18 Most Popular Corbetts in Scotland

Corbetts are mountains in Scotland are mountains that are over 2,500 feet (762 metres) and under 3,000 feet (914 metres). There are 221 summits classified as Corbetts in Scotland.

Corbetts are named after John Rooke Corbett who originally listed all the mountains between 2,500 and 3,000 feet.

When most people want to do some hill walking in Scotland, they want to bag Ben Nevis or any other of the 282 Munros. However, Corbetts are another great option for hillwalkers.

By Conquering a Corbett, you can get views across some of the most hidden valleys, glens and hills in some of Scotland’s most remote region. 

The Cobbler/ Ben Arthur, Loch Lomond

Ben Arthur is nicknamed The Cobbler. The Cobbler is located in Scotland’s very own ‘alps’ – the Arrochar Alps.

This iconic mountain is famous for its unusually lumpy profile. This is an excellent introductory hill for those who are new to hillwalking. 

Ben Arthur is a very popular hike, for people who live in Glasgow and the Central Belt. Parking for this mountain is at the Succoth car park.

The total distance of the walk is 7 miles and it takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. The first 3.5 kilometres of the path zig-zags through the forest, turning into meadow paths that are relatively easy to walk on.

Looking back there are lovely views back to Loch Long and Ben Lomond. There are steep stairs at the last stage.

The view is extremely rewarding and is completely worth the effort. The peak is high and exposed, therefore, if you do not like heights, then this Corbett is not for you.

Nearby Accommodation: Wilmar Lodge

Goat Fell, Isle of Arran

Goat Fell is the finest of the three Corbetts on the Isle of Arran. It is a fine pyramidal peak with magnificent panoramic views.

Goat Fell is a common Norse or Viking word which translates to the mountain. Goat Fell is considered an easy walk and beginners can climb it without a problem.

It is a favourite destination for hill walkers and climbers. The route begins at Brodick Castle and climbs gradually for three miles.

After a shallow incline, there is a steep scramble up the rocks towards the end. From the summit, there are amazing views down to Brodick Bay, Isle of Bute, Isle of Jura and Ben Lomond.

Even on a clear day you can see as far as Ireland. Depending on your fitness and weather, the route can take four to five hours to complete and it is a 6.5 mile long journey.

Nearby Accommodation: Ardgowan Cottage

Ben Vrackie, Perthshire 

Vrackie translates to ‘speckled mountain’ due to the white quartz that used to be scattered across the slopes. This peak is located behind Pitlochry and the car park for Ben Vrackie is located behind the Moulin Hotel.

The first section up through the woods from the car park is straightforward. From the woods, the path opens out into the moorland.

Looking back there are good views back to Pitlochry and River Tummel. From here the peak of the Ben Vrackie looks intimidating.

Soon, the route passes Loch a’Choire and the steep incline begins. The hard work begins as there are a lot of steps to climb. 

Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with lovely sights. On a clear day, there are great panoramic views across Beinn a’Ghlo mountain range and the Strathtay and Strathtummel to the west.

It takes four to five hours to complete this route.

Nearby Accommodation: Gardeners Cottage

Morven, Aberdeenshire

The Morven is a Corbett located in Aberdeenshire, rising high above the undramatic farmland. This is the best little hill in Deeside.

Be aware, on the ascent, there are numerous false summits. From the summit, you can see as far as Lochnagar in the south and Bennachie in the east. 

Nearby Accommodation: Cairngorm Bothies

Meall a’Bhuachaille, Cairngorms

Meall a’Bhuachaille is located near Aviemore in the Cairngorms. The starting point for the circular route is Glenmore which is located 10 kilometres outside Aviemore.

The route takes 4 hours and is a popular route for hill walkers. There is a car park which gets busy quite quickly.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Aviemore to Glenmore Visitor Centre. There are breath taking views all around, you will see the best of the Cairngorms.

On the way up to the peak there is a Lochan on the right-hand side. This loch is called An Lochan Uaine, which translates from Scottish Gaelic to Green Loch.

