Scotland's Best Small Mountains

Scotland's best mountains are not all Munros. From the rocky pinnacle of Suilven in Sutherland to the jagged Storr on Skye and the iconic Cobbler above Arrochar, the country's peaks under 3000ft are every bit as spectacular and rewarding as their taller neighbours.

Curated by author Kirstie Shirra, this second edition Cicerone guidebook to Scotland's Best Small Mountains covers 40 of the country's most distinctive summits under 3000ft across seven regions. Walks range from 5 to 25km with options to suit all abilities, from a first day on the Scottish hills to a seasoned hillwalker seeking something new.

• 40 hand-picked summits are described across seven regions, from Sutherland and Torridon to Glencoe, the Trossachs and the islands of Skye, Eigg, Mull and Arran
• Iconic summits are covered, including Suilven, Quinag, Stac Pollaidh, the Storr, the Pap of Glencoe, the Cobbler, Ben Venue, Goatfell and An Sgurr on Eigg
• 1:50,000 OS mapping and GPX downloads provided for every route, with one main ascent per mountain plus alternative traverses, circuits and shortcuts
• A Gaelic glossary of common mountain features helps walkers connect with the landscape and its names
• Practical planning and access information throughout, with guidance on getting to and around all seven regions of Scotland covered in the guidebook

The Munros are just the beginning. This guidebook is proof that Scotland's most memorable mountain days have nothing to do with height and everything to do with character.

Seasons

Routes for all seasons

Centres

with routes right across Scotland, split into seven areas, wherever you are, there are some of Scotland’s best small mountains to explore

Difficulty

with routes that range in length and difficulty and alternative options given, there is something for everyone whether you’re an experienced walker or new to Scotland’s mountains

Must See

an antidote to Munro-bagging. Routes the prove that size isn’t everything. 40 of Scotland’s most interesting, loved and distinctive peaks, including Suilven, Quinag, the Pap of Glencoe, Beinn Damh, the Storr, Goatfell and the Cobbler

CONTENTS

OS map key

Overview Map

Route Summary Table

Introduction

Walking in Scotland

Wildlife

The History of Scotland

Getting there

Getting around

Accommodation

Weather

When to go

Winter walking

Mountain safety

Access

Using this guide

Sutherland and the Far North

Route 1 Ben Loyal

Route 2 Quinag

Route 3 Suilven

Route 4 Cul Mor

Route 5 Stac Pollaidh

Route 6 Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir

Torridon and the Northwest

Route 7 Beinn Ghobhlach

Route 8 Beinn Airigh Charr

Route 9 Baosbheinn

Route 10 Sgurr Dubh

Route 11 Beinn Damh

Lochaber and the West

Route 12 Sgurr Coire Choinnichean

Route 13 Streap

Route 14 Rois-bheinn, An Stac, Sgurr na Ba Glaise and Druim Fiaclach

Route 15 Sgurr Dhomhnuill

Route 16 Beinn Resipol

Route 17 Ben Hiant

The Great Glen to the Cairngorms

Route 18 Creagan a’Chaise and the Hills of Cromdale

Route 19 Meall Fuar-mhonaidh

Route 20 Meall a’Bhuachaille

Route 21 Creag Dhubh and the Argyll Stone

Route 22 Creag Dhubh (Newtonmore)

Route 23 Morrone (or Morven)

Glencoe and Central Scotland

Route 24 Ben Vrackie

Route 25 Leum Uilleim

Route 26 Sgorr na Ciche (Pap of Glencoe)

Route 27 Beinn a’Chrulaiste

Route 28 Beinn Trilleachan

Route 29 Sron a’Chlachain

Arrochar and the Trossachs

Route 30 Meall an t-Seallaidh

Route 31 Ben Ledi

Route 32 Ben A’an

Route 33 Ben Venue

Route 34 The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)

Route 35 Beinn an Lochain

The Islands

Route 36 The Storr (Skye)

Route 37 Glamaig (Skye)

Route 38 An Sgurr (Eigg)

Route 39 Dun da Ghaoithe (Mull)

Route 40 Goatfell (Arran)

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Bibliography

Appendix C Glossary of Gaelic words for Common Mountain Features