits of Broad Cairn, Cairn Bannoch, Carn a' Coire Boidheach, Carn an t-Sagairt Mor and Lochnagar itself. Be aware though, this route is about 18-20 miles long and is no easy undertaking.

On the Glenshee side, another ridge walk combines the summits of Creag Leacach, Glas Maol, Cairn of Claise, Tolmount, Tom Buidhe and Carn an Tuirc. The route is achievable in a single day, but again be aware, this is another serious undertaking. If you wish to take it easy, these various summits are all accessible via the A93 pass. Tolmount and Tom Buidhe can also be accessed from Glen Callater, but this requires a 4 mile approach up from the town of Braemar.

Out of all these summits Mount Keen is the most isolated, and has the honour of being the most eastern of all Munros. The easiest method of access is from the Dee Valley near the towns of Aboyne and Ballater.

Creag Leacach

Glas Maol

Cairn of Claise

Tom Buidhe

Tolmount

Carn an Tuirc

Lochnagar

Carn a' Coire Boidheach

Carn an t-Sagairt Mor

Cairn Bannoch

Broad Cairn

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Angus Glens

This section I will be adding the information soon (Daveyboy)
Covering the Munro summits round Glen Clova and the minor summits out towards Dundee.

Central Grampians

Monadhliath Mountains

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Loch Laggan Hills

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Ben Alder hills

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Loch Treig Hills

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West Drumochter hills

A'Mharconaich in the West Drumochter hills (Photo by Boydie)

Beginning on the northern shores of Loch Rannoch in the south, the West Drumochter Hills are a spacious landscape with a scattering of peaks, however, as the range starts to stretch northwards towards Dalwhinnie, it narrows, as Loch Ericht in the west and the Pass of Drumochter to the east combine in squeezing its boundaries and compact the peaks in the northern half into a tighter space.

The range sits on the border between the Central and Eastern Grampians and the difference between these two areas is clearly apparent from their summits. To the east the rolling summit plateau of the hills fill the horizon with only the occasional glen breaking the line and to the west the peaks present a more rugged and craggy outline.

The largest peak in the area is Beinn Udlamain at 1010m. It is a huge rounded peak with a large flat featureless summit, but offers some spectacular views west of the peaks in the Ben Alder Hills range that rise abruptly from the glistening Loch Ericht.

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Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor is 130 km� of flat boggy moorland, which sits at an altitude of just over 300 metres above sea level (that�s around 1,000 feet for those of you still hanging on to the Imperial system) - not somewhere you might immediately consider needed to be described on Summitpost then. In fact, the closest most hikers, climbers and mountaineers will ever get to the area, will be while being whisked along the West Highland Line to destinations of a more mountainous nature. That said, the Moor is a significant component of the Grampian landscape, and so deserves some sort of acknowledgement, after all it might be of interest to someone.

If for some reason you are thinking of visiting the area described by Robert Louis Stevenson as �A wearier looking desert a man never saw", then there are certain things you might want to know about it. Firstly, despite Stevenson�s sentiments, the moor is a place of considerable beauty, dotted with innumerable lochs and lochans, and commands a vast and seamless panorama of the surrounding mountains. It seems that mountain views can be greatly enhanced when there aren�t other mountains getting in the way. The second thing you might want to know is that the area is notable for its wildlife, and is particularly famous for the sole British location for the Rannoch-rush, which in case you hadn�t already guessed, is named after the moor. It�s also home to several unusual species of ant such as Formica exsecta, the "narrow-headed ant", and Formica pratensis.

The moor is one of the last true wildernesses of the British Isles, and is consequently, quite difficult to access. The moor can be traversed from north to south along the A82, which passes along its western margin; and can be accessed on its eastern side from the Rannoch Station, a request stop on the aforementioned West Highland Line. Travelling from east to west, or visa versa, can only be done on foot, and a 16 km (10 mile) track links Rannoch Station with the Kings House Hotel on the A82. Remember if you do walk this trail, you will also need to walk back again, as the shortest route between the two points by public road is over 160 km (100 miles) long, which I think you�ll agree is potentially an astronomical taxi fare.

