The Munros and Tops: A Record-Setting Walk in the Scottish Highlands

by Chris Townsend

When Chris Townsend reached the summit of Ben Hope in Sutherland, he walked his way into the record books. After 118 days in which he had covered more than 1,700 miles and climbed over 575,000 feet, he had completed the first single continuous journey of all 277 Munros and 240 Tops in the Scottish Highlands. This is the story of that remarkable walk from the start on Ben More on the Isle of Mull through to the finish, the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest 18 times. For the author, the real enjoyment of the walk was not in counting up the summits or the miles but in spending week after week in the hills and living in the wilds. In The Munros and Tops, Chris recalls the joys of observing the birds and animals, the trees and flowers, the changing shapes of the hills and the play of light on their slopes. He writes about the complexities of route-finding and the challenge of rugged terrain, and of coping with often atrocious weather conditions.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[David Boyce]

This is a great little book. Even though I had been to many of the places mentioned I still needed to read it with a map so that I had an idea of where he was. Sometimes I would lose where he was but not really care since his description is so good. Chris Townsend sets the scene really well and makes you feel passionate about land ownership policy in the highlands. The part that really caught my attention was the unexplainable terror that followed him in the dark as he walked alone down one of the mountains. Creepy stuff! Not sure what was scarier, that or the ever present armies of midges that seemed to follow him through Scotland. Great read, it made me want to be there even though it sounded complete hell in places. I’ll be looking out for his other books. If you like mountains you will like this book.

[Ali Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A mountain that feels like a mountain is exciting, stimulating, challenging and frightening. A real mountain makes you pause, makes you realise that this is not a mere bump to be rushed up and down but a complex structure that requires thought and care and skill.”

“A mountain experience means dealing with the elements, with rough steep terrain, means feeling wind and rain and sun on your face, means sweat, aching limbs and sore feet.”

“Wild camps like this with no sign of human presence or activity, were relaxing, invigorating, inspiring. They allowed a deeper contact with the mountains. Here I felt at home and at peace. The world seemed perfect.”

[c a brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

Very impressive of how he could keep going in such wet conditions. Too much about the route he takes and too little about how he felt. Never expanded on how USA was better.

[William Quigley Gordon]

Great



Very good reading you cannot go wrong with this one. Give it a good study, helps to keep you right.