Hi, my name is James Coutts. I am a 27-Year-Old Railway Engineer from Inverness. I grew up in Grantown-On-Spey, a small town in the Scottish Highlands, eventually moving to Aviemore – a town known for its fantastic location next to the Cairngorm Mountains. I never fully appreciated what was on my doorstep until moving to Inverness for my work, this is where my Scottish Munro Journey began.
During the first lockdown of March 2020 – I spent a fair bit of time looking out my window at the famous local Munro Ben Wyvis. I wasn’t really an outdoors person, but vowed that once lockdown was lifted, I would climb it.
So, in June 2020, I went for it – armed with a new GoPro I decided to film the adventure. I probably underestimated the sheer size of Ben Wyvis as this was my first Munro, but eventually, I made it to the top. The views from up there were unbelievable! I had never seen anything like it, mountains as far as the eye could see. This was the exact moment I caught the bug; I knew I was going to try and climb all 282 Scottish Munros, and film the journey.
Since then, I have climbed 104 of the 282 Munros, and recorded the full journey so far on my YouTube Channel - I hope to complete the Munros on my 30th Birthday (October 2024).
The Challenge
There are 282 Scottish Munros, these are classified as mountains with elevation of over 3000ft or 914m. There is roughly 170,000m of ascent included (This is equal to climbing Everest from Sea Level 18 times!) and the total distance covered is around 1700 Miles, depending on which routes you take.
I aim to film the whole journey and hopefully inspire others to get out and enjoy the Great Outdoors.
What does the outdoors means to you?
The Scottish Mountains have become a huge part of my life, if you would have told me 2-3 years ago that my biggest passion is getting out to different corners of Scotland and bouncing up and down mountains then I would never have believed you!
For me the outdoors means freedom, it takes my mind off the day-to-day stresses of life. While I am out hiking my mind is focused, and that is on taking in the views and getting to the top – that’s why I love it so much.
What inspired you to take on all 282 Munros?
One of the main reasons is exercise, I am a long-term sufferer of anxiety and getting outside and exploring is a fantastic way to keep my mental health in check. I love going to the different areas of Scotland that I would never have otherwise seen.
The Munro Challenge gives you a real sense of achievement, it’s a great feeling ticking that Munro off the list after a day on the mountains. Even after 100 + Munros, I still get that excited feeling when I reach the top. It can be an addictive hobby!
The scenery in Scotland is also incredible – I love sharing my adventures through video, hopefully inspiring others to get out there, but also to look back at for my own memories.
What has been your favourite Munro so far and why?
Not so much a single Munro, but the Ring of Steall from Glen Nevis (near Fort William) is a fantastic day out taking in Four Munros in a day. The route has it all, the second-highest waterfall in Scotland (Steall Falls), a wire rope bridge, some airy ridge scrambling – and brilliant views over to the Highest Mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. To be honest, I enjoy every trip in the Mountains, I don’t think I’ve had a dull day yet – every Munro is different and enjoyable in its own way!
Watch James' adventure at the Ring of Steall
Why is Scotland such a great place for hiking and climbing?
For me personally it is variety – the landscape in Scotland changes dramatically in the different areas. From the rugged Cuillin Mountains on Skye to the rolling plateaus of the Cairngorms. There really is something for everyone, whether you are an advanced climber or just want a gentle walk, you are guaranteed amazing scenery.
There are Mountains in Scotland that have a great feeling of remoteness, with no civilisation or roads in sight. You get a real sense of adventure in these locations – it’s almost magical when you are the only person for miles around.
Scotland also has a bit of unpredictability about it, you can get pretty much four seasons of weather at any time of the year – but I think that adds to the challenge!
Do you prefer the Scottish highlands in summer or winter?
Tough question! I would have to go with Winter - there is something incredible about a blue-sky day when the Mountains have a winter coat on! Winter in Scotland becomes more mountaineering than hillwalking, so you must make sure you are prepared and stay within your limits . There are plenty of fantastic courses to teach you the required skills to get out into the Mountains in winter.
What are your plans for future adventures
If I get to complete & film the Munros then I would love to go on and do something big. I have always had a fascination with climbing Mont Blanc, the glacier crossings look amazing! But I also want to do some long-distance trails in Scotland such as the West Highland Way or maybe even the Cape Wrath Trail.
What's in the pack?
My kit is forever changing, but I think I’ve got it pretty much how I want it; the conditions can still change quickly up the Munros (even in summer) so I like to be overprepared
1. Mountain Equipment Saltoro Waterproof Jacket
2. Berghaus Maitland Waterproof Overtrousers
5. Osprey Hikelite 32L Daypack
6. Scarpa Maverick Waterproof Walking Boots
7 & 8. Gloves & Hat
1 & 2. Headtorch & Spare Batteries
3, 4 & 6. Map, Compass & GPS
10 & 11. Midge Spray & Midge Net (ESSENTIAL in Scotland!)
2. Goggles
3,4,6,7,8. Extra Insulating Layers & Spare Hat/Gloves
It is also essential that you know how to use ice axe & crampons correctly, so I would recommend taking part in a Winter skills Course. I personally used Scottish Rock & Water based in the Highlands.
What is your advice to anyone wanting to start Hiking/Munro Bagging:
Just try it! The first step is the hardest as the Mountains can be a very daunting place, but with a little bit of preparation, you can have a very enjoyable experience. I was never an outdoorsy person during my Teens/Early 20’s, but I was the only person that could change that.
My biggest excuse was that I had no-one to go with, so I did some research into the route planning, equipment required and the weather conditions for a Munro and just went for it solo. I was a nervous wreck at the start, but over time I gained & built-up experience, and have now climbed 101 Munros by myself. My biggest regret is not starting sooner! The mountains really are a special place and have so much to offer. If my amateur YouTube Videos inspire even one person to get outside – then I will be happy.
Follow James as he continues his Scottish Munro Journey on his Youtube Channel, Instagram and TikTok.