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Glen Lyon

Carn Gorm & An Sgorr (Photo by Boydie)

Glen Lyon is one of the grandest and longest glens in the Central Grampians and thankfully bypassed by most of the tourists due to the minor roads that run through it. It spans around 45km west to east and throughout its length is littered with highland scenery such as, glistening lochs and lochans, high mountains and beautiful woodland. The range also ventures slightly north, on its eastern side, towards Loch Rannoch to encompass the solitary peak of Schiehallion, which stands at a height of 1083m. This peak is one that can be clearly seen and easily recognised from the summits of other mountains in other distant ranges, such as Glencoe in the Western Grampians and East Drumochter in the Eastern Grampians. This is due to its isolated position, which is surrounded by deep glens, and its obvious shape that is made up of a single humped back east to west ridge.

On the western end of the range lie four peaks that are commonly traversed in a route known as the Glen Lyon horseshoe. The four peaks that make up this route are; Carn Gorm 1029m, Meall Garbh 968m, Carn Mairg 1041m and Meall nan Aighean 981m. The peaks are mainly large flat summits that provide a good hill walking trip and in winter conditions give the ski-tourer one of the finest expiditions in the Central Grampians.

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Bridge of Orchy

Beinn Achaladair & Beinn a'Chreachain (Photo by Boydie)

The mountains of Bridge of Orchy are a fine range that run from north of Tyndrum to the south of the desolate Rannoch Moor. To the east and west of the range, the watery expanses of Loch Lyon and Loch Tulla help to compel the feeling of compactness and it is this aspect that give the peaks their height and grandeur.

One of the most scenic parts of the range has to be the point where the west highland railway bridge straddles the Auch gleann beneath the conical shape of Beinn Dorain. This view must have caught the gaze of many a walker on the West Highland Way and to many a traveller driving north up the A82. This point is definitely where you start to enter the real highlands of Scotland. Beinn Dorain 1076m is not the highest in the range, but draws more visitor up its slopes due to its focal point situation next to the road.

Bridge of Orchy has always been a popular destination for the hill walker/climber due to the proximity of the train station. It is easily possible to catch the morning train from Glasgow to do a peak or two and be down in time to get the train home for dinner. Maybe even enough time to squeeze in a pint in the hotel across from the station!

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Glen Lochay Hills

To the north of Crianlarich and Glen Dochart and the south of Loch Lyon lies the tranquil Glen Lochay. Glen Lochay is almost surrounded on all sides, in a C shaped like curve, by its solitary and peaceful mountains. If it were not for the breach on its eastern side, these peaks would be among the remotest in the Central Grampians. This breach gives the only access in and out of the area, and it is a route that is predominately domineered by forestation. This, however, ceases on reaching the head of Glen Lochay at Kenknock farm where the landscape becomes desolate and almost treeless. This fact though, does not stop the glen from radiating a certain air of beauty.

The mountains in the range are not the most striking in the Central Grampians, but still offer some fine hill walking opportunities. The main peak worthy of mention is Ben Challum (Callum's peak) at 1025m. It isn't the highest peak in the range, but when seen from the head of Glen Lochay, in the east, it's pointed outline is somewhat impressive. Unfortunately, this viewpoint is seldom seen, as most people tend to ascend Ben Challum from StrathFillan in the south west where its appearance is less pleasing.

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The Lawers Range

Ben Lawers from the west (Photo by Boydie)

To the northeast of the peaceful little town of Killin, lies the ever popular Lawers range. The area is so called after its principal peak Ben Lawers. It is bounded to the south and east by Loch Tay, to the north by Glen Lyon and to the west by Glen Lochay.

The southern section of the Lawers massif and the Tarmachan peaks of the same range are owned by the National Trust for Scotland, who manage numerous areas around the whole of Scotland. Within the Lawers range, the Trust promotes public access, the protection of wildlife and the restoration/protection of the local habitat. Evidence of the work being carried out can be found at the Ben Lawers visitor centre, on the south western slopes of Beinn Ghlas, and it is from this very point that the majority of the ascents in the area begin. This is due to the ample parking and the 430m elevation that is already gained. Generally, the peaks in the Grampians start from sea level and most people will appreciate, and certainly not deny themselves, the opportunity of starting from a slightly elevated position.

There are fine peaks to be had within the range and some nice expiditions to be undertaken throughout the entire year across them. The traverse of Ben Lawers and its four accompanying peaks is a fine hillwalking trip for the summer months and should take the average walker no more than ten hours to complete (it would be advisable to arrange transportation to return you to your starting point). Arguably though, the most impressive traverse of the range, especially in winter conditions, is the one across the Tarmachan ridge. It covers four peaks and contains some airy exposed sections that require a good head for heights. The full traverse should take no longer than 6 hours and has the added benefit of returning you to the visitor centre starting point.

