Campervan Travels and Scottish Munros

Do you love to challenge yourself? Or, enjoy walking in some of the world’s greatest scenery? 

Hiring a campervan is one of the most fun things to do if you want to explore Scotland. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to stay and travel to where ever you want. You can move on quickly, from place to place, or stay put for a while if you find somewhere that you particularly like. 

Today’s campervans are modern, compact, and comfortable and are accommodated on the many 5-Star campsites throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. These campsites offer first class facilities, power and in some cases a bar, and café or restaurant. You can mix up the adventure with wild camping or staying on a site. 

Man’s Best Friend. Many of the modern campervan hire companies now allow you to travel with your dog. For a small fee your pet can travel with you, saving on boarding fees, and they get to enjoy the great outdoors as much as you do. Many of the campervan hire websites have pet friendly hire icons so you will quickly know if you can bring your dog.

Are you a “Bagger”? Maybe you’re a Munroist? 

In Scotland there are officially 282 Munros. A Munro is a mountain that’s over 3000 feet (914 meters) high. You can “bag” a Munro when you climb and reach the summit of any of these mountains, and become a “Compleator” when you have conquered and reached the summit of all 282 Munros. 

If you enjoy the great outdoors and want to set yourself a lengthy challenge, then this is a great way to stay fit, become part of the Munro community and enjoy Scotland in all its glory. 

How to Start

You know the old adage “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”. You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes or boots, preferably water proof and fitted by an established retailer of outdoor clothing. In addition, a good, breathable, waterproof jacket and leggings in case you encounter bad weather. It’s easier to control your body temperature with a few layers of clothing rather than one thick top. Finally, a good, lightweight rucksack to carry essentials in.

Before you start out on any walk there are a few critical things to do, and take with you, to ensure you have a safe walk. Take a map, and thoroughly research the route you’re going to walk, a torch, and a safety kit in case of any accidents. Ensure you carry enough of water and food for at least 24 hours. Food should be high calorie such us a dried sausage (chorizo or salami are good), chocolate granola bars, energy/protein bars, nuts, trail mix (nuts/seeds/dried fruit), oat cakes or peanut butter. Any food that delivers high calorific value for weight.

Obtain a detailed forecast before you set out and let someone know, who’s not doing the walk, of your set-off times, and estimated return time. You should also give them a plan of the route you intend to take.

Many Munros have no phone reception and these small details could make a big difference to your safety if the conditions turn against you. 

Finally, you should also familiarise yourself with the Scottish Access Code. In Scotland, you can go on to most land to enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly.  This is a general code of behaviour when accessing private land in Scotland and climbing Munros.

First Climb

Which Munro to conquer first! The great fun in bagging a Munro is planning which ones you’re going to climb first, and whether in that walk, you can tick off a number of Munros as you go.

Our top three to start with are:

Ben Lomand

Ben Lomond (3,195 ft) is one of the most popular Munros in Scotland and is the very first Munro on lots of peoples list. It is approx. 7.5 miles long and takes between, 4.5-6 hours to complete, with a climb of 990m. At only an hour outside Glasgow it is easy to get to. However, plan to set off early as the base car park to set out from, at Rowardennan, does become full early in the day. The path is well marked, and as with many of the easier Munros, can be busy in the summer months, which provides confidence to beginners as fellow climbers are always in sight. The climb is steady and does not become too steep at any point. The final part of the hike, running along the ridge top, offers amazing views over Loch Lomond.

Schiehallion

Schiehallion is popular with Munro beginners due to its accessibility, ease of ascent, and views from its summit. Schiehallion is a single pyramid shaped mountain, and the trek to the top is 6.5 miles long, takes 4-6 hours to walk, and has a climb of 730 meters. Most walkers start from the Forestry and Land Scotland car park at Brae of Foss. Because of the well-marked ascent path, it is considered to be one of the easiest of Munros to bag! 

The path initially heads southwest before turning west to follow the main ridge of the hill. However, there is a boulder field to cross, and the path isn’t always clear, especially in misty or poor weather, so wait until you can be fairly certain of a clear day. Also, you can easily twist an ankle crossing this part of the climb, if it’s wet and slippery, so take care on that part of the walk. On a fine day you do get breath-taking and clear views of Loch Rannoch and Rannoch Moor. Once you are at the summit Ben Nevis can be seen to the west of Schiehallion top.

Ben Lawers

Ben Lawers is the 10^th highest Munro in Scotland, however, don’t be put off by this, the path way is straight forward, just a little steep in one or two places, and remains a first Munroe for many people. The great advantage to this walk is on the climb you will cross the peak of Beinn Ghlas, before dipping down slightly, and then rising again to the top of Ben Lawers, thus ticking off two Munros on the same walk! As with all of these beginner Munros, it is an extremely popular walk and the card park is packed very early in the day. The walk in 7 miles long and generally takes 4-6 hours with an assent of 940 meters. 

Start at the Ben Lawers car park on the west side of the road. The area that you set-off from is designated as a National Nature Reserve and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. From here the track is clearly seen. The walk itself is on exposed ground, so if the weather changes, or deteriorates, you need to be well clothed and ready for all elements.

Further Reading

If you would like more information on climbing Munros, or become a member of the Munro Society visit www.themunrosociety.com or The Scottish Mountaineering Club at www.smc.org.uk.  You never know you may become a “Compleator” of all 282 Munros, and be registered with the Clerk of the Munro List! 

Only a few days ago Quinn Young became the youngest person to climb all 282 Munros at the age of 10!

Enjoy the climb!