Scotland is known to be one of the most exciting countries to visit, and for a good reason! With their prosperous cities, wide natural landscapes, and compelling history, you can only imagine what a fun holiday you can have.
If you like admiring natural terrains and even like some adrenaline added to your daily life, we suggest checking out the Scottish summits. Plan something for your next trip by checking our list of the top 6 most exciting and eye-catching mountains here!
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Ben Nevis
Hiking is almost always a part of any Scotland tour packages, and that is because their mountainous terrain is exciting, a bit challenging, and offers some stunning panoramas. And Ben Nevis excels at all these categories!
Considered to be the highest summit in Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the British Isles, Ben Nevis can easily be one of the most exciting and highlight spots during your trip. Its central peak is actually a collapsed dome of an ancient volcano, but that is not the only unique thing about it!
The elegant lines of the salience make Ben Nevis look more approachable and not as intimidating without the rocky ends. However, there are still plenty of challenging trails, hiking routes for all kinds of climbers, areas for mountaineering, and even treks for ice climbing!
Ben Nevis: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/05/18/18/38/ben-nevis-3411822_1280.jpg
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Ben Lomond
If you are an avid Scottish lover or this is not your first time visiting, you have already heard of the famous Lake Lomond. Well, it has a much mightier, tough-looking brother right on the side! Ben Lomond is an impressive 974-meter giant adorning the horizon at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, so it is quite impossible to miss it.
Lomond is the highest peak of the closest ones to the city of Glasgow, which actually makes it very easily accessible. You can set up your hike from the nearest town or even travel easily with the high speed train from London to Glasgow, for example, if you are in Scotland for the mountains only and are just leaving England. From there, the road is welcoming and easy.
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Buachaille Etive Mor
The one with the most exciting name and the best location, Buachaille Etive Mor is Scotland’s pride and joy, standing lordly on the outskirts of the Scottish Highlands.
More commonly known as simply the Buachaille, the summit stands at the end of Glen Etive, near the River Etive, so you are in for some treats, landscape-wise! The mountain has a ridge of four peaks, one steeper than the other and great for climbing.
We suggest taking a thorough tour of the Scottish Highlands, admiring the wildlife, castle ruins, and incredible lakes, while simultaneously making your way towards Buachaille Etive Mor. Pick one of the iconic hiking treks and set off for the great Scottish adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
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Ben Venue
The most exciting summit in the Trossachs area of Scotland, Ben Venue is a must-see on your trip. With great panoramas, hiking treks, and Scottish wildlife, the mountain is every traveler’s dream!
Translated from Scottish Gaelic, Ben Venue means the miniature mountain, but it is not that miniature, is it? Settled about 2 kilometers southwest of the pier at the southern end of Loch Katrine, the peak should be admired from this angle, yet not approached. Clear signs forbid you from entering Ben Venue’s forests directly from the shore, so you will have to walk around it.
There are two popular routes for hikers to take, both easily achievable and equally enjoyable, so make sure you have got your gear and a map – Ben Venue is a lot of fun!
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Aonach Eagach
The rocky ridge and another jewel to the Scottish Highlands, Aonach Eagach marks the northern end of Glen Coe and is the most challenging one on our list.
Due to tricky routes and uncomfortable conditions, it takes guts to climb Aonach Eagach. According to hikers, once you commit, there is going back. Literally! The ridges are so narrow and vicious you have to see it through to the end. This is motivational, sure, but you have to be confident in your ability to navigate, endure pressure and have good stamina in general.
You can start from the beginner level, but it is challenging nonetheless. Great, if you love adrenaline!
Aonach Eagach: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/11/04/13/53/glen-coe-1797836_1280.jpg
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Stac Pollaidh
Lastly, let’s enjoy the endless horizon of Stac Pollaidh. At first, a bit underwhelming, the mountain is actually one of the most famous and adored peaks in all of Scotland.
With many deep groves, steep edges, and pinnacles, Stac Pollaidh was greatly influenced by the dramatic weathering changes during the Ice Age. However, that only added to the terrain we see in front of us now!
Good news about the hiking, as well! Any fit person, or at least a bit active one, will have no problem climbing to the top in approximately three hours’ time. However, there are still some obstacles to consider, like sharp pinnacles and great heights – the walk is not entirely effortless. Also, make sure to grab a camera and capture all of the special moments and wondrous landscapes.
Speaking of things you should pack, just have comfy shoes, a warm outfit, and minimal baggage with you. Then, go on enjoying these six giants of Scotland. Even if you do not hike or climb, you can easily admire all of the summits from afar. Good luck, and have the best Scottish adventure!
