The Best Munro Ridge Walks: Scotland's Finest Traverses and Scrambles

Why Ridge Walks Are the Pinnacle of Munro Bagging

There comes a point in every hillwalker's journey when the well-worn paths up grassy slopes start to feel a bit too familiar. You've ticked off a fair number of Munros, your legs are strong, your navigation is solid, and you find yourself staring at the map at those thin, sinuous lines where two steep sides meet at a crest. That's the moment you're ready for ridge walking — and Scotland has some of the finest mountain ridges anywhere in Europe.

Ridge walks offer something that no straightforward ascent can match. There's the constant exposure, the ever-changing views falling away on both sides, and that wonderful feeling of travelling along a mountain rather than simply up and down it. This guide covers seven of the best Munro ridge walks in Scotland, from accessible scrambles suited to confident walkers through to serious undertakings that demand real mountaineering experience.

Understanding Scrambling Grades

Before we get into the routes, it's worth understanding the grading system. Scrambles in Scotland are generally graded 1 to 3:

• Grade 1: Easy scrambling. You'll use your hands for balance and the occasional pull-up, but the exposure is limited and route-finding is generally straightforward.
• Grade 2: Moderate scrambling. More sustained use of hands, greater exposure, and some route-finding challenges. A slip in the wrong place could have serious consequences.
• Grade 3: Difficult scrambling, bordering on rock climbing. Sustained exposure, technical moves, and real consequences if things go wrong. Many parties choose to rope up.

Remember that Scottish grades assume dry conditions. Add rain, wind, or winter ice and everything shifts up significantly.

1. Aonach Eagach — The Notched Ridge of Glencoe

The Aonach Eagach is the narrowest ridge on the Scottish mainland, stretching for two kilometres between Am Bodach and Stob Coire Leith high above the floor of Glen Coe.

Grade: 2 (with short sections of Grade 3 at the Crazy Pinnacles)

The traverse is typically done west to east. The Crazy Pinnacles are the crux — a series of rocky towers that require careful route-finding and a good head for heights. The exposure is genuine and sustained, with steep drops on both sides into the dark corries below. Once you're on the ridge, there are very few escape routes. This is not a route to attempt if the weather is closing in. On a fine summer's day with dry rock, it is absolutely magnificent.

2. Liathach — The Grey One

If the Aonach Eagach is Scotland's most famous ridge, Liathach is its most imposing. Rising over a thousand metres directly from the road in Glen Torridon, this mountain looks like a fortress wall of terraced sandstone and quartzite.

Grade: 1-2 (Grade 3 if traversing the Am Fasarinen pinnacles directly)

Most walkers ascend via the steep eastern end, then follow the ridge westward. The pinnacles of Am Fasarinen present a choice: traverse them directly along the crest at Grade 3, or follow the well-worn bypass path on the south side at a much more manageable Grade 1. Even the bypass is airy and not for the faint-hearted. The descent off the western end is notoriously steep and loose — take your time.

3. An Teallach — The Forge

An Teallach in the far northwest is often described as the finest mountain in Scotland. The traverse of its two Munro summits across the Corrag Bhuidhe pinnacles is utterly world-class.

Grade: 1-2 (Grade 3 on the pinnacles direct)

The full traverse takes you across Lord Berkeley's Seat — a remarkable rock formation that overhangs the void of Toll an Lochain far below. The direct line over the pinnacles is serious and exposed, but bypass paths reduce the difficulty to a stiff Grade 1 scramble. An Teallach's remoteness means you'll often have this extraordinary mountain largely to yourself.

4. The Saddle — The Forcan Ridge

The Forcan Ridge on The Saddle in Kintail is perhaps the finest Grade 2 scramble on any Munro. Paired with Sgurr na Sgine across the bealach, it makes for a superb day out.

Grade: 2 (the Forcan Ridge proper)

The scrambling is concentrated and thrilling. There's one particular move near the top — a pull up and over a steep rock step with significant exposure — that catches people out. It's not technically difficult, but if you're not comfortable with that kind of ground, this is where you'll know. The onward traverse to Sgurr na Sgine adds a second Munro without too much additional difficulty.

5. Buachaille Etive Mor — The Great Herdsman

Buachaille Etive Mor is probably the most photographed mountain in Scotland. While most walkers ascend via Coire na Tulaich, the traverse of all four tops along the main ridge is far more rewarding.

Grade: 1 (the ridge traverse); Grade 3 if ascending via Curved Ridge

The ridge itself is a long but relatively straightforward Grade 1 affair, with wonderful views into the wild corries on either side. The scrambling is intermittent rather than sustained, making this an excellent first ridge traverse. For those seeking more, Curved Ridge on the northeast face offers a classic Grade 3 scramble.

6. Bidean nam Bian — The Hidden Giant

The highest peak in Argyll, Bidean nam Bian sits hidden behind the famous Three Sisters of Glen Coe. The mountain offers several excellent ridge routes.

Grade: 1-2 (depending on route choice)

The most popular scrambling route follows the ridge from Stob Coire nan Lochan to the main summit. The ground is mostly Grade 1 with a few steeper steps, and the views back across to the Aonach Eagach are spectacular. Bidean is a complex mountain with many ridges and corries — good navigation skills are essential, particularly in poor visibility.

7. The CMD Arete — Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg

The Carn Mor Dearg Arete offers a vastly superior approach to Ben Nevis compared to the tourist path. The route traverses Carn Mor Dearg first, then follows the sweeping granite arete across to the summit plateau of the Ben.

Grade: 1-2

The arete itself is a narrow rocky ridge with some short scrambling sections and genuine exposure. The position is extraordinary — you're walking a tightrope between the vast cliffs of Ben Nevis's north face and the steep slopes falling away to the south. The CMD Arete route is considerably longer than the tourist path and should not be underestimated. In winter, this is a serious mountaineering expedition.

Essential Skills and Kit for Ridge Walking

Ridge walking demands more than fitness and determination:

1. Exposure tolerance: The big one. Build up gradually — start with Grade 1 ground and see how you feel.
2. Route-finding on rocky terrain: You'll need to read the rock and spot the line of scratches left by previous boots.
3. Confident movement on rock: You should be comfortable climbing up and down short rock steps using your hands.
4. Weather judgement: Ridges are no place to be in a storm. Check the forecast carefully and have a plan B.
5. Navigation: Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them.

What to Carry

• Helmet — increasingly common on Grade 2+ scrambles and well worth the weight
• Boots with good grip on rock
• Map, compass, and GPS device
• Enough food and water for a long day — ridges take longer than you think
• Spare warm layers and waterproofs, even in summer
• A headtorch — just in case the day runs longer than planned

When to Go

The prime season for ridge walking runs from May to September, with June and July offering the longest days. Avoid ridges in high winds — even moderate winds manageable on a broad summit can be dangerous on an exposed crest. The Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) is your best friend here.

If you're looking for your first ridge, consider the Buachaille Etive Mor traverse or the CMD Arete. Both offer superb days with manageable scrambling and plenty of room to build confidence. Save the Aonach Eagach and the Am Fasarinen pinnacles for when you've got a few ridges under your belt. They'll be all the more rewarding for the wait.