First Munro

Carin Gorm

We summited our first Munro today, and it was spectacular. In the US, the term for ascending to the tops of mountains is called, "peak bagging." Here in Scotland, you have bagged a Munro. The mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet in height are called the Munros. Named after Hugh Munro, the first person to compile a list of them in 1891. There are a total of 282 of them. The peak we bagged is in Caringorm National Park, the largest National Park in all of the UK. The mountain is named, naturally, Carin Gorm.

Owing to the northerly latitude of Scotland, and to the ever-present high winds, nothing grows on these peaks taller than an inch or two. They are all above tree line. And, they are dramatic as can be. Steep, windy, above tree line, clouds/sun, few people, and perilous cliffs. Carin Gorm is the sixth tallest Munro. By the way, during this hill walk, we happened upon the UK's only free-ranging herd of reindeer. As motivating as that was, Beth found herself more motivated by her desire for a big hot cup of cappuccino after the hill walk. We thought the day was terrific.