Page 202 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

200  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Activities in the Mountains Scottish Outdoor Access Code
website provides an interactive
Although Scotland’s highest mountains rise to little over map and telephone numbers
1,200 m (4,000 ft), they offer a true challenge to the hill walker to call for local advice. The
and rock climber alike. Noted worldwide for their beauty of Mountaineering Council of
form and variety of character, the mountains of Scotland Scotland website is another
useful resource.
command respect among all moun taineers, not least because
the climate is so variable. During the winter, conditions can be
arctic. Long days in the hills offer a sense of satisfaction and Munros and Corbetts
refreshment that is highly valued as a contrast to the hectic Scottish mountains rising just
pace of modern life. above 914 m (3,000 ft) are often
called “Munros” after Sir Hugh
Munro, first president of the
Scottish Mountaineering Club
west, many of which command (SMC). In 1891 Munro published
superb sea views. Narrow ridges the first compre hen sive list
such as the Aonach Eagach of mountains fulfilling this
above Glencoe, and the criterion. The list has been
peerless Cuillins of Skye, offer maintained by the SMC ever
exhilarating sport and a special since, and the hills are now
challenge. Given the right officially classed as Munros.
conditions, most hills can be Normally, the principal sum mits
climbed in a day, but more on a hill are Munros; the lesser
remote peaks may demand an summits are called “Tops”.
overnight camp, or a stay in one Revised several times, the
of the simple huts known as a list now totals 282 Munros.
“bothy”. Winter mountaineering The first known Munroist
needs extra skills but it also was the Rev AE Robertson in
Hard hats and safety ropes – vital reaps the fantastic reward of 1901. He finished his tour of the
equipment for rock climbing the most breathtaking scenery. Munros on Meall Dearg, above
Rock and ice climbing in Glencoe, and it is re corded that
Scotland has a long and he kissed the cairn before
Safety in the Mountains
distinguished history stretching kissing his wife, such was his
The mountains of Scotland back over a century. The main enthusiasm as the first of many
demand respect at any time climbing areas, including dedicated Munroists. They are
of the year, and this means Glencoe, the Cairngorms and now known as “Munro baggers”.
being properly prepared. You Skye, have provided tough In the 1920s, J Rooke Corbett
should always take with you training grounds for many published a list of the summits
full waterproofs, warm clothes climbers who later gained world that measured 760–915 m
(including hat and gloves), and re nown. All year the huge (2,500–3,000 ft). These 222
food and drink. Take a map and northern faces of Ben Nevis “Corbetts”, as they became
compass and know how to (see p139) offer a multi tude of
use them. Good boots are climbs at all levels. New areas,
essential. Winter mountain- including the far northwest
eering demands knowledge and the islands, have been
of ice-axe and crampon tech- developed more recently, as
niques. Glenmore Lodge in have particular disci plines such
Aviemore is a good centre as sea-stack climbing. Techniques
offering courses in skiing, hill are being continually extended
craft and mountaineering. and skills refined, so that
ever tougher routes can be
completed. The mountains of
Mountaineering Scotland may be small, but the
in Scotland maritime climate and frequently
Recreation in the mountains wild winter weather produce ice
takes several forms. Many climbs that are among the most
people aim for the higher hills, serious and demanding in the
known as “Munros” and “Cor- world. The only “closed season”
betts”. These vary in character on Scotland’s mount ains is the
from the rounded heathery period from July until late
domes of the Monadhliath or October, when restrictions
the Southern Uplands to the apply in certain areas during Rock climbers ascending Polldubh,
steep, craggy eminences of the the stag-shooting season. The Glen Nevis

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