Final Report on Phase 1 (2003 – 2009)

The Munro Society has completed an initial survey of all 283 Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000 feet) in terms of their environmental quality (the MQI Project), and, by summer 2009 a total of 574 assessments had been compiled by Society members. (At the outset, there were 284 Munros listed, but recently this has been reduced to 283 with the deletion of Sgurr nan Ceannaichean, near Achnasheen, as a result of a re-survey by Society members).

The Munro Society came into existence in 2002, and from its inception, there was an aspiration to do a “health check” on the Munros. It was decided that criteria should be drawn up to measure the environmental status of the mountains. This would include environmental conditions, the state of the ecosystems, the effects of human influences (positive as well as negative), and the quality of the mountaineer’s experiences. This also allowed comparisons between individual mountains, or of different seasons and by different routes on the same mountain.

The features looked at in the assessments included access to the mountain, flora and fauna, drainage of the mountain, human influence (both past and present), degree of wildness and the mountaineers’ responses to their day on the hill.

A wide range of evidence has been recorded. Many examples on path erosion were noted, as well as on path restoration. Forestry plantations, over-grazing, hydro-electric schemes, features linked to downhill skiing, windfarms, pylons, and land management issues have all featured, and unsightly bulldozed tracks replacing discrete stalkers’ paths have been of particular concern. Beneficial aspects of designated areas such as SSSIs and National Nature Reserves, have also been noted, as well as felling of alien conifer plantations and replanting with native tree species.

The overall aim has been to try and quantify the various mountain qualities in an objective way, and the success of this approach is demonstrated where different reviewers have independently recorded similar scores on the same routes.

A more subjective approach is allowed, and even encouraged, however, in the category of Physical and Aesthetic Response, and this has encouraged a wide range of evidence, for example, a route chosen because it was “a repeat of a ridge 40 years after making the first recorded winter ascent (Grade 1 winter climb)”, or being part of a Munro ‘compleation’. 

Emerging themes over the period of the survey relate to results of extreme weather conditions (causing severe erosion events), the increasing popularity of mountain biking (sometimes inappropriately in sensitive high mountain environments), charity walks, and the emergence of windfarms. 

The quality of each mountain has been rated by scoring for each of the attributes covered, and the final scores fall into four categories (Category 4 representing the highest quality). The good news is that 12% of the Munros fall into category 4 (the bulk of these lying north west of the Great Glen together with a cluster in the Cairngorms National Park), and 72% are rated category 3. The hills causing more environmental concern are in category 2 (13%), although only 1% falls into category 1 (the worst category, with serious environmental concerns). While this gives an overall impression of good quality in our hills, there is no room for complacency, with one of the major threats in the coming years being the expansion of wind farms. Already, many of our Munros have a view of turbines somewhere on the horizon.

This work has already provided a unique and important database of the environmental conditions on the Scottish mountains early in the 21^st century. This will be of great value as increasing pressures are exerted on our upland areas, affecting wildlife habitats, carbon storage, and the economic value to be derived from tourism, amongst other things.

The aim is to monitor changes over time. Even during the period the assessments have been carried out, there have been significant changes. For example, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code was published, and two National Parks were established.  

Discussions were also held with other organisations, such as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), and some of the assessments coincided with reporting to the BTO's “Project Ptarmigan” in 2006. In discussions with SNH, it also emerged that the MQI criteria for degree of wildness is generally in line with SNH policy on wild land.

The Report includes full details of the 8 MQI criteria, the review form, a map of the 17 Munro Sections, an appendix which lists each Munro by Section (giving the score, date for each report received and a colour code denoting the season of the year during which the assessment was made). There is also a selection of completed MQI reviews.

The Society plans to continue the survey, and during Phase 2, over the next 5 years, it is hoped to greatly expand the database.

Further information can be obtained from John Burdin (01382 533146 or or by using the contact form here). Copies of the Report are available for sale at £15 (including postage and packing – cheques payable to The Munro Society)  from The Munro Society c/o 15, Ardestie Place, Monifieth, Angus DD5 4PS.