Hand-picked by the experts at Trail magazine, The Trail 100 is a collection of the 100 peaks that all hillwalkers must climb at least once in their lifetime.
If you’ve found this list, we know you’re up for the challenge, so scroll down for full descriptions of each mountain, plus links to interactive digital route guides to help you climb them.
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The Trail 100 Bucket List
1. A’MHAIGHDEAN
Often regarded as the remotest of all Munros, A’Mhaighdean lies deep within the Fisherfield Forest – an untamed, rugged, far-flung landscape known as ‘the great wilderness’. Stay at the charming Shenavall bothy and climb it as part of the Fisherfield Six round, one of Britain’s toughest but most rewarding day hikes. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
2. AN TEALLACH
Brutally built and terrifyingly sheer, An Teallach is probably mainland Britain’s gnarliest ridge scramble. Monstrous pinnacles, like the jagged backbone of a sleeping dragon, serve up a legendary Grade 3 scramble with spine-tingling exposure. Stick to the spiky crest for an epic alpine adventure – and bag two Munros along the way too. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
3. ARAN FAWDDWY
An often-ignored, almost secret mountain, Aran Fawddwy is the UK’s highest mountain south of Snowdon. Rising high above the shattered crags plummeting into Creiglyn Dyfi tarn, Aran Fawddwy forms a long, sweeping ridgeline with its outliers – and its summit is a fine place to gaze across the artistry of Snowdonia. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
4. ARENIG FACH
Pudding-shaped Arenig Fach appears dull and boring from the south, overshadowed by its loftier brother Arenig Fawr. But approach it from the north-east over wild, remote land and the mountain rewards you with craggy cliffs plunging into the hidden waters of Llyn Arenig Fach and a delightful ridge arrowing to the summit. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
5. ASKIVAL
The Isle of Skye isn’t the only Scottish island with a Cuillin ridge. The extraordinary island of Rum has its own alternative version – and Askival is its crown, the highest and most satisfying peak of the Rum Cuillin. The majestic pyramidal peak is the highlight of this classic Inner Hebrides ridge traverse. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
6. BEINN ALLIGIN
Charismatic and imposing, Beinn Alligin is the most westerly of the Torridon giants. Its views to nearby Liathach and distant An Teallach will tempt you to linger on the tops for hours. Incorporate the imposing scramble across the pillars of the Horns of Alligin into your route for a marvellous circular. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
7. BEINN AN OIR
One third of the Isle of Jura’s ‘Paps’ – three unique mountains on this sequestered Inner Hebrides island – Beinn an Oir is a celebrated Corbett. It’s not high enough to be a Munro, but who cares? This gruelling cone of scree, the highest of the Paps of Jura, is among the finest viewpoints in Scotland. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
8. BEINN DEARG MOR
Gloriously sited between the ridgy splendour of An Teallach and the rough wildness of the Fisherfield Munros, Beinn Dearg Mor is a mountain worthy of adoration. Compact but spectacular, it holds its own in a place of remarkable beauty. Climb it with Beinn Dearg Bheag and stay at Shenavall bothy for a stunning mountain adventure. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
9. BEINN EIGHE
Nestled in Britain’s oldest National Nature Reserve, Beinn Eighe is the third of the great Torridonian giants: an immensely rocky mountain capped by grey-white quartzite. Consisting of two Munro summits, Beinn Eighe’s allure lies to the north, where the imposing Triple Buttress crags plunge vertically into an ancient, lochan-filled corrie. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
10. BEN ALDER
Fiercely remote and hard-won, Ben Alder is a lengthy, arduous journey on foot from any direction. But put in the effort and you’ll be rewarded with a liberating feeling of solitude and seclusion away from the trappings of modern life. Pack a tent, because it’s best tackled as part of an overnight backpacking expedition. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
11. BEN CRUACHAN