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Crianlarich/Balquidder Hills

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Loch Earn Group

Stuc a'Chroin in the Loch Earn group (Photo by Boydie)

Stretching from the peaks on the western side of Loch Lubnaig, in a north eastern direction all the way through Loch Earn and onwards to the southern shores of Loch Tay, this area is one that commands a lot of visitors due to it's location in the Central Grampians. The ever popular town of Callander lies just 16miles from the city of Stirling, giving easy access for thousands of people from all over the central belt and is therefore the best place to base yourself for climbing in the area.

As the area is quite vast, Loch Earn is the name that is applied, in this case, to the area as it is the largest central point available. Compared to other ranges in the Grampians there is a low amount of peaks for an area of such size, however, this does not make it an area of little quality.

The two highest and noteworthy mountains in the area are Ben Vorlich at 985m and Stuc a'Chroin at 975m. Both peaks sit adjascent to each other, on the southern shores of Loch Earn and are almost always climbed in conjunction. Together they can be seen prominently showing their heads from various locations in the central belt of Scotland and they have a particular attractiveness when viewed from the east when the sun is setting.

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Ben Lomond, Luss & The Trossachs

Loch Lomond from Ben Lomond (Photo by Boydie)

Ben Lomond, Luss & the Trossachs is predominantly made up of forests and lochs with the lengthy and infamous Loch Lomond being the most visited spot. Due to its locality to Glasgow, Loch Lomond can become a very busy place, especially when the sun comes out at weekends and bank holidays when half of the city decide that a daytrip is a good idea. Tranquility, however, is mearly a stones throw away if you drive north on the eastern side to Inversnaid. Here the lochs of Lomond, Arklet and Katrine collide to give a peaceful and scenic place where the visitor will not be left disappointed.

The peaks here are few and far between, but in Ben Lomond itself a fine one is found. Standing at 974m it is the most southerly Munro in Scotland and with the exception of Ben Nevis, probably the most ascended. The peak is generally approached from the south at Rowerdennan, but can also be ascended from the earlier mentioned Inversnaid.

A couple of other hills worthy of visiting are Ben Venue(729m) and Ben A'an(454m) on the southern and eastern shores of Loch Katrine in the Trossachs. Both the peaks are small, easily ascended and give surprisingly impressive views. Each of the peaks are usually climbed from Loch Achray to the north of Aberfoyle and can be combined easily into one day.

Western Grampians

Nevis Range

Ben Nevis' North East Face (Photo by Ron Walker)

The Ben Nevis Range is a 16km long spine of mountains that runs from Loch Linnhe in the west to Lairig Leanach in the east. The range of course takes its name from Ben Nevis which at 1344 metres is Britain's highest mountain. Dotted along the chain are a number of Britain�s other high mountains including Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor, and in the far east the mountains of the Grey Corries offer a quieter, more personal experience than their larger neighbours.

The range is probably Britain's most popular winter climbing venue, with Ben Nevis being the central attraction, its North East Face is riddled with steep gullies and buttresses draw climbers from across Europe. The main winter attraction is its mixed climbing, which involves climbing over a combination of rock, ice and snow; whether its ridges, gullies or slabs, the range has routes that will appeal to everyone. Compared to the rest of the British Isles, the routes on Ben Nevis are longer than anywhere else, and display an Alpine-like seriousness. In summer, when the snow and ice has melted, the mountain's rock routes come into condition, and vary from easy scrambles to extremely challenging multi-pitch technical climbs. Many of the routes are historically important, having either been first ascended during rock climbings embryonic years in the late 19th century, or have been created by some of the UK's most talented climbers while pushing the standards of climbing as we know them.

Dan
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Mamores

The Mamores from Stob Ban - from left to right: Sgurr a' Mhaim, Stob Choire Mhail,
Stob Coire a' chairn (background), Sgur an lubhair
and Am Bodach (background). (Photo by Nanuls)

Sandwiched neatly between the well known, and often visited, mountains of the Ben Nevis Range in the north and the mountains of Glen Coe in the south, are one of Scotland's most picturesque little ranges � The Mamores. The range comprises of an almost continuous spine of peaks and ridges which run some 18km from the River Kiachnish in the west to Abhainn Rath in the east. Although the range's mountains cannot match their neighbours for height, its highest mountain Binnein Mor only reaches 1130 metres, they can certainly match them in sheer beauty and grandeur. Anyone who has walked along the Waters of Nevis to suddenly be greeted by the the 300ft high Steall Waterfall will be able to attest to this.

