GPS data for Routes to Munros and Munro Tops
(other UK mountain summits to be added)

Revision information

If you want to contact me, remove the NOT from the  e-mail address provided by links.

From 2004, a revised number sequence has been used that does not depend on the sequence of Munros in The Tables (different for the 1981/90 and 1997 tables - contact me for further information).  For these summits, there is always an M to identify Munros.

New walks (in progress):  
Section 1: Beinn Chabhair
Ben Oss
Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin

Section 4: Mullach nan Coirean

 

Data is provided for private use only; please contact me, Henry Marston, if you wish to use the data for commercial purposes; there may be copyright implications for the original data.

GPS data using OS format for Garmin GPS units using the precise format required by PCX5 software.
Also loadable to Magellan and other GPS brands using inter alia
GPS Utility,
a shareware product written by Alan Murphy
(contactable via his site).
(There is a restricted freeware version and a full bells-and-whistles version available on payment of a fee).

Format of GPS data - the 6 character identification code, 10 digit Grid Reference, height, truncated name (16 characters) and data point symbol. Spurious dates and times are included as required in the PCX5 format.

Use the back button on your browser to return to this page after downloading a file

 

The Sections of Scotland

 

GPS routes

The descriptions of Munro routes in books or on CD's are a basis for planning, not a recipe to be followed exactly without deviation. At times, the book does indicate how the fit can add extra Munros, or alternative lines of approach. It would be impracticable to provide waypoint data for every alternative. These route files are intended to be used in conjunction with map and compass, not as a substitute. It is proposed that the files will give the waypoints of key points, starting ar a car park, the path from that car park, key changes in direction (including the bottom and top of steep climbs and bends on ridges) and summits (Munros and Tops on the route). Particular attention is to be taken to routes down, e.g. where to leave a ridge, or re-enter a forest. Note that changes can occur as the authorities change or create car parks (as for Slioch), and new paths can be created (such as the motorway from Poolewe to Carnmore). For junctions, the waypoint should be (say) 20 m after the junction so that you know what route to take, provided that this does not cause problems for the reverse route. OK if there is a fork/branch; not good if there is a crossing at which you have to turn.


More routes to follow (2 files, waypoint data and collated waypoints as routes). I am compiling some: I need more! (some may be coming...)

Derivation of route waypoints
During a walk I generate waypoints (when I deliberately mark a point such as a summit or cairn / path junction) and track points at (generally) 2 minute intervals. From the computer plot at home I then identify the waypoints to put in the route file.

Numbering scheme for route waypoints.
Principles:
Distinct waypoints should have a unique code.
The code should be logical and progressive through a walk, to simplify route entry.
To avoid confusion, it should be linked to the code for the Munro (Corbett /Graham/Other).

Also, when uploading to the GPS, and in particular when selecting waypoints for a specific walk, the code should be logically sequential.

Format of Route Waypoint Code
The first 3 or 4 characters of the 6-character code normally correspond to the code for the highest hill on the route, e.g. A14 for the An Caisteal and Beinn a' Chroin route. Beinn Tulaichean and Cruach Ardrain can be approached from north or south; Route A17 visits Beinn Tulaichean first, but Cruach Ardrain first on Route A18 The file name incorporates this code plus an abbreviated Munro name. The route waypoints are then numbered 0 to 9 (i.e. start at 0, car park. First section is to waypoint 1, next to 2, etc), presented as A14-0, A14-1, etc. A14-9 is followed by A14-A, A14-B, etc. (I prefer to keep the spacer rather than use A1410). For Corbetts, the spacer is C rather than the hyphen (-). A top cannot be the highest summit on the route if it includes the parent Munro.  From 2004, a revised number sequence has been used that does not depend on the sequence of Munros in The Tables (different for the 1981/90 and 1997 tables - contact me for further information).  For these summits, there is always an M to identify Munros.


The nature of the waypoint is incorporated into the 16-character description, abbreviated to suit, with appropriate waypoint symbols (as depicted on my Garmin GPS 12): car for car park, fish for stream, boat for loch/lochan, EXIT for stile (key to a retreat), cross in circle for cairn and (red) cross for a summit. In the description, a rake is where the route follows a steep but defined path up a steep slope, often up the side of a corrie.

