Scotland's most prolific Munro-bagger began his journey at the age of 11, discovers Fiona Russell


Walking one round of the Munros is enough of a challenge for most people. Given that it takes an average of eight years to climb all 284 Scottish peaks of 3000ft or higher, it's hardly surprising that the majority of the 4000 recorded finishers hung up their boots in satisfaction at the end.

Some, though, have kept on walking. To date, 86 climbers have gone on to complete a second circuit, while 30 have achieved their goal of reaching every Munro summit three times.

For one extraordinary Munro-bagger there appears to be no end to the pursuit of our nation's most famous list of mountains. Having set an all-time record of 11 rounds in 2003, self-confessed Munro addict Steven Fallon last year finished his 13th round and is now just 40 summits short of a 14th.

Describing his Munro walking as "a rewarding hobby", Fallon, 45, admits he has become a little obsessed over the years. "But it's just something I love doing," he says. "I can't ever see myself stopping. Why would I when these mountains are so wonderful?"

Fallon, an IT systems developer, first contemplated climbing every Munro after receiving a guide as a Christmas present from his parents in 1988. The book was Munro's Tables, the official list of mountains in Scotland known to be "of at least 3000ft high", which was first recorded by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891.

Fallon, of Edinburgh, says he was instantly fascinated by the statistics. "Looking through the list for the first time I was amazed at the sheer number and geographical spread of Munros," he explains. "I started to notice, too, that I'd already climbed a few. Coming from a family that hill-walked, I suppose this was no surprise, but it did give me a good start for a first round. We'd hill-walked in Arran, the north-west and in 1974, aged 11, I'd climbed Ben More near Crianlarich, which turned out to be my first ever Munro."

His mission began in the spring of 1989 with Ben Chonzie, near Crieff in Perthshire. By 1992, Fallon had made his first "compleation" (the archaic spelling used to describe a completed round of Munros) with an ascent of Fionn Bheinn, near Achnasheen. Keen to revisit some of his favourites, Fallon quickly found he had notched up the first 50 Munros of a second round and by 1994 had finished another complete round, this time making his last climb on Sgurr nan Gillean, on Skye.

Over the next decade, the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC), which keeps a record of Munro compleatists, reveals that Fallon walked a round a year, and by July 2006 he had completed 13. "I couldn't really tell you at the time what drove me on to do round after round," says Fallon, who has walked a total of 21,500 miles and climbed 7.7million feet - equivalent of 275 ascents of Mount Everest - since 1989.

"It was a mixture of a challenge and my love for the mountains. Certainly I like to escape the stresses of my everyday life, and I find climbing Munros extremely therapeutic. "I've seen each Munro in so many different types of weather, seasons and light. And so much walking has helped to keep me very fit."

After his first few rounds Fallon became aware of other walkers who had done multiple compleations. "I saw from the SMC website that Hamish Brown, a prolific walker and writer, had completed six rounds in the sixties and seventies. And by 1995 Stewart Logan had done seven rounds," he says. "It was then that I thought, 'if other people can do so many, then so can I.'

"In one day I once managed to polish off 15 Munro summits, but I admit this was very exhausting. Most people will be doing at most three or four in a day."

By 2002 Fallon had broken Logan's record, set in 1999, of 10 rounds. Now a serious amateur fell runner, having joined Carnethy Hill Running Club, Fallon completed his 11th round in just nine months. The following year, 2004, he had finished another.

Munro bagging, says Fallon, is often as much about the planning and travelling as the actual ascent. "While some of the southerly Munros, such as Ben Lomond, are easy enough to reach from the central belt, others, such as those on Skye and in Knoydart, can take ages to get to," he says. "I have become very clever at planning routes that take in numerous Munros in one outing. I'm also obviously familiar with many of the routes so they do not seem as difficult as they used to be."

It would appear that Munro bagging does push some walkers to take on some surprising challenges. The SMC list includes 23 walkers who have completed a non-stop, car-free round, walking or cycling between each Munro.

In 1974, Hamish Brown became the first to walk a non-stop Munro tour, covering 1639 miles and climbing a total of 449,000ft in 112 days. He also claims a "calendar round" (walking a different Munro every day of the year) and was the owner of the first dog to walk a Munro round.

Other notable compleatists include Kathy Murgatroyd, who in 1982 became the first woman to complete a continuous round. Steve Perry braved the ice and snow to become the first Munro-bagger to complete a non-stop round in winter; he was also the first to have walked a continuous double round. The speed record is currently held by Charlie Campbell, who managed a round in just 48 days.

