Scotland is the United Kingdom’s second largest country (part of UK). It has over 790 islands, stunning landscapes, and hundreds of frigid mountains. The country’s mountain ranges created numerous closely spaced high peaks. Scotland’s highest points and the majority of the country are covered by ice sheets throughout the winter and sometimes even the summer.
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland, with a height of 1,344 metres. Many of Scotland’s highest peaks (mountains) can be found in mountain ranges, including the Highlands and Cairngorms. Several of the highest mountains in the British Isles can be found in the Highlands, which are shaped by their generally steep terrain.
List of Highest Mountains in Scotland
| Rank | Mountains | Location | Height (m) | Height (Ft) | Prominence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Nevis | Near to the town Fort William | 1344 m | 4409 feet | 1344 m |
| 2 | Ben Macdui | Southern edge of the Cairn Gorm plateau | 1309 m | 4295 feet | 950 m |
| 3 | Braeriach | Western massif of the Cairngorms | 1296 m | 4252 feet | 461 m |
| 4 | Cairn Toul | Western massif of the Cairngorms | 1291 m | 4236 feet | 166 m |
| 5 | Sgor an Lochain Uaine | Cairngorms | 1258 m | 4127 feet | 118 m |
| 6 | Cairn Gorm | Near Aviemore | 1244 m | 4081 feet | 145 m |
| 7 | Aonach Beag | 3 km from Ben Nevis | 1234 m | 4049 feet | 404 m |
| 8 | Aonach Mor | 3 km from Ben Nevis on south side of Gien Spean | 1221 m | 4006 feet | 134 m |
| 9 | Carn Mor Dearg | Near to Fort William in Lochaber, Highaland | 1220 m | 4003 feet | 165 m |
| 10 | Ben Lawers | Scottish Highlands | 1214 m | 3983 feet | 909 m |
Interesting Facts about Mountains in Scotland
- Scotland is known for Munros—mountains that stand over 3,000 feet (914 meters). There are 282 Munros, and “Munro-bagging” is a favorite among walkers.
- The tallest mountain in Scotland and the United Kingdom, Ben Nevis reaches 1,345 meters (4,413 feet). Each year, it draws thousands of climbers and walkers.
- The wildlife in Scottish mountains is different; it includes golden eagles, ptarmigans, and mountain hares whose coats change colors with the seasons.
- Some of the oldest rocks in the world are found in the Scottish Highlands, which dates back more than 3 billion years.
- Most of Scotland’s mountains were formed during the Ice Age by glaciers, which formed dramatic peaks and ridges and deep glens.
- The Cairngorms form the largest national park in the UK and are home to five of Scotland’s highest peaks.
- Several Scottish mountains, such as Schiehallion (also known as the “Fairy Hill”), have strong folklore and myths surrounding them.
- Climbers know that, in Scotland’s mountains, nothing is more unpredictably changeable than the weather.