Where there are multiple routes, the sixth digit is used to distinguish as here routes A, B and C, as necessary, or where the routes are quire distinct the code for a lesser hill may be used. Thus, three routes for Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chielb are given: A09A the sporty route, A09B also up the NW ridge, and A08 (the code for Beinn a'Chielb) for the route to the intermediate bealach, left for Ben Lui, right for Beinn a'Chielb. For the first two routes, all but three waypoints are common, the A or B subscript only being used for these points, viz (to first summit)
A09-0, A09-1, A09-2A, A09-3A, A09-4A, A09-5, A09-6, A09-7 (NW top - deleted), A09-8 (Ben Lui), and
A09-0, A09-1, A09-2B, A09-3B, A09-4B, A09-5, A09-6, A09-7, A09-8.
The third route is quite distinct, sharing a limited number of waypoints and in quite a different order (after 0 and 1).
This route format is reasonably easy to enter into a Garmin GPS 12 if the waypoint file has been uploaded previously. Enter waypoint A09-0, then A09-0, and then try to enter A09-2. You will be offered A09-2A; if necessary change the last character to A09-2B and continue.

It is necessary for the walker to collate the GPS waypoints into the particular route that is being followed.
References: SMC = the Munros, the SMC Hillwalker's Guide (1992). CM = The Munros Scotland's Highest Mountains, Cameron McNeish (1997)

For an up-and-down route, once you reach the furthest summit select Invert route (as Ben Challum, Moruisg). For a figure of 9, follow the route until you get back onto the upward route. Then invert the route and (if necessary) select GoTo the next waypoint. More difficult are routes that go to a col, up to one summit, return to the col and then go to a second summit (as West Letterewe for Ruadh Stac Mor and a' Mhaighdean). Ben Lui offers even more options. It is probably easiest to identify a new route to the second summit; otherwise the GPS unit may become confused if you define a single route, requiring you to repeatedly use the GoTo command to identify the next waypoint.

More routes to follow (as one waypoint data file with necessary information). I am compiling some: I need more! (some may be coming...)

Section 1

Ben Lui and Beinn a' Chielbh (Note: Ben Lui NW top is now a deleted top, code X)
Three routes are offered:

A: the 'sporting' route up the W ridge keeping N of Eas Daimh for 1.4 km in the forest
In each case, return to bealach from
Beinn a'Chielb and follow path to forest

B: Standard route: Cross Eas Daimh at A09-2B and follow the boggy path to the stile at A09-4B before tackling the W ridge (A09-3B is a dummy to synchronise routes A and B for when they meet up again at A09-5)

or C the simple T-route to the bealach, left, return, right
A08-0 to
A08-4, summit at A08-6, return via A08-7 to A08-8, A08-9, return to A08-4 and reverse route to A08-0

An Caisteal and Beinn a' Chroin
Note: there is some debate as to which nobble on the intriguing summit ridge of Beinn a' Chroin corresponds to the highest point. Hence five points are identified (visit them all until the matter is resolved in the next Munro tables....).
A14-9, A14-A, A14-B, A14-C, A14-D are the summits identified as 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 respectively in Hunt the Munro. (A16XE has not been deleted officially, but it does seem to be lower than nearby summits 4 and 5.)

 

A17 Beinn Tulaichean plus Cruach Ardrain
from Balquhidder / Loch Voil / Inverlochlarig
A17-0 is the car park, A17-1 and A17-2 are through the farm, A17-3 is an assumed location of a gateway on a fence across the hill. We crossed the fence about 50 m to the west; if you go through the gateway you would pick up a footpath and avoid some steep grass. If you get a GPS waypoint for the gateway, let me know. Follow ridge through Beinn Tulaichean (A17-6), pass bealach (A17-9) to a path junction (A17-7), cross to Cruach Ardrain (A17-8). Return to path junction (A17-7) and bealach (A17-9) - listed here because waypoint is at exit point down hillside rather than on ridge path. Drop to track (A17-A) and return to farm.

A18 Cruach Ardrain plus Beinn Tulaichean
from Crianlarich.

 

 

A12M, A13M: Beinn Oss, Beinn Dubhchraig

Waypoint file to be added

Comment on route: 

After crossing the railway, the route through the Caledonian Forest runs parallel to the river to a bridge across the side-stream that you follow (keeping to the right) to the ridge leading to Beinn Dubhchraig

From the lochan below Beinn Dubhchraig, follow the ridge, dropping steeply to the bealach before the 'knobbly' top.  The main path then leads to the left (SW) crossing a corrie and eventually reaching the S ridge. You stay about 350 m from the summit until you head up the ridge. If follow this main path, the best route to the summit is probably to go up the significant stream that you cross to a bealach on the ridge (between the main summit and the knobbly top), linking the double orange triangles on the map.

For the return, as an alternative to climbing to the lochan below Beinn Dubhchraig, take the steep grassy slope down the north slope just before the start of the climb from the main bealach. The 'Easy Way Down' is to the right (E) of a buttress.  Initially go between two streams, then go right, crossing (fording) the river to a gate leading to/through a farm with green shed roofs. As there is no bridge, this route would be difficult if the river is in spate. After going under the railway, the road to the right leads to a ford over a side-stream; the road to the left may lead to a bridge.  Follow road past buildings to car park.

