What is the highest mountain in Scotland?

Ben Nevis, at 1,345 metres (4,413 feet), is the highest mountain in Scotland and the whole of the British Isles. It stands above Fort William in the western Highlands.

What is the second highest mountain in Scotland?

Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms, at 1,309 metres (4,295 feet). For a long time in the early 19th century it was believed to be higher than Ben Nevis until surveys settled the matter.

How many mountains in Scotland are over 4,000 feet?

Nine Munros exceed 4,000 feet (1,219.2m): Ben Nevis, Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine, Cairn Gorm, Aonach Beag, Aonach Mor and Carn Mor Dearg. Climbing all nine is a classic challenge in itself.

The 10 Highest Munros: Scotland's Tallest Mountains Ranked

Only two mountain areas in Britain reach above 1,200 metres: the Nevis range above Fort William and the Cairngorm plateau. Between them they own nine of the ten highest Munros — here’s the full top ten, ranked.

1. Ben Nevis — 1,345m (4,413ft)

The roof of the British Isles. “The Ben” hides its magnificence from the tourist track — its true glory is the two-mile wall of cliffs on the north face, Britain’s biggest. The adventurous bag it via the Carn Mor Dearg arête, one of the finest ridge walks in the country.

2. Ben Macdui — 1,309m (4,295ft)

The Cairngorms’ highest point and Britain’s second summit, rising from a vast sub-arctic plateau. Home of the Big Grey Man (Am Fear Liath Mòr), Scotland’s most famous mountain ghost — in thick mist on that featureless plateau, you’ll understand the legend.

3. Braeriach — 1,296m (4,252ft)

The great western wall of the Lairig Ghru. Its summit curls around An Garbh Choire, the snowiest corrie in Scotland, where snow patches survive most summers.

4. Cairn Toul — 1,291m (4,236ft)

Braeriach’s elegant neighbour across the corrie rim — a proper pointed summit by Cairngorm standards, and a long way from any road: earn it via the Lairig Ghru.

5. Sgor an Lochain Uaine — 1,258m (4,127ft)

The “Angel’s Peak”, promoted to full Munro status in 1997 — the newest member of the 4,000ft club, perched above its little green lochan.

6. Cairn Gorm — 1,245m (4,085ft)

The mountain that named the range. The funicular and ski infrastructure make it the most-visited high summit in Scotland, but its northern corries hold some of Britain’s best winter climbing.

7. Aonach Beag — 1,234m (4,049ft)

“Little ridge” — little only beside its neighbour. A shy giant hidden behind Ben Nevis with a huge, rarely seen east face.

8. Aonach Mor — 1,220m (4,003ft)

Home of the Nevis Range gondola on its northern flank, yet the summit plateau feels a world away. Usually bagged with Aonach Beag in one high traverse.

9. Carn Mor Dearg — 1,220m (4,003ft)

The “big red cairn” — a graceful pink-granite pyramid joined to Ben Nevis by the famous CMD arête. Many baggers call this the best way up the Ben, full stop.

10. Ben Lawers — 1,214m (3,983ft)

The highest mountain in the southern Highlands, looming over Loch Tay. Botanists rate its arctic-alpine flora the richest in Britain; baggers rate the seven-Munro Lawers ridge one of the best big days in the south.

The 4,000-footers challenge

The top nine on this list are Scotland’s only summits over 4,000 feet, split between the Nevis range and the Cairngorms. Strong walkers link all nine in a single brutal 24-hour push; mortals take a glorious long weekend.

See where they all sit on the Munro map, browse the full list of 282, and tick them off as you climb with the 282 app — which knows every height, rank and forecast so you don’t have to.