Corbetts, glens and Grahams to climb in Scotland

You might be familiar with our Munros, but did you know there are lots of other mountains across Scotland to climb? Let us introduce to you our Corbetts, Glens and Grahams. Although smaller in scale, they are a great introduction to hillwalking while being immersed in Scotland's natural beauty.

Get to know our mountains better with these interesting facts.

Corbetts

There are 221 Corbetts in Scotland, which are defined as hills that reach between 2,500 and 3,000 ft high, creating the perfect stepping stone between gentler Grahams (between 2,000 and 2,500 ft) and towering Munros (over 3,000 ft).

Glens

'Glen' is the Scottish term for a valley. Many have a U-shape and were gouged into existence by huge glaciers that ground down the mountains. The glaciers finally departed at the end of the last ice age 11,500 years ago.

Grahams

Grahams are mountains which scale between 2,000 and 2,500 ft high, just slightly shorter than Corbetts (over 2,500 ft) and Munros (over 3,000 ft). They might be on the shorter scale, but Grahams boast equally impressive views and a great sense of achievement when climbing to the top.

It is essential that you are prepared and properly equipped for venturing out into Scotland's landscapes. 

1. Don't forget to take a map and compass with you.

2. Brush up on Safety Outdoors in Scotland.

3. Read and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

4. Check out Mountaineering Scotland for safety advice.

5. Take a look at WalkHighlands for full details of the routes.

Check out Mountaineering Scotland's #ThinkWINTER page for the latest guidance and advice if you're planning a hike during winter.

1. Beinn Chuirn, Argyll

Head west, near Tyndrum, where Beinn Chuirn awaits. Sitting in the shadow of neighbouring Munro, Ben Lui, it's a gold mine to explore. Speaking of gold mines, did you know Tyndrum has its own nearby? Cononish Glen is home to a gold mine, and although you can't get up close, it's still a fascinating insight to the land you're walking on. Soak in the dramatic scenery as you hike your way to the top of Beinn Chuirn.

Height: 880 m (2,887 ft)
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Time: 5.5 - 6 hours

Explore Beinn Chuirn

3. Goat Fell, Isle of Arran

A popular summit you may have heard of, Goat Fell is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran and a great place to explore whilst visiting this spectacular west coast island. Climbing Goat Fell is incredibly rewarding, and the route links together other peaks in the north of the island, including its three other Corbetts, that you can tick off along the way too. From the top you can see across the islands and beyond, as well as a variety of landmarks too, including Brodick Bay, and north towards Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

Height: 874 m (2,867 ft)
Distance: 10.5 km/6.5 miles
Time: 4.5 - 6 hours

Explore Goat Fell

5. The Cobbler, Loch Lomond

Another popular peak for walking enthusiasts and locals alike, The Cobbler mountain is located in Scotland's other National Park - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs - and is an ideal spot for hiking, amongst other activities too. Also known as Ben Arthur, it is a distinct peak in the landscape and the Cobbler walk features a zig zag path before a pleasant ascent to the summit, and also encompasses both main peaks along the route too.

The true summit of Ben Arthur is quite high and exposed, so if you don't have a head for heights, this might not be the Corbett for you.

Height: 884 m (2,900 ft)
Distance: 11 km/7.25 miles
Time: 4 - 6 hours

Explore The Cobbler

7. Clisham, Outer Hebrides

Start your island adventure exploring the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, Clisham. Scotland's islands are magnificent places to be, and from the summit of this Corbett, you'll be able to see incredible panoramic sights all around you. You can take the direct walk to the top, or choose the slightly longer Clisham Horseshoe route which takes you over the dramatic and rugged ridges of Mulla-Fo-Thuath and Mulla-Fo-Dheas.

Height: 799 m (2,621 ft)
Distance: 5.25 km/3.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours

Explore Clisham

9. Arkle, Sutherland, North Highlands

Located in the north west Highlands, and lesser known than the neighbouring peak of Foinaven, Arkle boasts a glorious walk to uncover. Featuring a fine, curving ridge of shattered quartzite, it's a rewarding climb for any budding geologists or photographers.

Height: 787 m (2,582 ft)
Distance: 17.5 km/11 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours

Explore Arkle: Arkle

1. Glen Trool

Not every beautiful glen is in the Highlands. Glen Trool in Dumfries & Galloway is a lush, lochside hideaway with idyllic forest walks. Robert the Bruce won a famous battle here by throwing rocks down the hillside on his foes. Now the mountain bikers throw themselves down the same slopes - this glen has some truly wild and wonderful downhill trails.