The range's most rewarding outing is probably a completion of the undeniably superb Ring of Steall route, which if done in snowy conditions, offers some of the best winter mountaineering anywhere in Scotland. The route traverses 15km of pristine ridge which presents little difficulty for the most part, but often throws in passages highly entertaining low-grade winter climbing, creating a truly enthralling experience that goes beyond what one would normally expect from mountains of this small stature.

Dan

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Glencoe

Two peaks of Beinn a'Bheithir in Glencoe (Photo by Boydie)

Stretching from Glen Etive in the east to the shores of Loch Leven in the west, Glencoe is one of the finest and most famous ranges in the Grampians of Scotland. The area is internationally renowned for its beautiful scenery and for the tragic massacre that took place in 1692. The mountains here offer a wide range of climbing, scrambling and hillwalking opportunities all year long. In the summer months Glencoe is always packed with tourists eager to experience its splendour. The walk up and into the Lost Valley is one of particular interest to the average visitor and is one that even the unfittest person is willing to undertake.

The highest peak in the range and also in all of Argyll, is Bidean nam Bian at 1150m. It is a massive peak that is hidden from view from almost every side by the multitude of complex ridges and peaks that encompass it. This is no more apparent than when the Bidean massif is viewed from the A82 road, where the Three Sisters of Glencoe rise steeply from the glen floor and the cone shaped peak of Stob Coire nan Lochan contrive to obscure the view of this giant beauty.

On the eastern edge of Glencoe sits the Buachaille Etive Mor. When driving north to Glencoe, this peak dominates the view to the left of the road and it is for this reason that it has become one of the most photographed peaks in Scotland. In fact, in surveys conducted to find the most popular peaks in Scotland, the Buachaille Etive Mor consistantly features in the top five.

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Glen Etive

Stob Dubh over Loch Etive(Photo by Daveyboy)

The Glen Etive hills run westerly from the Black Mount range in the east, through Loch Etive, until reaching the shores of Loch Creran on the west coast of Scotland. To the north and the south the ranges of Glencoe and Cruachan bound the area into a beautiful and picturesque area. The area is large and their are many fine peaks enclosed within.

Most of the peaks are best accessed from Glen Etive with probably the best of the bunch being Ben Starav at 1078m. The mountain is an impressive bulk that rises gracefully from the head of Loch Etive and one that is usually ascended in conjunction with Glas Bheinn Mhor(997m).

There are a couple of peaks in the range that can be climbed from outwith Glen Etive. To the east, Meall nan Eun(928m) can be ascended via Loch Dochard. From Victoria Bridge on the southern side of the Black Mount range a long but very tranquill walk in provides a pleasant alternative. To the west of the range Beinn Sgulaird at 937m is generally climbed from Elleric, in Appin, to the north east of Loch Creran.

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Black Mount

Clach Leathad & Meall a'Bhuiridh (Photo by Boydie)

From the shores of Loch Tulla, in the south, the peaks of the Black Mount runs in an almost continious unbroken line all the way north to Glen Etive. It is a small, but well frequented range, that contains many beautiful peaks. The range gets its name originally from the name of the forest, The Black Mount Forest, that once domineered the landscape. After many years of deforestation, it is now difficult to believe that this area was once rich with diverse vegetation, however the fact that the name has now become synonymous with the mountains means this piece of history remains intact.

The highest mountain in the range is Meall a�Bhuiridh at 1108m, which is host to Glencoe ski centre. It would possibly be the finest hill in the range if it were not for the scarring that this development has caused on its north eastern side.

This then leaves, arguably, Stob Ghabhar at 1090m with the tag of the grandest peak in the range. The splendour of its corries and complex ridges have no equal and it is from this peak that the classic hiking/mountaineering route in the range, the Clachlet traverse, begins. Starting from Victoria bridge to the south east of Stob Ghabhar, the route takes some 17km to complete, visiting up to eight peaks on route (depending on the exact logistics of your route) before the final descent from Sron na Creise down to the Glen Etive road.

The mountains here offer many different opportunities throughout the seasons with hiking, mountaineering, ice climbing, scrambling and skiing all possible here at various points during the year.

