In 1981, a gentleman by the name of Sir High Munro published a list in the The Scottish Moutnaineering Club Journal of 538 tops over 3,000 feet--283 of which he claimed merited status as separate mountains. Almost immediately the Ordnance Survey published their revised six-inch maps, and some discrepancies were found in Munro's tables. Munro himself began a revision of his tables but sadly died before he could complete his task. Since then, various people, committees and editors have made alterations to his list, based mainly on new surveys. In this book, Cameron McNeish has compiled an almanac handy enough to fit in your pocket or rucksack, providing information about the Munros. Each section contains information on accommodation, public transport to and within each area, the height and grid reference of each summit and even the pronunciation and meaning of each mountain, together with details of the most straightforward ascent route including approximate times, distances and ascent climbed.
The route details are not comprehensive directions, but more a rough outline of what McNeish considers to be the best route of ascent (and who am I to argue with his opionon?) used in conjuction with the relevant O.S. map, as indicated.
The author certainly achieves his objectives in that respect--and since "Munro-bagging" is now and established obsession with British hill walkers, this compact, easy-to-use and handy-to-pack book is an essential piece of equipment for any hill walker or climber wishing to emulate Cameron McNeish in bagging all the Munros. --Ben Naylor
