The Hardest Munros in Scotland: 8 Peaks That Test Every Bagger

Every Munro has its own character, but some are in a different league of difficulty. These are the peaks that experienced baggers leave until they've built their skills on easier ground — and some are serious enough to stop completionists in their tracks entirely.

1. The Inaccessible Pinnacle (986m) — Skye

The "In Pinn" is the only Munro that requires rock climbing to reach its summit. A narrow blade of basalt protruding from the summit ridge of Sgùrr Dearg in the Cuillin, it demands a Moderate-grade rock climb up one side and an abseil down the other. Many Munro baggers hire a guide specifically for this one peak. Some never manage it at all, their completion forever blocked by 50 feet of vertical rock.

2. An Teallach Traverse

The full traverse of An Teallach's two Munros via the Corrag Bhuidhe pinnacles involves sustained grade 2/3 scrambling on exposed sandstone towers with drops of several hundred metres. The hardest section — Lord Berkeley's Seat — has an unprotected grade 3 step above a 300m cliff. A bypass path exists for the most exposed pinnacles, but even this is serious scrambling.

3. Aonach Eagach Traverse — Glen Coe

Scotland's narrowest mainland ridge. The two Munros of the Aonach Eagach are connected by a knife-edge with genuine exposure on both sides. Grade 2 scrambling is sustained for over a kilometre, with several sections requiring careful route-finding on loose rock. Once committed to the ridge, retreat is difficult. In winter, it becomes a full mountaineering route requiring crampons, ice axes, and ideally a rope.

4. A' Mhaighdean (967m) — The Remote One

A' Mhaighdean isn't technically difficult — it's a straightforward walk once you get there. The problem is getting there. The shortest approach from any public road is around 12km through trackless wilderness. Most people camp at Shenavall bothy or walk in from Poolewe (24km+ round trip). In wet weather, river crossings on the approach can be dangerous or impassable.

5. Sgùrr nan Gillean (964m) — Skye Cuillin

Sgùrr nan Gillean via the Tourist Route involves a final grade 2/3 scramble up the West Ridge — exposed, sustained, and on rough gabbro that tears skin and clothing. The summit is a pointed pinnacle barely big enough for two people. In wet conditions, the rock becomes extremely slippery. Many experienced hillwalkers find this one genuinely nerve-wracking.

6. Liathach — The Full Traverse

The full traverse of Liathach including the Am Fasarinen pinnacles is one of Scotland's most demanding mountain days. The pinnacles involve sustained grade 2 scrambling on Torridonian sandstone — loose in places — with severe exposure. The mountain's north face drops away for nearly 1,000m. Even the "walkers' route" bypassing the pinnacles involves steep, loose ground with significant drop-offs.

7. Lurg Mhor (986m)

Lurg Mhor is the second most remote Munro after A' Mhaighdean. Approached from Craig via a 14km walk through Glen Carron, the route crosses rough, pathless terrain with a major river crossing (the Allt Bealach Crudhain) that becomes impassable in spate. Most people combine it with Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich — another remote Munro that makes the long approach worthwhile — creating a very long, committing day of 30km+.

8. Bidean nam Bian (1,150m) — The Navigation Challenge

Bidean nam Bian isn't the hardest technically, but its complex terrain catches people out. The mountain is a maze of ridges, corries, and subsidiary peaks, all looking confusingly similar in mist. Finding the true summit requires careful navigation, and descent via the wrong ridge leads to cliffs. More rescue callouts occur on Bidean than almost any other Scottish mountain.

Preparing for the Hard Ones

• Build skills progressively: Don't attempt the In Pinn or Aonach Eagach without experience on easier scrambles first.
• Consider a guide: For the Cuillin peaks and the most exposed scrambles, a qualified mountain guide provides both safety and instruction.
• Choose your weather: These mountains are hard enough in good conditions. Don't add rain, wind, and poor visibility into the mix.
• Tell someone your plan: On remote and committing routes, leave a detailed route card with your expected return time.
• Know when to turn back: Reaching the start of the In Pinn or the Aonach Eagach and deciding it's not for you today is wisdom, not weakness.