The Munros (SMC)
Scottish Mountaineering Club
written by Rab Anderson & Tom Prentice
We were lucky enough to be sent a copy of the newest edition of The Munros by Scottish Mountaineering Club. This is the fourth edition, previous editions have been the go-to reference book for many keen Munro baggers and for those just wishing to tackle our highest hills. With Covid restrictions being lifted for us all and the thought of finally being let out to play in the hills very soon, we thought it was a good time to give you our thoughts.
NEWS FLASH! - Before we go on, we’re going to get to the point. The books a winner and a must have for planning your adventure hill days in Scotland’s beautiful mountains!
Okay, let’s get started…
Hows the book STRUCTUREd
The book could only kick off one way, an introduction to the man himself, Sir Hugh Munro! A little bit of history on how he brought together the lists of mountain heights which would form the 282 Munros as we know them today. A question we’re often asked is, why is this mountain over 3000ft but its not a Munro?! Well you’ll find the answer to that in this very interesting section of the book. I know, you’re itching to get to the routes, slow down, Hugh deserves some attention for what he’s brought us all.
The Munros are grouped into geographical sections throughout the book, 17 sections in all. Each relating to clusters of Munros around Scotland, this makes it easy to locate your chosen mountain, or find somewhere closer for those day trips depending on how much time off modern life has given you. Each section lists the Munros in that area, then you’re into the good stuff, the reason you’ll probably go and grab a copy of the book! How to tackle these beautiful mountains! And, as you’ll find out later, how to really turn your trip to the hills into a full-on adventure, if that’s your thing!
The back of the book has various lists that help you manage your world record attempt to bag all the Munros the fastest. We know you’re thinking about it!
Route Descriptions & Mapping
Now, we could go into detail about what all the new arrows, coloured lines and other mapping illustrations mean but you’ll soon work that out for yourself. It’s important to say that there’s loads of new information, approach routes, secondary routes and link routes, much of which is colour coded. This doesn’t undermine the simplicity of understanding the route descriptions and illustrations which are significantly different from previous editions. The route descriptions are very clear, perhaps even more than in previous editions.
What we really like is the additional information that allows you to now link more routes together and plan multiday adventures. It looks like this edition has taken into account this important, and possibly slightly more modern approach to adventuring in the Scottish hills, without taking away from the clarity of the single day route descriptions. This additional information feeds your imagination which then runs wild! Another tick in the box for us.
These extra additions are super helpful
Even more helpful for your planning are the inset grey boxes. These help you find some of the resources and services out there to help you plan your logistics, from buses to boat, and much more. Not only is the book helping you, it’s helping small business in some cases. This really is great information and will save you loads of time searching for ways to access areas, especially the remotest of the Munro’s. All this extra information could change your visit to the hills into a full on adventure.
As you know, we like getting our fat-bikes out and its absolutely brilliant to have information available for biking into some of the remote areas and long approaches. Separate timings are given for cycling options. A very welcome addition.
The mapping and imagery in this edition are another huge hiking step forward. A change from the more basic drawings of previous books. There’s now a very modern feel to this edition. This makes our older edition look like an antique! Taking the book and the OS map and really understanding your route is one of your first steps to having a safer day out in the hills.
Taking care of your adventure environment
Whilst benefiting from the detailed guidance provided in the book it’s nice to know that you’re also giving a little back. Profits from this guidebook go to the Scottish Mountaineering Trust which is a Scottish-registered charity. Purchasing an SMC publication therefore helps support recreation, safety and education in the Scottish mountains.
The guide has been printed on sustainably sourced FSC paper and carbon for printing has been offset with ClimatePartner, so while there is an impact every effort has been made to keep it low.
Value for money
Is it value for money, it’s a resounding - YES from us! You’re getting so much more for your money than ever before. The books 384 pages are bursting with information. Whether you are an occasional walker looking for inspiration, a dedicated Munroist planning to tick off your next peak, or just a couple of adventure loving Scots (that’s us), The Munros is essential reading for any hillwalking enthusiast.
New descriptions for all 282 Munros & 226 Munro Tops
Maps showing all of the described routes
Stunning photography throughout
Complete listing of the hills in Munro's Tables
Additional hill rounds described for extra enjoyment!
Printed on sustainably sourced paper
Climate-neutral printing with ClimatePartner
All profit helps to fund the Scottish Mountaineering Trust
The book is priced at £30 from Scottish Mountaineering Press and can be purchased online with free P&P by visiting the Scottish Mountaineering Press store.
Our final thoughts
Since we began our little community we’ve often been asked by suppliers to review products. We’ve been very selective with those that we choose to align with as its incredibly important to us that we recommend quality to those who follow On the Adventure Trails - Scotland. The Munros (SMC) guide book has just hit that list!
Previous editions would normally show just a single route to bag your Munro, this edition has gone way beyond that single route description and really does step into a world that offers far more options for longer adventures, for us that is of huge value. We think the writers have really understood, and catered for a wider group of readers in this edition. We’d actually go as far as saying that this is almost a Scottish Mountain Adventure Guide and not just a hillwalking guidebook.
These days there’s a mountain of free information available online for getting out into the hills. However, the book has two major benefits over digital information. Firstly, all the information is in one place, at the end of your arms! (and there’s now adverts!) Secondly, its available in our campervan when there’s no WiFi! Whilst we do research online we still can’t bring ourselves not have a printed book for the campervan! Super handy when the plans are changed by the infamous Scottish weather gods and there’s no tinta-web!
So should you buy it?? Something that requires or involves little or no mental effort, its a no-brainer as far as we’re concerned.
The book can be purchased online with free P&P by visiting the Scottish Mountaineering Press store.
We hope this review has been helpful to you and wish you Safe Adventures in Scotland and elsewhere!
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