While Fallon acknowledges every one of these achievements with a smile, he says his Munro-bagging is a far simpler pleasure. "I like walking mountains, and I like walking Munros in particular. Sometimes I go with friends and sometimes I go alone, but every time is rewarding.

I don't think I even set out with the aim each year of doing a round, but somehow the number of summits I reach just mounts up. Usually at some point I'll realise that I only have another 50 or so to go and so I set off to finish those off."

Since 2004, Fallon has, however, slowed a little. "I took about two years to do my 13th round and my 14th will have taken more than a year too," explains Fallon. "But this has more to do with the number of hill-races I'm now doing - not because the Munros are any less attractive."

Steven Fallon holds the record for 'compleating' the most rounds of the Munros. In July 2006 he finished his 13th round. Each round means 284 Scottish peaks, all over 3,000ft high. Ouch!

What got you started?
Way back in 1988, my parents got me the Scottish Mountaineering Council guidebook to the Munros as a Christmas present.

When was your first round?
In June 1992, I 'compleated' my first round on Fionn Bheinn near Achnasheen, in 1994 I 'compleated' my second, and thereafter I've managed a round a year.

Will you do another round?
I'm over halfway through my fourteenth now!

Which was the most difficult round?
I suppose the first. I had to learn about navigation, gear and how to cope with differing Scottish weather conditions. It does get easier. I still take a map and compass but they rarely come out of the rucksack now.

The fastest?
My eighth in 2000 - nine months minus a day.

The best Munros?
Those in the north-west. Generally they're pointy. have ridges and terrific views. I'd single out Slioch, An Teallach and the Torridon peaks, but my favourite has to be Ladhar Bheinn.

So, looking back on all these climbs, what's been your best moment?
On Beinn Sgulaird during the most wonderful winter sunset. As the sun went down, the colours changed and reflected on the crisp, white snow.

What, in your opinion, would be the best Munro for beginners?
Something relatively easy and accessible with stunning views - so what about Schiehallion, Ben Cruachan, or Lochnagar? But remember, any mountain can be a real challenge in bad winter conditions.

The hardest?
Technically, it's the In-Pinn on Skye, the only Munro that needs a rope for the abseil off. Since I suffer from vertigo, it gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it. I always wonder how the heck I'm going to get up it.

How do you fit all the walking around your dayjob?
Well I don't so much now as I've caught the hill-running bug. I 'only' managed 140 Munros in 2006 - the lowest count since 1992. My top year was 2000 when I did 356 Munros.

What keeps you going?
I just like getting out of the house, up the hills and keeping myself fit.

Done any other tick-lists - like the Corbetts?
I've done about half the Corbetts. As to Grahams, Donalds, Marilyns or whatever - I kinda think some people create lists out of devilment, expecting others to go out and tick them off.

Secrets of the ultimate Munro bagger

Last month Steven Fallon became the only person ever to have completed the Munros ELEVEN times. That's 5.5 million feet (190 Everests) and 14,500 miles. And by the time we tracked him down to his Fife home he was already well into his 12th round! His closest rival, Stewart Logan (65) may not be far behind on 10 completions, but there's no sign of Steven stopping. Ever. We were astounded, and so will you be when you read the answers to the questions YOU put to him.

How old are you?
40 going on 25.

How are your knees?
They're sturdy.

How do you manage a full-time job with your Munro bagging?
I work Monday to Friday, and Friday evening is often spent driving up the A9 or A82. Sunday evening is back to Edinburgh. I'm not the nicest person on Monday morning if I haven't managed to get a Munro or ten over the weekend.

Do you have any other goals besides Munros or are you obsessed beyond all reason?
I just love getting away and outdoors at the weekends. A skiing holiday in France at Easter is the next thing planned, but one of these days I'd like to climb in New Zealand.

How long has it taken to complete each round?
It takes me roughly a year. The last round took under 10 months and my 12th should take less time than that. I keep a note of the distance, ascent and time for each walk and from these figures I can work out if I'm still as fit as I was.

Do you always complete them in the same order?
No, I just take them as the weather and other factors allow.

Do you start or end with a particular Munro?
When starting a Munro round, I don't commence with a particular hill. I do tend to set off bagging the big groups of Munros first - the Mamores, Affric, Kintail and the like. I try to finish a Munro round on one of the superior peaks and a different one each time. This year was 'compleated' on Beinn Alligin and in previous years I've finished on such excellent summits as Slioch, Ladhar Bheinn and Sgurr nan Gillean among others.

What got you started?
Way back in 1988 my folks gave me a Christmas present of the SMC guide to the Munros. I loved what I saw and started walking the routes from Easter 1989 onwards.

Which makes the best first Munro for a new bagger?
Schiehallion on a sunny summer's day. What's needed is a hill that's relatively easy with good views as it'll encourage you back to do more.

