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


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


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Hide AdScotland’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.
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Hide AdThere 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.
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Hide AdIt 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.
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Hide AdThere 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