Edinburgh munro bagging: 5 best mountains near Edinburgh to climb this weekend

Forget Arthur's Seat - there's a selection of beautiful but challenging Munros within driving distance of Edinburgh.

Despite being home to 282 peaks over 3,000ft, reaching Scotland's highest mountains can be quite an task if you don't live in the Highlands.

There are, however, a handful of peaks within a couple hours drive from Edinburgh, ensuring that a Munro-bagging adventure is never out of the question.

So if Arthur’s Seat isn’t a big enough challenge, here are the five best Munros within driving distance of the Capital.

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin

This pair of Munros overlooks Loch Earn in Crieff. While they look identical from a distant view, they are very different challenges.

Ben Vorlich is a straightforward and steady climb, while Stuc a Chroin involves a lot of scrambling which may not be suited to walkers who are scared of heights.

Ben Chonzie in Perthshire has a well-trodden path to the top. PIC: geograph.org/Richard Webb.

However, both hills act as a brilliant vantage point to view the spacious Scottish lowlands below.

Time from Edinburgh: 1 hour 55 minutes

Detailed route: walkhighlands.co.uk

Ben Lomond

A view from the top of Schiehallion, one of the most popular climbs of the 282 Munros in Scotland.

Scotland’s most Southernly Munro, which overlooks Loch Lomond, is very popular amongst seasoned walkers and first-timers.

This relatively easy climb is great for beginners, as it has a well-made path and is fairly simple to navigate.

On a clear day, you can get a stunning view of the Loch and surrounding mountains from the peak.

It is very popular on weekends and during holidays, so if you're looking for a peaceful climb, it might be best to head up on a weekday.

There is also an optional return down the Ptarmigan ridge, which is quieter, however, this descent is steep and rocky, and muddy lower down.

Time from Edinburgh: 2 hours 2 minutes

Detailed route: walkhighlands.co.uk

Shiehallion

This hill, which is one of Scotland’s best known mountains, is a reasonably easy climb on a summers day.

It is fairly striking – from the West, it has an almost perfect conical shape.

Those who reach the peak are rewarded with an amazing 360 view of the surrounding hills and countryside.

It has a well-maintained path for most of the route, while the final summit requires you to trek across boulders.

Time from Edinburgh: 2 hours 16 minutes

Detailed route: walkhighlands.co.uk

Ben More and and Stob Binnein

Ben More, which towers over nearby Crianlarich, and its neighbouring hill Stob Binnein, pose an unrelenting challenge to climbers.

Walkers are faced with a steep ascent and descend on the eight-hour walk. However, those who make it up the lofty hills are rewarded with excellent views and untouched wildlife.

Time from Edinburgh: 2 hours 14 minutes

Detailed route: walkhighlands.co.uk

Ben Chonzie

By Munro standards, Ben Chonzie is fairly easy, although it is not the most interesting climb.

There are two routes, a well trodden mountain path from Glen Lednock and a less travelled route from Loch Turret Dam. While the latter is longer, it presents walkers with a more interesting and scenic ascent.

Situated in Perthshire countryside, near Crieff, it takes around a half day to walk.

Time from Edinburgh: 2 hours 25 minutes

Detailed route: walkhighlands.co.uk