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Cruachan Group

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Tyndrum

Mark

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Ardgoil & The Arrochar Alps

Arrochar & Loch Long beneath the Arrochar Alps (Photo by Boydie)

To the north and west of the long and narrow straights of Loch Long lie the peaks of Ardgoil & The Arrochar Alps. The main peaks of the area are to be found in Arrochar and this range was to become synonymous in the early development of rock climbing in the southern half of the Grampians. This mainly due to two factors. The first was the ease of accessability to the range via the West Highland Railway Line before cars were readily available and the second was the draw of its principal peak, The Cobbler at 884m. Certainly not the highest peak in the range, The Cobbler is definitely the most noteworthy and most visited in the area. The definitive outline of its three rocky peaks is a most impressive sight and is easily recognisible from various points in the lower half of the Grampians.

It can sometimes be hard to find a resemblence to a cobbler on the mountain, but John Stoddart best described it in his book (Local Scenery and Manners in Scotland, 1799-1800) by saying 'This terrific rock forms the bare summit of a huge mountain, and its nodding top so far overhangs the base as to assume the appearance of a cobbler sitting at work, from where the country people call it an an greasaiche cr�m, the crooked shoemaker'.

Most of the peaks in the range are accessed from Arrochar itself or from the road after it that runs north-east up the Rest and Be Thankful (if you have walked or cycled this road, you'll appreciate the name!) and then continues onwards to Glen Kinglass and Glen Fyne. The exceptions to this are the peaks of Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich which are better approached from Inveruglas or Ardlui on the western shores of Loch Lomond.

Summits of the Grampian Mountains

If I use table I made for the Snowdonia page, this shouldn't take too long - LINK. - Dan

Obviously, for us here on SummitPost, the mountains themselves are the most important aspect of the Grampian Mountains. The area is home to many famous and iconic British peaks including such attractions as Ben Nevis, Ben Macdui and Lochnagar, which have been the playground of many great climbers including Harold Raeburn, William Naismith, Robin Smith, Don Whillans and Joe Brown to name but a few. The UK seems to have as many definitions to what constitutes a mountain, as it does mountains themselves, and if this page were to list all the possible candidates it would become an unruly mass of names and numbers. Therfore only the two most popular lists, which are applicable solely to Scotland, have been included here - the Munros and the Corbetts, which incidentaly complimet each other quite nicely since one carries on where the other leaves off.

How to use this section

The Maps:
The maps are interactive and you can get name and height information for the mountains by hovering your mouse cursor over the red triangles. When a little 'hand symbol' appears over a triangle it means that there is a page on Summitpost for that mountain, just click on the triangle to be shown the relevant mountain/rock page.

Tip: Look out for these

The Tables:
This is pretty simple, all you have to do is look at it. The key below explains what the different criteria mean.

Key

Rank	Rank in order of absolute height
Name	Name of the mountain/peak
M	Height in metres
Ft	Height in feet
Sec.	These are the section numbers from Alan Dawson's Relative Hills of Britain. The numbers also correspond with those in Munro's Tables
Area	Areas as described in the SMC's The Corbetts and Other Scottish Hills
Sheet 1:25k	The 1:25 000 Ordnance Survey Explorer map sheet the mountain appears on
Sheet 1:50k	The 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey Landranger map sheet the mountain appears on
Grid Ref	The Ordnance Survey grid reference for the mountain/peak's summit
Map 1:25k	Click on the icon to be taken to a 1:25 000 map of the mountain/peak
Map 1:50k	Click on the icon to be taken to a 1:50 000 map of the mountain/peak

Munros of the Grampian Mountains

A Munro is a member of one of the worlds most famous mountain lists, the Munros (obviously), and in Britain Munro Bagging has become a popular pastime for thousands of walkers and climbers. Basically a Munro is a Scottish mountain which exceeds 3,000 feet (914.4 metres) in height. They are named after Sir Hugh Munro (1856�1919), who in 1891 made the first attempt at an exhaustive catalogue of such hills, known as Munro's Tables. Since then they have undergone numerous revisions, with the most recent revision having taken place in 1997. The current version of the table lists 284 Munro�s and 227 Munro Tops (peaks above 3000ft that are not considered to be separate mountain).