So sharp you could seemingly prick your finger on its pointed summit, Ben Cruachan is recognisable from far and wide. A dichotomy, appearing both serrated and broad, Cruachan bears the name of a Highland clan battle cry. Follow the ridge to Stob Daimh to complete the popular Dalmally Horseshoe. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
12. BEN HOPE
Most travel long distances to reach the foot of the most northerly Munro, buoyed by the promise of magical coastal views of the Orkney Islands. Climb the broad south ridge, safely to the side of the mountain’s precipitous western crags, for a feeling of isolation rarely found on other hills – you won’t be disappointed. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
13. BEN LAWERS
The culminating point of a sprawling mountain range to the north of Loch Tay, Ben Lawers is a very popular mountain – and with good reason. Celebrated flora and fauna, top-of-the-beanstalk views, a conveniently high car park at almost 500m, and a glorious multi-Munro ridge traverse are just a few of its appealing features. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTES
14. BEN LOMOND
The most southerly of the Munros, Ben Lomond is many people’s first Scottish 3000fter. Some might be put off for life, but many are inevitably hooked, sucked into the pursuit for the full 282. From Rowardennan it’s an easy climb on a good path – and the summit views over Loch Lomond’s isle-dotted expanse are scenically stupendous. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
15. BEN LUI
Overlord of a foursome of Munros to the south-west of Tyndrum, Ben Lui is the tall, elegant gatekeeper to the Highlands. Defined by its amazing north-east corrie, it’s best combined with its outliers – a serpentine ridge walk with interesting variation, from easy grassy slopes to rocky buttresses.VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
16. BEN MACDUI
If Ben Nevis is the King, Ben Macdui is the Prince. Brooding and sprawling, Britain’s second highest peak – the perennial silver medallist – is a hulk of a mountain. Remote and unforgiving, if not positively Arctic in winter, it is a demanding summit. But thousands climb it annually, determined to stand atop the Cairngorms’ throne. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
17. BEN MORE
Beautifully triangular, Ben More is the highest of the so-called Crianlarich Hills. It dominates the skyline of this part of Scotland, forming a distinctive V-shaped notch on the horizon with Stob Binnein. It is a sadistically steep, lung-heaving, leg-aching climb to the towering summit – but, if you haven’t collapsed, the views are worth it. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTES
18. BEN MORE
High point on the Isle of Mull, Ben More is a Munro commonly left until last due to its location – and what a way to become a 282 completer. It is a first-rate, graceful mountain with eye-watering coastal views, an interesting eastern ridge, and spectacular wildlife including sea eagles. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
19. BEN NEVIS
Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, has an intricate labyrinth of routes for everyone, from absolute beginners to hardcore scramblers. The ‘Mountain Track’ provides novices with safe passage to the summit of Scotland – but adrenaline junkies will prefer the airy scramble along the delightful CMD arête. Not to be missed. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
20. BIDEAN NAM BIAN
Closeted and grand, Bidean nam Bian is a fortress of a mountain – the highest peak in Glen Coe. It’s a dark, mysterious, craggy place, closely guarded by the Three Sisters of Glen Coe. But enter this secretive world and you’ll be rewarded with impeccable panoramas of Aonach Eagach and the Lost Valley.VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
21. BLA BHEINN
Skye’s sublime outlier, Bla Bheinn might just serve up the best view in all of Scotland. From Loch Slapin, it is a steep scramble over grippy gabbro rock to the crown of ‘The Blue Mountain’ – and from here the spiky wonders of the Black Cuillin ridge rise deliciously into view ahead. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
22. BLACK COMBE
Outlier of Lakeland, Black Combe is the perfect bridge between land and sea. Located in southern Cumbria above the town of Millom, it is a gently-rounded dome so isolated it serves up uninterrupted, soul-satisfying panoramas of the Irish Sea, Cumbrian coast, the Isle of Man and, of course, inland to the Lakes. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
23. BLENCATHRA
