The first 'list' of mountains in Scotland was compiled by Sir Hugh Munro. He identified mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet high, and set about compiling a list of them. No-one seems to know why he chose 3000 feet, but no-one questions his choice. Most hill walkers are well aware of the result - a book of Munro's Tables that has evolved through several editions. This has led to the increasingly popular sport of Munro-bagging, which involves attempting to climb all the 277 separate mountains over 3000 feet that are listed in Munro's Tables, and are commonly known as 'Munros'.
Munro did not define what criteria he used for including a hill in his list. He divided the summits into two categories - separate mountains and mere 'tops' - but did not define either.
Munro's tables have been revised several times since they were first published. Some revisions have simply reflected more accurate and up-to-date maps, but some appear to be arbitrary modifications to the original list.
Munro, however ignored England and Wales - we have not and include in the database mountains over 3000', that could be considered separate mountains, in England, Ireland and Wales. These mountains have been referred to as English Munros and Tops, Irish Munros and Tops and Welsh Munros and Tops.
Last updated 28th November 2002