Munro Map

Rank	Name	M	Ft	Sec.	Area	Sheet 1:25k	Sheet 1:50k	Grid Ref
1.	Ben Nevis	1344	4409	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN166712
2.	Ben Macdui	1309	4295	8A	Cairngorms	403	36/43	NN988989
3.	Braeriach	1296	4252	8A	Cairngorms	403	36/43	NN953999
4.	Cairn Toul	1291	4236	8A	Cairngorms	403	36/43	NN963972
5.	Sgor an Lochain Uaine	1258	4127	8A	Cairngorms	403	36/43	NN954976
6.	Cairn Gorm	1244	4081	8A	Cairngorms	403	36	NJ005040
7.	Aonach Beag	1234	4049	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN197715
8.	Aonach Mor	1221	4006	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN193729
9.	Carn Mor Dearg	1220	4003	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN177721
10.	Ben Lawers	1214	3983	2B	Glen Lyon to Loch Tay	378	51	NN635414
11.	Beinn a'Bhuird North Top	1197	3927	8B	Cairngorms	404	36	NJ092006
12.	Beinn Mheadhoin	1182	3878	8A	Cairngorms	403	36	NJ024017
13.	Stob Choire Claurigh	1177	3862	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN262738
14.	Ben More	1174	3852	1C	Loch Lomond to Strathyre	365	51	NN432244
15.	Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe	1171	3842	8B	Cairngorms	404	36	NJ131018
16.	Stob Binnein	1165	3822	1C	Loch Lomond to Strathyre	365	51	NN434227
17.	Beinn Bhrotain	1157	3796	8A	Cairngorms	403/404	43	NN954922
=18.	Derry Cairngorm	1155	3789	8A	Cairngorms	403	36/43	NO017980
=18.	Lochnagar - Cac Carn Beag	1155	3789	7A	Braemar to Montrose	388	44	NO243861
20.	Bidean nam Bian	1150	3773	3B	Loch Linnhe to Loch Etive	384	41	NN143542
21.	Ben Alder	1148	3766	4B	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht	385/393	42	NN496718
22.	Geal-Charn	1132	3714	4B	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht	393	42	NN469746
=23.	Binnein Mor	1130	3707	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN212663
=23.	Ben Lui	1130	3707	1D	Inveraray to Crianlarich	364/377	50	NN266263
25.	Creag Meagaidh	1128	3701	9C	Loch Lochy to Loch Laggan	401	34/42	NN418875
26.	Ben Cruachan	1126	3694	3C	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy	377	50	NN069304
27.	Beinn a'Ghlo - Carn nan Gabhar	1121	3678	6B	Pitlochry to Braemar	394	43	NN971733
28.	Sgor Gaoith	1118	3668	8A	Cairngorms	403	36/43	NN902989
=29.	Meall Garbh	1118	3668	2B	Glen Lyon to Loch Tay	378	51	NN644437
=29.	An Stuc	1118	3668	2B	Glen Lyon to Loch Tay	378	51	NN638430
=31.	Stob Coire an Laoigh	1116	3661	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN239725
=31.	Aonach Beag	1116	3661	4B	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht	393	42	NN457741
33.	Stob Coire Easain	1115	3658	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN308730
34.	Monadh Mor	1113	3652	8A	Cairngorms	403	36/43	NN938942
35.	Carn a'Choire Bhoidheach	1110	3642	7A	Braemar to Montrose	388	44	NO226845
36.	Meall a'Bhuiridh	1108	3635	3C	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy	384	41	NN250503
37.	Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin	1105	3625	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN316736
38.	Beinn Ghlas	1103	3619	2B	Glen Lyon to Loch Tay	378	51	NN625404
39.	Beinn Eibhinn	1102	3615	4B	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht	393	42	NN448733
40.	Creise	1100	3609	3C	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy	384	41	NN238506
41.	Sgurr a'Mhaim	1099	3606	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN164667
42.	Sgurr Choinnich Mor	1094	3589	4A	Fort William Loch Treig Loch Leven	392	41	NN227714
=43.	Stob Ghabhar	1090	3576	3C	Glen Etive to Glen Lochy	377/384	50	NN230455
=43.	Bynack More	1090	3576	8A	Cairngorms	403/404	36	NJ041063
45.	Beinn a'Chlachair	1087	3566	4B	Loch Treig to Loch Ericht	393	42	NN471781
46.	Schiehallion	1083	3553	2A	Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon	386	42/51/52	NN713547
47.	Beinn a'Chaorainn	1082	3550	8B	Cairngorms	403/404	36	NJ045013