A bona fide scrambler’s paradise, Blencathra serves up two glorious ridges in a truly memorable horseshoe. The Grade 1 scramble up Sharp Edge, a razor-like spine featuring the notorious Bad Step, gets the juices flowing, before an equally thrilling descent of the craggy towers and rocky arête of Hall’s Fell ridge. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
24. BOW FELL
Muscular and feature-packed, Bow Fell must rank among England’s very best. Commanding prime real estate over three popular valleys – Great Langdale, Langstrath and Eskdale – it looks magisterial from all angles, rising as a gigantic pyramid that demands respect and admiration. Take the climber’s traverse up the Great Slab for superlative rock-scenery. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
25. BRAERIACH
Britain’s third highest mountain, Braeriach is a vast, remote Cairngorms colossus. Difficult to reach from any direction, guarded by abrupt cliffs and enclosed by stunning corries, Braeriach is always a long, committing hike. So why not make a weekend of it, bagging three more Munros on the plateau before sleeping at Corrour bothy? VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
26. BUACHAILLE ETIVE MOR
Star of a million postcards, Buachaille Etive Mor is the sentinel of Glen Coe: an iconic peak with a handsome pyramidal profile. Its domineering mass of knobbly outcrops and precipitous rock-faces, gashed by vertical gullies, look impenetrable – but thankfully its two Munro summits are well within the reach of the adventurous hillwalker. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
27. CADAIR IDRIS
Complex and striking, Cadair Idris is the Snowdon of southern Snowdonia: a honeypot mountain renowned for its imperious cliffs, enticing ridges and pretty tarns. It is a peak shrouded in myth. Its name, meaning ‘Chair of Idris’, derives from the Welsh legend of a giant who created a mountainous seat for stargazing.VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
28. CARNEDD DAFFYD
Reputedly named after a medieval Welsh prince, Carnedd Daffyd forms part of the great Carneddau ridge: the largest area above 3000ft anywhere in Britain south of the Highlands. Its shadowed, fearsome north face is an immense cliff – but most walkers approach via Pen yr Ole Wen, a steep route with grandstand views of Tryfan. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
29. CARNEDD LLEWELLYN
Bulky and knurled, Carnedd Llewellyn – the king of the high Carneddau range – is a fitting rival to Snowdon. Towering to almost 3500ft and standing guard to the north of Llyn Ogwen, Carnedd Llewellyn is an unforgiving but rewarding target for the dedicated hillwalker. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
30. CAT BELLS
A firm family favourite, Cat Bells is a classic Lakeland outing for young, old and everyone in-between. Sweeping aesthetically above Derwent Water with a distinctive profile, it is a little fell with big features: a taste of scrambling, a domed summit and mind-boggling views of the Borrowdale valley. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
31. CNICHT
Nicknamed the Welsh Matterhorn, albeit 3789m lower than its Swiss counterpart, what Cnicht lacks in height it makes up in shapely attractiveness. It is a fantastically pointy, fin-like peak with an irresistible allure. Rising proudly above the hamlet of Croesor, it is the best of the Moelwynion range by far. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
32. CONISTON OLD MAN
Lake District A southern fells classic, Coniston Old Man might be industry-scarred, but it remains stoical and unbowed. Towering high above the village of Coniston, it is a rightfully popular fell with good paths exploring high tarns, lofty ridges and the historical remnants of centuries of slate quarrying and copper mining. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
33. CRIB GOCH
Formidable and fascinating, Crib Goch is a mighty peak complete with saw-toothed arête, knee-wobbling levels of exposure and an intoxicating sense of adventure. The intrepid way up Snowdon, it’s an iconic Grade 1 scramble scoring 10 out of 10 for hands-on-rock, ridge-teetering awesomeness. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s a rite of passage for serious British hillwalkers. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
34. CROSS FELL