A certain times of the year, the water appears green due to the colour of the algae. This is a stunning spot and you might want to stop for a while to take some photographs. 

Also on the route, you will pass Ryvoan bothy. The bothy is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association. At the summit, the breath taking views continue. 

Nearby Accommodation: Pine Marten Bar Glenmore Pods

Broad Law, Scottish Borders 

Hiking in the Scottish Borders is a good alternative to the Highlands and the Lake District. Broad Law is located on the east side of M74.

There is an air traffic beacon and a radio tower on the summit. The route is 13 miles long and takes 6 hours to complete.

Broad Law is the second highest Corbett in the Southern Uplands of Scotland.

There is a high chance that you will have the place to yourself and that you might get to spot some unique wildlife. Also, there are impressive views across the Talla Reservoir. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Gordon Arms

White Coomb, Dumfries and Galloway

The White Coomb is in the Moffat Hills located in Dumfries and Galloway. White Coomb is the highest peak in the Moffat Hills and is one of the finest Corbetts which is located in the southern part of the country. 

This is one of the most beautiful tracks in Scotland located in the Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve. The route features the stunning Grey Mares Tail Waterfall which drops down from Loch Skeen. 

There is a car park at the foot of Grey Mares Tail Waterfall. Also, White Coomb can be approached from Talla Reservoir or the Megget Stone to the north by following estate tracks.

The route is 7 miles long and takes five hours to complete.

Nearby Accommodation: Groom’s Cottage

Ben Ledi, Loch Lomond

Ben Ledi is one of the lower peaks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, near Callander. It is a very popular walking spot known for its picturesque scenery and striking vistas from the summit.

Ben Ledi is located beside Loch Lubnaig on the edge of the Highlands. From the start of the walk to the summit, you will constantly be amazed by the gorgeous scenery.

The path is very clear so there is no need for navigation. There are a few false summits, also, it can be boggy in places but overall it is well worth the hike. 

At the summit, the views are immense. Hikers can see the Arrochar Alps, Ben Lui, Ben More and the Lawers Range.

Also, in the Lowlands Stirling Castle and the Pentlands can be seen. Be aware the car park is very limited as the walk is extremely popular.

Also, there are information boards in the car park. The Rob Roy Way passes the car park at Ben Ledi. 

Nearby Accommodation: Farmston Lodge

Benvane, Loch Lomond 

Benvane is a lesser-known peak compared to its neighbour Ben Ledi. The peak is located near Lochearnhead near Stirling.

It is a 9-kilometre route and it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the route.

The short hill walk rises above Loch Lubnaig. Make sure this peak is not confused with the smallest Munro – Ben Vane at Loch Lomond.

Nearby Accommodation: The Byre

Askival, Isle of Rum

Askival is located on the Isle of Rum National Nature Reserve. This is one of the finest Corbetts in all of Scotland.

Askival is the highest and finest peak in the Rum Cuillin. Due to its remote location on the Western Isles, you will be rewarded with views across the west coast of Scotland and out as far as the Uists.

The walk is pretty arduous and there are a few tricky steps on the way up and down which are worth it when it is all completed. 

Arkle, Sutherland, North Highlands

Arkle is a Corbett located in the Northwest Highlands. This is one of the most northern Corbetts on this list.

Arkle is often paired with Foinaven, another higher Corbett which is just short of Munro status. Arkle is a glorious walk featuring a fine, curving ridge of shattered quartzite.

The mountains lie on the east of the A838 road that connects the villages of Rhiconich and Durness. It is great to base yourself in Durness or Ullapool to bag these peaks.

Nearby Accommodation: Tighlochan Pods

Beinn Dearg Mor, Northwest Highlands

Beinn Dearg Mor is a Corbett in the middle of Fisherfield Forest, near Dundonnell and Northwest Highlands in Scotland. This is one of the highest height’s of a Corbett no this list.

To reach this peak you will have to cross a river and it is a very long day as the peak is very remote. 

Nearby Accommodation: Coast House

Clisham, Outer Hebrides

Clisham is a mountain on the Isle of Lewis and Harris. More specifically, the peak is located on the north of Harris.

