The Munros in Winter: 227 Summits in 83 Days

by Martin Moran

'The winter completion of the Munros in a single push was not only a tremendous team effort but also Martin and Joy’s great love story. It was an amazing Odyssey and The Munros in Winter is a superb account.’ Sir Chris Bonington
In 1984 Martin Moran became the first person to conquer the Munros in a single winter journey. In this gripping narrative he recounts his legendary achievement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Tony Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book of 2022 was one I had my eye on for a while because of my keen interest in hillwalking, and particularly the Munros, of Scotland.

Martin Moran’s achievement of climbing all 277 Munros in 83 days during the winter of 1984/85 is unfathomable to me, despite having just read the whole adventure. It’s insane and inspiring at the same time.

The book starts slowly for various reasons (memoirs can be particularly difficult to read I feel for one thing) and even the familiar names of the Munros I have climbed myself couldn’t quite allow me to feel truly immersed in the adventure. But, a couple of chapters in, the story really starts. It’s an incredible turnaround from quite a plodding couple of chapters into a page-turner of epic proportions. That being said, the writing style did lead me to struggle at certain points, as if you haven’t climbed the particular hills being described, they can feel like “just another Gaelic name” and be difficult to visualise.

I particularly enjoyed the little husband and wife anecdotes, like having a full blown domestic on Ben Chonzie and drawing up a shopping list at the top of Beinn A’Chlachair before going their separate ways. Martin’s wife, Joy, is a saint to have helped push her husband forward in this way, hiking some of the Munros herself at points and being an errand lady at other times. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the nights in the bothys, which are such a mixed bag, fluctuating between extremes of zero heat and hot water, to for example Sourlies, which is described excellently as positively homely and comfortable.

There are so many unknown hills in the Scottish highlands that I will be interested in researching further, and will definitely refer back to Martin’s experience after each new mountain is ticked off my own personal bagging list. A good start to the year, but I’m now pining for the hills!!

[Simon Dobson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book tells part of the amazing story of an amazing man, who came back from serious injury to first climb all the Scottish Munros in a single winter season. It's a stunning accomplishment by any measure, and set Moran up for a future as a mountaineering guide before his tragic death.

I'm sorry that it's not a better book. The prose is quite wooden, lacking all the flourish and power that one finds in, for example, Savage Arena. As just one example amongst many:

"Only with sadness did we leave the lovely Etive, thinking with regret of those roads and glens of Argyll that our journey would not traverse again."

It's a shame that the writing doesn't live up either to the country being described or the challenge being successfully attempted.

[David JW Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massively inspiring. I read this on the back of following Anna Wells’ winter round (2023/2024) and am feeling hugely motivated by both achievements. This account is well written but I suspect requires a little foreknowledge of the Scottish highlands, otherwise might not be as interesting a read. The foreword by Hazel (Morgan’s daughter) is a nice addition to the reprint. I would also be very interested in hearing Joy’s account of the trip from her perspective - perhaps a consideration for future editions?

[Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with great insight in to the mental stamina necessary for long distance walks over the Scottish Munro's. A fantastic read for those familiar with the mountains.

[David Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Definitely stick to sporadic nice days in the hills though. The idea of having to go out in a winter storm is not appealing.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of it are dated now but still a decent tale. It helps if you are familiar with the mountains he describes otherwise they can all blur into one.

[Issi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read, especially when you know many of the Munros and can relate to the difficulty of walking them in winter over such a short period of time.

[Fiona]

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[Steve Chilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book read as I moved through my own publisher's catalogue. It describes one of the first self propelled, continuous crossings of the Munros in Winter. In addition to providing good route information, planning and preparation details is may well provide inspiration to anyone thinking of climbing these hills in any weather.

[Andy Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great journey. this is one of my 'evil plans' for the future. if only there were time for them all!