The leviathan of the North Pennines, Cross Fell is England’s highest mountain outside of the Lakes. It’s a peak of softer, smoother lines – devoid of the rocky drama of its Lakeland neighbours – but still has charm, especially if you spend the night at Greg’s Hut, a former miners’ house turned rustic mountain bothy. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
35. ELIDIR FAWR
The northernmost peak of the much-loved Glyders, Elidir Fawr is a defiant 3000fter that refuses to be overshadowed by its celebrated brothers Glyder Fach and Fawr. Disfigured by industrially-scarred flanks and a hydro power scheme built deep in its interior, it remains a compelling mountain with an attractive ridgeline to its pointy summit. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
36. FAIRFIELD
Centrepiece of its namesake horseshoe, Fairfield is rarely a walker’s sole goal. Instead it is renowned as the highest point of the much-frequented Fairfield Horseshoe, a looped ridge walk bagging several summits. Starting at either Ambleside or Rydal, the easy, airy hiking over grassy slopes makes this an ideal beginner’s ridge walk. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
37. FAN BRYCHEINIOG
Poised and elegant, Fan Brycheiniog is the climax of a striking escarpment edge in the Black Mountain range of the western Brecon Beacons. From sculpted valleys to pretty tarns, the gently-curved, grassy escarpmentf – the Carmarthen Fan – provides lovely ridge walking. Nearby Llyn y Fan Fach is famed for the Lady of the Lake legend. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
38. FOINAVEN
Not quite tall enough to be a Munro, bulky Fionaven has to be one of Scotland’s best Corbetts. Located in the remote wonders of the far north-west, a full traverse of its grand ridge – high above precipitous quartzite screes and fractured cliffs – will live long in the memory. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
39. GARBH BHEINN
Unexploited and breathlessly rough-hewn, Garbh Bheinn is a diamond in the rough. Showpiece of the Ardgour mountains on the western shores of Loch Linnhe – a wild area devoid of any Munros and their subsequent crowds – Garbh Bheinn is a thrillingly rocky and calmingly peaceful mountain you won’t regret visiting. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
40. GLARAMARA
Topped with wonderful, scrambly ground, Glaramara is the highest point of a rocky ridge of seemingly never-ending undulations dividing Langstrath Valley from the head of Borrowdale. Its twin summits, both encircled by crags, are stony platforms with views of ‘unsurpassed beauty’ over Borrowdale, as Wainwright put it. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
41. GLYDER FACH
Home to the impossibly-balanced, much-photographed Cantilever Stone, Glyder Fach is the highlight of the Glyders: a world of jumbled boulders and craggy outcrops, soaring sumptuously above Llyn Ogwen. For an epic Grade 1 outing, scramble up the rocky turrets of Bristly Ridge before descending the similarly awesome Y Gribin arête. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
42. GOATFELL
Highest point of the island known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Goatfell is the sharp centrepiece to Arran’s under-rated and startling highlands. Towering above the village of Brodick, it is an easy objective amongst a sensational world of jagged granite peaks. What it lacks in height, Goatfell makes up in sheer drama. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
43. GRASMOOR
Beefy and cumbersome, Grasmoor is the highest peak of Lakeland’s north-western fells: a colossus overlooking Crummock Water and the Buttermere valley. Protected to the north and west by vertiginous, broken crags, Grasmoor is gentle and rounded from other aspects, as is its grassy summit-plateau – an ideal place to ogle the distant Scafells. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
44. GREAT GABLE
A humongous, rugged mass of rock and crags and cliffs, Great Gable is captivating to look at: an unbroken, devilish pyramid from the south; the dome of a sleeping, curled-up giant from the north. It is a spiritual place too, its summit adorned with a poignant war memorial. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
45. GRISEDALE PIKE
Rising gracefully to a sharp peak piercing the north-western skies of Lakeland, Grisedale Pike is a fine mountain with superlative views. If you’re feeling energetic, tick it off as part of the popular Coledale Round horseshoe walk. If not, climb it from Braithwaite, taking the sweeping, narrowing eastern ridge to the excellent summit. VIEW DIGITAL ROUTE
