28 Superb Munros Near Edinburgh Within A Two-Hour Drive

For those who are visiting Edinburgh or staying in Edinburgh here is a list of the 28 Munros near Edinburgh. All the Munros on this list are within a two-hour drive from Edinburgh.

A Munro is a mountain located in Scotland which is 3,000 feet (914 metres) high.

There are 282 Munros, and climbing the Munros can become very addictive. It is a common sport to try and bag them all.

Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr

Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr is a southern pair of four Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass. Both Munros are covered in heather. There are good views over Loch Ericht.

The terrain is easy underfoot. The route follows tracks, paths and fence posts.

Nearby Accommodation: Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel

Ben Chonzie

Ben Chonzie is the most accessible Munro from the capital city. Ben Chonzie is located in the Southern Highlands of Perthshire, near Crieff.

There are a few route options to tackle this Munro. You can walk through Sma’Glen, Glen Turret & Glen Lednock. 

One of the least popular routes is from Loch Turret Dam. The other more popular option is the clear mountain path through Glen Lednock.

There is limited parking or Glen Lednock, approximately there are a dozen spaces. Parking is free.

Nearby Accommodation: South Cottage

Beinn a’Ghlo

Beinn a’Ghlo is a set of three Munros which are easy to access by car from Edinburgh. The massif is viewable from most parts of Perthshire.

Carn Liath is the easiest summit to tackle in the Beinn a’Ghlo range. From the top of Carn Liath, the views are spectacular. 

The starting point is near Blair Atholl, this is the perfect place to stop and relax after a long walk for a cup of tea.

Or, you can stop in Pitlochry on the way home. In Pitlochry, sample the local fish and chips from one of Pitlochry’s excellent fish and chip shops.

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’Chroin

Ben Vorlich is located between the Lowlands and the Highlands. It is located on the south of Loch Earn, on the edge of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

There is a clear path from Loch Earn up to the summit of Ben Vorlich. From the summit, there are perfect views across the spacious Scottish Lowlands. 

Ben Vorlich is a perfect Munro for beginners. For those looking for more of a challenge, the neighbouring Stuc a’Chroin can be bagged with Ben Vorlich.

From Ben Vorlich, there is a 300-metre descent before a short scramble to the top of Stuc a’Chroin. Or, if you are not willing to scramble, there is an alternate steep route to the top of Stuc a’Chroin.

The return route from Stuc a’Chroin to Ardvorlich on Loch Earn goes around the summit of Ben Vorlich. It is a marshy path and can be slippery and hard to navigate.

Once you have finished the walk, why not take a dip in Loch Earn.

Nearby Accommodation: Mansewood Country House

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is the most southern Munro, it is a popular choice for people who are bagging their first Munro. More than 30,000 individuals bag this Munro each year.

Ben Lomond is one of the most accessible Munro from Edinburgh and Glasgow as it is close to the central belt. On a clear day, the summit views stretch across the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. If you are lucky you can see as far as the lovely island of Ailsa Craig. 

Ben Lomond is located in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. One of Scotland’s two national parks and a wild area of glens, lochs and forests.

For those who are looking for a challenge, climb the Ptarmigan Ridge. If you want to avoid the crowds, then this is a perfect climb in the winter. 

There is a car park in the forest between the shores of Loch Lomond and the Ben Lomond Visitor Centre. There is a car parking fee, be aware the car park fills up quickly. 

Nearby Accommodation: Caol Gleann Lodge

Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ìme

Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime are located in the heart of the Arrochar Alps. Beinn Narnain requires a wee bit of scrambling. But the views from the top are very rewarding, with classic mountain and loch views along the Cowal Peninsula. 

Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime are close to the central belt, this they are very popular Munros to bag. Also, in the Arrochar Alps there is a fine peak which is very popular which is known as The Cobbler or Ben Arthur. 

Nearby Accommodation: Wilmar Lodge

Ben Lawers

Ben Lawers is the 10th tallest Munro in Scotland. Also, it is the tallest Munro in the Southern Highlands standing at 1214 metres. Ben Lawers is a National Nature Reserve and has stunning views across Loch Tay.

The mountain is owned by the National Trust of Scotland. Beinn Ghlas is often bagged with Ben Lawers. 

An Stuc, Meall Garbh and Meall Greigh are often bagged together starting from the car park at Ben Lawers.

Meall a’Choire Leith and Meall Corranaich are often bagged together. The starting point for these Munros is at a layby next to a cairn next to Lochan na Lairge. 

There are many walks across the Ben Lawers range. All seven Munros can be completed in a few trips or bagged all together in a 10-hour day.

Nearby Accommodation: Craignavie Cottage

Glen Shee 7

Cairnwell 3

There are three Munros on the west side of the Cairnwell Pass, The Cairnwell, Carn a’Gheoidh and Cairn Aosda. Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell are scarred by ski lifts and are an easy climb from the Ski Centre.

