Whether you’re tackling your first hill, or working on bagging them all, here are some of the best-known Munros within easy reach of Pitlochry.
First things first: what is a Munro?
A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres) high. There are currently 282 Munros across Scotland, each offering its own combination of terrain, weather and views.
You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy Scotland's hills, but Munro days should always be taken seriously. Conditions can change quickly, paths can become difficult to follow and the weather at the summit can be very different from what you experienced at the start.
The reward? Huge Highland views, a sense of achievement and the feeling that you've properly escaped into the landscape.
The Munros near Pine Trees
Schiehallion
Approx. 24 miles from Pine Trees | 1,083m | Allow around 4–6 hours
One of the most recognisable mountains in Perthshire, Schiehallion makes an excellent introduction to Munro bagging. Its distinctive, almost symmetrical shape rises above Loch Rannoch, and the summit gives wonderful views across the surrounding Highland landscape. The route from the Braes of Foss is around 10km and typically takes 4–6 hours. From Pitlochry, the drive is approximately 24 miles and takes around 40 minutes, making it a very manageable day trip from Pine Trees. It's worth remembering that 'easier' is a relative term when you're talking about Scottish mountains. The weather can change quickly, particularly on the exposed upper slopes, so come prepared.
Good for: Your first Munro, classic Highland scenery and a rewarding day without an enormous mileage.
Beinn a' Ghlo
Approx. 12 miles from Pine Trees | up to 1,122m | Allow around 8–10 hours
For something more ambitious, head towards Blair Atholl and the Beinn a' Ghlo range.
This is a proper mountain day. The classic route from Loch Moraig takes in three Munro summits — Càrn Liath, Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar — making it a brilliant choice if you're looking to tick several Munros in one outing.
The full circuit is around 22km with approximately 1,400m of ascent and generally takes 8–10 hours. It is not technically difficult in good conditions, but it is long, exposed and committing, so it's best suited to experienced hillwalkers who are comfortable navigating in changing weather.
Good for: Experienced walkers, ticking three Munros in one day and a full day immersed in the Perthshire hills.
Ben Lawers
Approx. 28 miles from Pine Trees | 1,214m | Allow a full day
Further west, the Ben Lawers range offers some of the highest ground in Perthshire and a spectacular mountain landscape around Loch Tay.
The journey from Pitlochry to the Lawers area is around 28 miles by road, taking approximately 35 minutes to reach the Lawers area, before beginning your chosen hill route. The range contains several Munros, so there are different routes and combinations to choose from depending on your experience and how much time you have.
Good for: A bigger mountain day, expansive views and walkers looking to explore beyond the hills immediately surrounding Pitlochry.
Not a Munro, but don't overlook Ben Vrackie
If you're staying at Pine Trees and want to experience a mountain day without committing to a full Munro, Ben Vrackie is the obvious choice. Rising to 841 metres above Pitlochry, this well-known Corbett can be reached directly from Moulin, just outside the town. The standard route is around 10km, with approximately 780m of ascent, and takes around 3½–4½ hours.
The path takes you through woodland before opening onto moorland, with the final section becoming considerably steeper as you climb towards the summit. From the top, you're rewarded with panoramic views across Pitlochry and the surrounding Highlands.
It's a particularly good option if you want a taste of mountain walking before tackling a longer Munro day.
Good for: First-time hillwalkers, a shorter day in the hills and anyone who wants spectacular views without committing to a full-day expedition.
What to pack in your Munro bag
The trick to a good hill day is packing for the weather you might get, rather than the weather you can see from your bedroom window.
Scottish mountain weather can change quickly, and even on a summer's day you may encounter wind, rain, cloud and much cooler temperatures as you gain height.
Here's our Munro bag checklist:
The essentials
Water- Bring plenty for the day. A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder makes it easy to keep drinking as you walk.
Food and snacks - A proper packed lunch, plus snacks for the climb. Think sandwiches, oat bars, fruit, chocolate, nuts or whatever keeps your energy levels up. If you ask our team, they will be happy to prep a packed lunch for you to take away.
Waterproof jacket and trousers - Not just a jacket. A waterproof outer layer for your legs can make a huge difference when the weather turns.
Warm layer - A fleece or insulated layer is worth carrying even when it's warm at the car park.
Hat and gloves - Yes, even in summer. They take up very little room and can make a cold summit considerably more comfortable.
Spare socks - One of the simplest additions to your bag and one you'll be very glad you packed if your feet get wet.
Sturdy walking boots - Choose footwear with good grip and ankle support. Trainers are not a good substitute for proper hillwalking footwear on a Munro.
Navigation - Don't rely solely on your phone. Carry an OS map and compass and know how to use them. Download your route for offline use before leaving signal behind.
Fully charged phone - Ideally carry a portable power bank too. Your phone can be useful for navigation and emergencies, but battery life can disappear surprisingly quickly in cold weather.
Headtorch - Even if you expect to be back well before dark. Delays happen, and a headtorch is a small piece of kit that can make a very big difference.
First-aid kit - Keep a small one in your bag, including blister plasters.
Sun protection - Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm are all worth packing. Mountain conditions don't need to feel warm for the sun to be strong.
Emergency essentials - Carry a whistle, emergency shelter and a basic survival/emergency kit, particularly on longer or more remote routes.
And a few things that make the day better
A flask of something warm.
A sit mat for your lunch stop.
Walking poles if you like the extra support on steep or uneven ground.
A small rubbish bag so everything you bring up comes back down with you.
And, if you're staying at Pine Trees with a four-legged walking companion, don't forget water and a collapsible bowl, plenty of treats and a towel for muddy paws.
Before you set off
Check the mountain forecast and route conditions before leaving. Don't be tempted to judge conditions at the summit by what the weather looks like in Pitlochry.
Give yourself plenty of daylight, tell someone your plans and allow more time than you think you'll need.
And most importantly, know when to turn back. Reaching the summit is never more important than getting home safely.
From mountain top to fireside
One of the pleasures of Munro bagging from Pine Trees is being able to come back to ultimate comfort. There's something particularly satisfying about returning to the warmth of the hotel after a day in the hills. Kick off your boots, leave the weather at the door and settle in. There are quiet corners to unwind in, flickering fireplaces to relax in front of and a comfortable bed ready for a well-earned night's sleep.
