The latest addition to the increasing number of guidebooks to the Munros covers half of the summits, the 141 that lie in the Southern and Central Highlands and the Southern Cairngorms. In Peak Bagging Munros Volume 1 the hills are grouped into 64 routes based on 10 Highland hubs – towns and villages to use as bases. The routes are graded from 1-5 according to terrain, distance and navigation.
Main image: Two walkers ascending Carn Mor Dearg with Ben Nevis in the distance | Credit: Nicola Hardy
Four different times are given for each route depending on whether the user is a walker, trekker, fastpacker or trail runner. Thus, for Route 46, which covers the three Ardverikie Munros, the times are 10:30hrs, 9:00 hrs, 6:45hrs and 4:35hrs. In reality I think the first three user groups tend to merge into each other. However, it is useful to give a range of times for a route, rather than just one as some guidebooks do.
The routes themselves are mostly standard ones, the emphasis being on efficiency rather than quality, though of course this does include some splendid walks such as the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. Each route has a 1:40,000 map numbered to fit the stages in the route descriptions, which are detailed. A GPX file is available for each route.
Those who know the Munros may well quibble over whether some of the routes are the most efficient (is it really worth doing Beinn Mhanach on its own?) or interesting but this book is not for them. This is for those setting out on their Munro journey or perhaps only considering it. As such, I think it will certainly provide encouragement.
It’s a beautifully produced book full of enticing photos, mostly taken by the author herself. Even if you have no need of the route descriptions browsing through the pictures can be a pleasure.
I think the book is a worthy addition to the Munro guidebooks. It’s not, however, The Definitive Guide, as it claims on the cover. But for the new bagger it could be of value – especially when Volume 2 appears.
Peak Bagging Munros Volume 1 is published by Vertebrate (paperback, £27.95)
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