TOP TEN : MOUNTAINS
This is a touchy
subject amongst those who know the mountains. Scotland's wealth
of great mountains cannot be condensed to a simple list of 10. If
however, you get out and explore these ones, you'll get to know
the rest by yourself. Oh BTW take the right gear when you head up
these mountains - the taxpayers are sick of paying for helicopters
to airlift dead tourists.
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for readers favourites.
1. BUACHAILLE ETIVE MOR
The massive pyramid of rock you see to the west of Rannoch Moor. Go straight up the middle by Curved Ridge. It's a stomach churning scramble that pops you out right on top of the mountain. Watch the climbers up to their gymnastics on Rannoch Wall to the right. In winter it's a bit more serious if there's snow on it - tread carefully.
2. BEN NEVIS
The Ben is the biggest in the country - as if you didn't know already. Whatever you do, avoid going up by the tourist route - and leave your sandals and tizer at home. Go up Aonach Mor to get a massive view of the cliffs, then cross over to the top of the ben via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. It really is the only way to appreciate the majesty of this monster. More people die on the Ben than any other mountain in the British Isles so get prepared - and don't be shocked by snow in July.
3. THE AONACH EAGACH
This ridge
forms the north wall of Glencoe and it's probably the finest ridge
walk on the British mainland. For the purists route, start by heading
up the Devil's Staircase and head west from the top. The
real stuff begins once you get to Am Bodach. The ridge narrows to
a point and the resulting scramble has been known to reduce ordinary
hillwalkers into quivering piles of fear.
You better not try to get
off before you reach the last peak either or the way down may be
a bit swifter than you planned. Don't be tempted to take the 'quick'
route down by Clachaig Gully either. The path is like a teetering
pile of digestive biscuits perched at 45 degrees on the edge of
a grand chasm. Get down at the bealach before the Pap of Glencoe
- then head into the Clachaig Inn for a whisky or two to calm the
nerves.
4. STAC POLLAIDH
This one's a bit out of the way for the day tripper but if you're in the area, you can't miss it. Stuck north of Ullapool, this mountain resembles a huge butte sticking out of a desert. It's only a couple of thousand feet and the path is pretty clear from the south side - straight up the middle. Get to the top and turn left. Take pictures when you tell your mates at home that it's not a Munro - when they see it they'll understand why you had to go up it anyway.
5. BEN LUI
West of Tyndrum, this mountain is at it's best in winter. Covered in snow, it's straight out of a geography textbook on glaciation. It's a long walk in from Tyndrum, and it gives you time to appreciate the immense bulk of this hill. Head up the left ridge of the perfectly formed corrie and appreciate the view of all Argyll.
6. THE COBBLER
The Cobbler by Arrochar is a mountain that entices you up it. It's distinctive skyline can be recognised from as far away as Fife. The Cobbler was one of the haunts of renowned Clydeside Climbers who put up some of the finest routes in Scotland on it's cliffs. This is one mountain where heading up the tourist route is the best way. It takes you right into the amphitheatre formed by the North and South Peaks, and up to the summit. The boulder at the top is the summit. If you want to say you've climbed the mountain, get up the boulder.
7. BEN MACDUI
More of a land mass than just a mountain. Ben Macdui is the country's second highest point. The top of this mountain is a massive plateau which formas a good part of the Cairngorms. Head up it from any direction, but make sure you take a map and compass. When the cloud comes down on that plateau you'll lose all your bearings. Oh and watch out for the Big Grey Man - he's coming to get you.
8. SGURR NAN GILLEAN
On the Isle of Skye, this mountain is the northern sentinel of the Cuillin Ridge. When you see it you'll swear you're in the Alps. Go up from the Sligachan Hotel. Take a climber and a rope and go up Pinnacle Ridge. If you can't manage that, get up the Tourist Route. The tourist route will put enough fear into you for one day anyway. You'll know when you're at the top as you can only fit about 3 people on at a time. When you're in Skye, take the time to explore the rest of the ridge. The Black Cuillin of Skye are really in a class of their own.
9. SOUTH CLUNIE RIDGE
One day - Seven Munro's. This ridge is the south side of Glen Shiel and goes up and down like teeth on a saw. Start at the east end and head west. You'll climb about 9000 feet if you manage the entire ridge. If you can't do it all, there's plenty of ways off. There's no water up there, so make sure you take plenty.
10. SCHIEHALLION
Schiehallion - the fairy hill. This mountain is just a classic pyramid on the south side of Loch Rannoch. It's not difficult, and shouldn't take you too long - in fact, you could probably drive a bus up it. It's just one of Scotland's classic mountains and deserves a place in this top 10.
READERS
FAVOURITES
Please tell us about your favourite mountain in Scotland and we'll
publish it on the site. Send description to mountains@outdoorscotland.co.uk
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