At 799 metres, it is the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides and it is the only Corbett in the Outer Hebrides. If you are heading to the Hebrides for an island adventure make sure to head to Clisham.

On a clear day, the view of the peaks are magnificent. For a slightly longer route, you can do the Clisham Horseshow which takes you over the dramatic and rugged ridges of Mulla-Fo-Thuath and Mulla-Fo-Dheas.

Nearby Accommodation: Fisherman’s Hut

The Merrick, Dumfries & Galloway

The Merrick is a summit located near Newton Stewart in Dumfries & Galloway. This hill peak is the highest hill in southern Scotland and is one of the highlights of Galloway Forest Park.

The route to the top is pretty straightforward and well-signposted. On the way up you can see streams, woodland, waterfalls, bothies and stunning views. 

On a clear day, from the summit, there are clear views of the Isle of Arran Hills, Loch Doon, Ailsa Craig and Lake District in England. The whole route takes about four hours to complete.

Nearby Accommodation: Kelpies Cottage

Conachcraig, Aberdeenshire 

Conachcraig is a Corbett with lovely views across the Cairngorms. This Corbett is located in Balmoral Forest, it is a short detour from the Lochnager circuit. Also, it can be completed on its own. 

On route, there is a bothy at Gelder shiel and superb views of Lochnagar. There is a large car park at Crathie which costs £5 to park in.

Nearby attractions include Balmoral Castle, Prince Albert Pyramid and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

Nearby Accommodation: Cairn Leuchan

Brown Cow Hill, Aberdeenshire

Brown Cow Hill is a Corbett located in the hills between Glen Gairn and Cock Bridge,  just off the Snow Roads route. It is one of the highest hills in the sprawling heather moorland. 

To get to this Corbett, you can park at the car park for Corgarff Castle in the Cairngorms National Park. From the peak there are views of Mount Keen, Lochnagar, Morven and Ben Avon.

This is a brilliant circular route which showcases the best landscapes in the Cairngorms. 

Nearby Accommodation: Howe of Torbeg

Mount Battock, Aberdeenshire 

Mount Battock is a nice hike which is not far from Aberdeen. It is located on the border between Aberdeenshire and Angus.

Mount Battock is a rounded peak, located on the north side of Glen Esk. It is the most easterly Corbett in Scotland.

Nearby Accommodation: Druids Knowe

Are Corbetts harder than Munros?

Corbetts are smaller than Munros. Corbetts are between 2,500 and 3,000 feet and Munros are over 3,000 feet. Generally, Corbetts are easier as they are shorter in altitude.

However, depending on the steepness of the route and weather conditions there is no difference between the shortest Munros and highest Corbetts.

Where are the Corbetts in Scotland?

Corbetts are located in mountain ranges all over Scotland. Corbett can be found all over the country from Aberdeenshire to the Scottish Borders and everywhere in between.

What is the highest Corbett in Scotland?

The highest Corbett in Scotland is Beinn a’Chlaidheimh. Beinn a’Chlaidheimh is 2,999 feet (914 metres) just below the mark for being classified as a Munro.

Interestingly, Beinn a’Chlaidheimh is the 478th-highest mountain in the British Isles. 

Final Note

This post lists the best Corbetts in Scotland. Getting outside in Scotland is great fun and good for your overall wellbeing.

Hillwalking is an excellent opportunity to explore the peaceful landscapes that Scotland has to offer. Corbetts are small than Munros however it is important to be as prepared.

Depending on the weather and other factors, some of these peaks can be more challenging than Munros. Also, make sure you are prepared before venturing into Scotland’s rural areas.

Read and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, for tips on how to look after your dog, other wildlife and landscapes. Also, make sure to check out Mountaineering Scotland for safety advice and WalkHighlands for guides to the routes. 

Make sure to be prepared for all types of weather when you are exploring the Scottish hills and Highlands. The weather can change very dramatically in Scotland.

Also, make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water, and navigation equipment. It is best to wear good suitable hiking shoes for climbing Corbetts in Scotland.