Find out more about Glen Trool

3. The Great Glen

The Great Glen is a colossal fracture in the earth that splits the Scottish Highlands in two, from Fort William to Inverness. You can admire its hills and lochs by walking or cycling along the 79 miles (127 km) of the Great Glen Way. Stop for a bite and a beer at Fort Augustus and watch the boats navigate the locks of the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness, one of Scotland's natural wonders. Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. It is 23 miles (37 km) long and is deeper than the North Sea. Is there really a monster within its depths? Come and find out for yourself!

Find out more about the Great Glen

5. Glen Lyon

Spread out your picnic blanket beside the old yew tree at Fortingall and you're having lunch exactly as Roman soldiers did 2,000 years ago. The yew tree is one of the oldest trees in Europe, and may be up to 5,000 years old. Pop into the nearby Fortingall Hotel for a drink and you may hear the story that Pontius Pilate was born near the tree and often played beneath its branches. The yew is just one of the wonders in stunning Glen Lyon.

Find out more about Glen Lyon

Find out more

Discover more glens on the WalkHighlands website

1. The Buck, Aberdeenshire

If you're heading to the north-east of Scotland, be sure to add The Buck to your Grahams bucket list. The Buck lies right on the Moray/Aberdeenshire border and is a fantastic Graham to climb for all skill levels. We recommend wearing some good solid boots and gaiters for this hike, the ground can get very boggy and pathways can often disappear due to overgrown heather. Don't let this put you off though, you'll be blown away by the impressive views at the top which see over to Sutherland and the Cairngorms. Keep your eyes peeled for Pictish-style carvings and you may even be joined by a few furry friends during your climb. Deer, sheep and even mountain hares have been spotted en route.

Height: 721 m (2,365 ft)
Distance: 4.6 km/2.75 miles
Time: 2 hours

Explore The Buck

3. Meall Odhar, Argyll

Situated about 3 km to the west of Tyndrum, Meall Odhar is an amazing choice for those who enjoy a rewarding view after a long hike. The summit provides sights looking down on the heathery slopes of Meall Odhar, with Loch Hoil below. The hike is not too steep although the wet grass and mud can make the ascent up quite slippery. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, keep your eyes peeled for roe buck, buzzards, ravens and much more.

Height: 656 m (2,152 ft)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Time: 4.5 hours

Explore Meall Odhar

5. Beinn Shiantaid, Isle of Jura

Wake up, pack up and start hiking the magnificent Beinn Shiantaidh. This Graham is one of the Paps of Jura along with the Corbett Beinn an Oir and the Graham Beinn a' Chaolais and is the second highest peak of the mountain range. Make sure you set your alarm nice and early for this one, the route takes several hours to complete, so pack plenty of food and water in your rucksack to keep your energy levels up. Start the route from the parking area on the north side of the Three Arch Bridge over the Corran River. The walk is a great one to climb on a clear day, as it can be particularly challenging in heavy rain with its boggy ground, rocks, and scree paths on the hills.

Of course, if you're not quite ready to climb a Graham just yet there are plenty of flatter walks to be enjoyed. Take the short 6 km walk to the loch and admire the view of the Paps.

Height: 757 m (2,483 ft)
Distance: 16.5 km/10.25 miles
Time: 9 - 10 hours

Explore Beinn Shiantaid

7. Mór Bheinn, Perthshire

Another iconic Graham to climb is Mór Bheinn. This craggy hill lies on the south side of Strath Earn between St Fillans and Comrie. Start your walk from Glen Artney church car park then head along the old railway bridge before climbing up the forestry track. Although the climb is quite steep, it's very pleasant with a choice of good views to admire and the trees will provide lots of shade, especially during the summer months. At the end of the track, you'll pass through Sron na Maoile, Sròn Nam Broighleag and then to Creag na h-Eararuidh before climbing over a few deer fences to reach its summit. It may be a tough climb, but you won't be disappointed with the views. Fill your camera roll with stunning shots of Glen Artney which looks out towards Uamh Bheag.

Height: 640 m (2,101 ft)
Distance: 17.3 km/11 miles
Time: 6.5 - 7 hours

Explore Mór Bheinn