In 1891, Sir Hugh T Munro published his list of Scotland's 283 mountains higher than 3000ft (1000m). The list has been argued about ever since - when is a summit the 'top' of a mountain as opposed to being a mountain in its own right, blah, blah, blah - and the list now stands at 277 peaks.

This Munro claimed 37 cardiac victims on 3rd January 1991

The practice of Munro Bagging (climbing the 3000ft peaks) started soon after the list was published, and by 1901, a vigorous reverend had climbed the lot. This rather excessive example of the protestant work ethic became strangely addictive, and these days Munro Bagging has become a national passion. Speculate on a Munro record and it has probably been attempted, from 'first chain-smoker to scale the peaks on rollerblades' to 'quickest ascent by a dwarf in drag'. The fastest circuit of the 277 peaks occured in 1988 and took just 66 days.

You would need to be closely related to a mountain goat to come close to beating this record, but Munro's offer some wonderful walking, fresh air and great views, so there's no reason why any reasonably fit visitor shouldn't bag a few during a visit to Scotland.

Photograph © Tony Wheeler

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