Part of what makes hillwalking so enjoyable is having such a clear and tangible objective – reaching the summit – but what about the rewards? For our latest gallery, we’ve picked out some of what we think are Scotland’s greatest summit views.
Rois-bheinn
The combination of mountain and sea is an irresistible one. There are a whole string of remarkable viewpoints along Scotland’s western seaboard, including Beinn Sgulaird, Beinn Sgritheall, Ladhar Bheinn and Beinn Resipol. Omitting your favourite summit from any of those may be hard to forgive, but our pick from such viewpoints is Rois-bheinn. The view over Lochailort and out to the Small Isles and Skye is quite unforgettable.
Bruach na Frithe
The Cuillin is Scotland’s most Alpine-like mountain range and the views from any of the summits along the ridge are incomparable for airy pinnacles and rocky grandeur, all backed by the sea. These are our most technically challenging summits to reach, but by good fortune one of the (comparatively!) straightforward ones has – we think – one of the best views. It is hard to decide which of the two directions looking along the ridge from Bruach na Frithe is the most breathtaking – to the peaks of Sgùrr nan Gillean and Am Basteir, or all along the winding ridge to Gars-bheinn.
Ben A’an
In terms of the ratio between effort expended and spectacular views, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has a couple of celebrated contenders. Many people might opt for the view along the islands set along the Highland Boundary Fault as seen from Conic Hill above Balmaha. But we’ve plumped for the view over Loch Katrine from wee Ben A’an in the Trossachs.
Sgurr an Fhidhleir
Connoisseurs of Scotland’s mountains will tell you that Assynt and Coigach have some of Scotland’s most remarkable mountains – and viewpoints. The outline of Suilven makes it perhaps the best known, but arguably the best view is a little way down from the summit along the ridge. Instead we’ve opted for the lesser known Sgurr an Fhidhleir – the Fiddler’s Peak in Coigach; there’s no doubting that the very summit has the best view from the hill here, perched atop a mighty precipice and looking out across the void towards the peaks of Assynt.
Mullach an Rathain
Torridon is an incomparable area of sandstone peaks of enormous personality. Liathach is arguably the greatest of them all, with two Munro summits – we reckon the view from the western peak – Mullach an Rathain – trumps that from its higher sibling. It benefits from being closer to the sea on the one hand, whilst giving the great satisfaction of the view back along that stunning ridge traverse on the other. For a nearby option for a great view that is marginally easier to reach, check out Beinn Dàmh.
Lì a Tuath
We simply had to include a summit from the Western Isles, but which to go for? Heaval on Barra offers a comprehensive view over an entire (sublimely beautiful) island, whilst Clisham offers views over all the glories of Harris. But we’ve opted for a panorama over the incredible waterscapes of North Uist. Eaval is the highest summit here, but is it possible that the outlook from Lì a Tuath (North Lee) is even better?
Beinn Airigh Charr
Here’s a real personal favourite. The lengthy approach to Beinn Airigh Charr is well rewarded by incredible views, whetting your appetite for longer expeditions into the Letterewe and Fisherfield Forest wilderness areas to the north or the Torridon mountains seen across Loch Maree.
Bidein a’ Ghlas Thuill
Many people will tell you that An Teallach is Scotland’s greatest mountain. Arguably the lower peak of Sgùrr Fiona (seen on the right in this view) is its finest summit, but it is best seen – along with the pinnacles of Corrag Buidhe – from the highest summit, Bidein a’ Ghlas Thuill – a real classic.
A’ Mhaighdean
Many hillwalkers would argue passionately for or against many of the summits on this list – but when asked for the finest viewpoint amongst the Munros, there seems to be a broad consensus. A’ Mhaighdean is also one of the two remotest Munros, at the heart of the Fisherfield Forest, but it is for its unforgettable view over the Fionn Loch to the sea that it is most celebrated.
Sgùrr na Strì
Yes, I know, we’ve talked about the Cuillin already. But really, the best view of them all isn’t from the main ridge – or from anything like that altitude. Diminutive Sgùrr Na Strì may only reach 494m in height, but it’s proof that – when it comes to mountains – size doesn’t matter. Reaching it requires a long and quite rugged walk, but the rewards are immense.