Key: Orange triangles: GPS waypoints (will be specified)
Dark bluepoints and line: GPS trackpoints (our route)
Green diamonds and line: route from SMC's CD  

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

A14M  Beinn Chabhair

Waypoint file to be added

Comment on route: 

Main problem seems to be parking: if you are camping at the farm, it is easy. Alternatively, be a good customer of the hotel/bar to the south of the driveway to the farm. There is an opening for an angled driveway 500 m north (west of road).

After the steep climb to 300 m, follow to left of stream (possibly cutting across country/marsh) to path up shallow corrie to lochan.  When overlooking it, head uphill to undulating ridge.  After 3 or 4 bealachs, arrive at summit cairn.  

Key: Orange triangles: GPS waypoints (will be specified)
Dark bluepoints and line: GPS trackpoints (our route)
Green diamonds and line: route from SMC's CD

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

A29M/A30M

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin

Waypoint file to be added

Comment on route: Follow paved route from loch, through gardens and up hill to 700 m. Route then goes through a badly eroded gully (no doubt soon to be made into steps) before emerging on the N ridge for a normal ridge walk. Follow path to trig point, which is probably higher than the summit cairn 100 m away on the narrow summit ridge. To continue to Stuc a' Chroin, return to trig point and head to wall of rock to SE. The bold will go up the buttress. The Easy Way Up described in the guidebooks is not obvious, but probably starts from the dog-leg in the track on the map below. Instead, we followed the path round to the E side of the buttress, a steep corrie behind the crags.  A good stepped path follows up, albeit steeply, crossing from the right to the left.  In a year or two, it will probably be badly eroded.  After visiting  Stuc a' Chroin (the summit is the Eastern cairn, next to bottom orange triangle), we returned to the memorial cairn at the top of the northern buttress.  Looking down the Easy Way Up (Down), it is a steep loose path. The (now) Easy Way Down is via the corrie to the west (the W-most waypoint) that leads to a path that follows round the NW ridge of Ben Vorlich eventually leading back to the motorway at about the base of the badly eroded gully.  The cognoscenti have left the cross-path just before the short climb to the motorway and dropped down to a  path that has been marked with white posts as the requested route to avoid the lower part of the corrie (the path from Stuc a' Chroin is higher and therefore not liable to cause problems). 

Key: Orange triangles: GPS waypoints (will be specified)
Dark bluepoints and line: GPS trackpoints (our route)
Green diamonds and line: route from SMC's CD  

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

 

 

Section 2

Ben Challum
B28-2 is first deer fence stile
B28-4 is a stake at the top of path for route down
From B28-5 (South top) cross gully to B28-6 and follow ridge to B28-7. Then invert route (pass by B28-5)

Beinn a' Chreachain and Beinn Achaladair
A: Stalking Season: we followed the requested route, following the track to a higher crossing point -
with 2 alternative waypoints B38-2A, B38-3A (hence this route has the A subscript).

B: Normal Route: from Meall Buidhe skirt Beinn Achaladair to B38-9 for route avoiding steep ground with crags (especially in poor visibility or if reversing the route).

 

Ben Lawers Area

B11 Meall Buidhe

Walk up hillside from dam. At ridge, bear left. Note, on the return, if you ignore a path junction you will contour round the hillside on a deteriorating path

B18 Meall Corranaich and Meall a-Choire Leith

Start is near a prominent cairn, lay-by just beyond (coming from visitor centre), path just before cairn from road - not passing cairn itself

B15 Meall Greigh and Meall Garbh

We parked on grass verge near the hotel....

Warning: what on the map looks a simple extension to add the 'new' Munro An Stuc is deceptive. Descend from Meall Garbh to the bealach below An Stuc. There is then a well defined path half left up An Stuc that suddenly becomes very steep and loose, and very exposed. There are several corries; it may be that the 'easy' one was filled with snow when we were there, but I am not convinced. Alternative routes from the bealach are (a) contour right to the NW ridge of An Stuc (I believe there is a path in summer, but it was a steep snow field in May) or (b) drop down to Lochan nan Cat, go SW and reascend to the bealach between An Stuc and Creag an Fhithich. Option (b) uses waypoints B15-A, B15-X, B15-Y, B15-Z, then return to B15-Y and either to B15-A or continue the walk to Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas. Note: B15-X, B15-Y, B15-Z are read from map, not electronic waypoints.