These three Munros are ideal for beginners. There are large stone paths between Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell. Carn a’Gheoidh is further west and a little more remote.

There is a large car park next to the Ski Centre, a parking ticket can be booked online. The car park sits 650 metres high, making the ascent up the Munro a little easier.

Also, there is a café at the ski centre, Tea at the Shee, which is a great place to stop for refreshments after the hike. The Glenshee Munros are also accessible Munros from Aberdeen.

Glas Maol Circuit

The Glas Maol Munros are located on the east side of the Cairnwell Pass. The circuit consists of Càrn an Tuirc, Cairn of Claise, Glas Maol and Creag Leacach.

There are good Munros to bag together as there is a small descent between each summit. The west side of Glas Maol is covered by ski runs, tows and fence lines.

Whereas the eastern face is much quieter with crags and corries below its vast domed summit. 

Nearby Accommodation: Gulabin Lodge

Schiehallion

The Schiehallion is a conical-shaped mountain rising high in the heart of Perthshire. From the top, there are stunning views across Loch Rannoch.

Mathematician Charles Hutton invented contour lines here as an experiment to measure the Earth’s mass.

More recently, the name of the mountain has influenced the popular Scottish craft lager.

The first 800 metres of the route is very clear and whilst it is not an easy hike it is also not too challenging. The John Muir Trust has done a good job of maintaining an excellent path.

Yet, the last 300 metres is another matter. There is a boulder scramble which is very hard on the ankles. 

Once you get to the top there are cracking views across Perthshire and as far as Glencoe.

There is a small car park at Braes of Foss. There is an overflow car park, which is an extra 15-minute walk from the start of the climb. 

Nearby Accommodation: Caorann Lodge, 205 Tummel Valley

Ben Vane 

Ben Vane is another Munro located in the Arrochar Alps. Ben Vane is just high enough to meet the Munro status. But, the climb is steep and rocky with real character and many false summits.

It is hard to believe that this Munro is amongst the ones the shortest in height. Visitors can start at Inveruglas Car Park. There is a parking fee at Inveruglas.

Nearby Accommodation: The Tarbet Hotel

Ben Vorlich

Hikers who are tackling the Ben Vorlich at Loch Lomond can park in the small car park at Inveruglas. Ben Vorlich is a bulky and very rugged mountain, the ascent is steep and the views are superb.

The Inveruglas hydroelectric power station is one of its eastern flanks. Pipelines are running along the mountain from Loch Slow. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Tarbet Hotel

Which Munros are near Edinburgh?

This post lists the closest 28 Munros to Edinburgh. The starting points of the Munros walks listed are a two-hour drive or less from Edinburgh.

Ben Chonzie is the nearest Munro to Edinburgh. The starting point for Ben Chonzie is Glen Lednock car park, which is an hour and 35 minutes away from Edinburgh.

Are there mountains near Edinburgh?

There are plenty of hills near Edinburgh, the highest point is East Cairn Hill at 567 metres. East Cairn Hill is located in Pentland Hills Regional Park, a forty-minute drive from Edinburgh City Centre.

The nearest Munro is Ben Chonzie, which is an hour and 35 minutes drive away from the centre of Edinburgh. A Munro is a mountain in Scotland which is 3,000 feet (914 metres) tall, mostly these high mountains are located in the Highlands. 

What is the easiest Munro to climb in Scotland?

The easiest Munro to climb in Scotland is Ben Lomond. From the car park, there is a clear route to the summit, then you return on the same route back to the car park.

Little navigation is required and there is a clear path to the summit. Ben Lomond is the most southerly Munro. Also, it is one of the most accessible Munros from Edinburgh, Glasgow and the central belt.

Final Note

This post lists the closest 28 Munros from the capital city in Scotland.

All the Munros are located within two hours from Edinburgh. There are 11 walks suggested above.

Ben Lomond, Schiehallion and Ben Chonzie are Munros that are often bagged along in a few hours. There are several options where two or more Munros can be bagged in one outing.

The most popular combinations are the Ben Lawers range, Cairnwell Munros, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’Chroin and Beinn a’Ghlo. 

Before embarking on a walk up a Munro make sure you are well-prepared. Suitable footwear is required, make sure to pack plenty of water, and snacks.

Also, make sure you have a map, a compass and your phone is fully charged. Some loose change will be required to pay for parking. However, some destinations do accept card payments nowadays. 

There are plenty of Corbetts and smaller hills near Edinburgh to climb. Also, you can visit some castles near Edinburgh,

There are plenty of green spaces in and near Edinburgh as well as waterfalls in the Lothian area.

Most of the Munros in Scotland are located in the Highlands. Head to Oban, Fort William, Inverness or Ullapool where there are lots of Munro walks to tackle.

For a guide to Munros in Scotland visit: Munro Map