Section 3
Meall a' Bhuiridh
from White Corries car park

Section 4

D17M (and D16T)
Mullach nan Coirean and SE Top

Waypoint file to be added 

Comment on route: Go 10 m along forest road from Glen Nevis road, follow 'Forest Walk' path parallel to stream, near forest edge.  When you reach the forest road (again) more or less on the bend, follow it up round the bend and enjoy the only surfaced, level 800 m of the route.  Ignore the forest road to the left, and continue until the climbing path is reached. there are 3 access points (a) a well constructed staircase (with cairn) just before the road corner, (b) a muddy steep scramble (also cairned) after the corner, (c) the steep path from the end of the road, to the left of the stream, as described in the Munros Guide.  All three link to a path above the bank to the left of the road and later the stream, leading to a stile to the hillside where the deer fence leads up to the NE ridge. 

 

Section 5

Sgairneach Mhor
Route: E01-0 to E01-4, then invert route (unless proceeding to Beinn Udlamain)

Section 6
A Corbett! Ben Gulabin

Section 7
White Mounth and Carn an t-Sagairt Mor

There is a question as to the 'true' summit of Carn an t-Sagairt Mor - there are 2 cairns 70 m apart, the guide implies that the northern cairn (G25-52, on the line of a fence) is the summit; the SMC disc gives the southern cairn (G25-51). Note here the 5 is the sequence number, the 1 and 2 are "either or's", rather than using the A, B of different routes (see Hunt the Munro)

Section 8
Derry Cairngorm from Linn of Dee

Section 9
Monadh Laith
I21 A' Chailleach and Carn Sgulain

There are two cairn on Carn Sgulain; the western one (the first you reach from A' Chailleach) seems to be the higher.

 

Section 10
Sron a' Choire Ghairdh and Meall na Teanga
from the north (Kilfinnan - £1.00 parking charge at farm)
Gleourich and Spidean Mialach

Section 11
Beinn Fhada. From car park in forest at end of public road (SMC) (signed as a private road); there is a 'preferred' car park, signed for the Falls, at Morvich.

Section 12

L16 - Moruisg Start from lay by on rebuilt road (L16-0) Railway underpass (L16-1) Grassy slope (L16-2 to L16-7) strike for summit (L16-8). The SMC and CM routes proceed to Sgurr nan Ceannaichean, but we did them separately! Note: SMC description says leave stalker's path: the route up Moruisg now appears to be the main path, rather than needing to leave the stalker's path.

L20 - Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr a' Chaorachain

Section 14

N01 - Slioch route (by way of example of a GARMIN route file) - old identification format

Slioch waypoint SMC There is now a (clearly signed) car park at Incheril, from which the route starts. CM: Twin Lochans near N02-5 now seem to be a single lochan. Follows round to Sgurr anTuill Bhain, the exit (N02-A) being close to but probably not optimal - if there is a cairn, please let me know its location). From N02-B rejoin up route.

West Letterewe: a'Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mor
SMC, CM: Route from Poolewe rather than Inveran. After Kernsary, follow forest road to (new) signed path. New crossing point on Strathan Buidhe.
The bivouac at the bealach is at waypoint N05-F.

Section 15

O11 - Seanna Bhraigh
From Inverleal, park on 'old' road to north of access gate.
Through forest, fork left over river, then left again up steep track near O11-1 to gain ridge
Cross moorland to line of lochans through cleft in hills (O11-4 ideal campsites!), follow to end of path (O11-5), follow undulating plateau/slope down to gap in (low) rocks (around O11-6), cross bealach skirting high cliffs to Seanna Bhraigh ridge (O11-9).

O06 Others in area - missing Beinn Dearg!
From first lochan, through cleft then over ridge, down and up, down again then the long slope to Am Faochagach. Return to lochan outfall, round the back up a steep grassy gully to Cona' Mheall. Easy slopes to Meall nan Ceapraichean. Homeward bound; just a gentle walk over an intermediate top, down and up again. But, that intermediate top was a boulder field, the slope down through crags when not over boulders - less than enjoyable. Climb from stream to Eididh nan Clach Geala restored confidence. Cross bealach, then down ridge to path - drop early to avoid boulders. This route may not be optimum, but it worked. Contact me for more details

The data in these files are provided as waypoints (rather than routes). So, while you are at home, you plan the routes you are likely to attempt and upload the appropriate waypoint files into your GPS unit from your PC. Route files can be used to create waypoints, but the information is truncated, at least the symbol being omitted, possibly also the description. Another problem is that you would have to concatenate the appropriate (up to 20) route files as ROUTE 01, ROUTE 02 in sequence, or edit the required files with the appropriate route number (quite tedious).

So in reality you load the required waypoints (as offered) and compose your routes by selecting an empty or obsolete route in ROUTES SETUP. Then enter the waypoint identification codes in sequence. Make it the active route, and away you go. At the summit of an out-and-back route tell the GPS to reverse the route and back you come.

 

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken in preparing these list, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions.

Background information page

Details of GPS file format

Contact me: Henry Marston

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Updated 6 August, 2002