Which are the best Munros?
Slioch, An Teallach, Sgurr nan Gillean, Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Sgurr na Ciche: but my overall favourite has to be Ladhar Bheinn. It's in the most beautiful of places with a fantastic long walk-in along the side of Loch Hourn. The character of the hill varies so much as you ascend over the different parts to reach the summit. Once there, the views are spectacular.

What was your worst moment?
Back in 1995, I was attempting to beat the record for the quickest time around the Munros. Prior to setting off on this challenge, I was cajoled into posing for a few photos. In the process I fell and hurt my knee, but decided to continue with my attempt. I managed to tick off 8L1 Munros in 12 days before having to jack it in because of the knee injury. My brother and I were on the Skye ridge at the time; we had superb views and a fantastic sunset, but knowing that I had to give up really gutted me. The doctor suggested rest, and rest I did. What made it worse was I was trying to raise some money for the John MuirTrust Blaven appeal. so there was more than just a record at stake.

How has your choice of gear changed over the years?
Back when I started walking, I went out with what I could afford - the cheapest summer boots in winter, an old works jacket and a small flimsy rucksack. My gear has built up over the years, some of which is replaced regularly (my footwear), plus other stuff I use every year (my ice axe). I tend to travel as light as possible, so weight is a major consideration when buying anything new.

Have you ever walked anywhere else as good as Scotland?
I've been in the Dolomites and Pyrenees. I've done all the Irish and Welsh 3,000 footers, but while I'm away from Scotland, there does seem to be some sort of yearning to get back to the Munros.

When you hang up your boots, what will your epitaph be?
I would like my ashes scattered on Ladhar Bheinn with maybe 'He came, he saw, he conquered ... again and again and again .. '

Do you have to live in a camper van to pull off such a feat?
No! I love driving and I have a couple of 'collectable' cars to zoom up north in. The thought of trudging up in a caravanette holding up all the traffic doesn't appeal at all. That said, being able to pull over wherever you like and not worry about putting up a tent in pouring rain with clouds of midges around does!

How are your feet?
Surprisingly fine! But a bit smelly after a long day on the hills.

Got a favourite moment?
The first time I walked through an inversion and looked down on the cloud with the peaks of the hills poking through. It's only happened a few times and only once while I've had my camera.

Do you go out in all weather?
Depends! I won't go into Knoydart if the forecast is for heavy rain - that would be such a waste. I won't go to the high Cairngorm peaks iF blizzards are Forecast. But I will try to Find somewhere to go, no matter how small - and not necessarily a Munro.

How do you entertain yourself during long trudges?
Long trudges are okay; it's the walking in mist and the false summits that get to me. I'll get up one false summit, thinking it's the top, then more ascent will appear, then more, then more ... and I think I'll never reach the cairn. I've got round this now by buying an altimeter.

What's the best way to do the Munros as quickly as possible?
Don't do it! I know that sounds rich coming From me, but you really want time to enjoy the mountains. But if you are determined, make sure you're fit, know the weather, and trust the map. Do the long walks in summer and don't plan to finish on a difficult peak in Skye as you can wait for weeks or even months for decent conditions.

For how long do you recuperate between each completion?
I don't. If I've finished a round on the Saturday, you can bet I'll be in the hills on the Sunday too!

If you could choose anybody to walk with you, who would it be?
Lorna Ticehurst. She finished all the Munros before I was born and walked at a mad pace. She was the seventh woman to 'compleat'. She walked mainly alone, leaving everyone behind, because she walked so fast. She is now in her 90s and sounds like a wonderfully eccentric British character.

Are you married, and if so can I swap you for my husband who whinges at the thought of hills?
I'm not married and my partner, Keith, would have something to say if I went off with a woman!

How much do you carry on a wild camping trip?
I hate to say it, but I don't really like back-packing! I'm fortunate in that I can get in and out of the Munro areas within the day. Yes, I know what you're thinking - but what about Knoyart, FisherField and Affric? Well, I can cover up to 17,000Ft and 40 miles or more within a day. That's provided I keep the weight down. I've backpacked a few times when walking with other folk; but even paring down the stuff to a minimum, the pack always seems to be too heavy. Better to run light instead!

What type of kit do you use?
In summer - T-shirt, running shorts or tracksters, Merrell trainers and a belt-pack which contains a compass, lightweight windproof, mobile phone, some food and water bottles. In winter it's fleece, waterproof, Scarpa winter boots, Platypus water bladder, gloves, ice axe, crampons ... and the kitchen sink all stuffed into my faithful Vango rucksack.

How do you keep your food weight down?
I'm a vegetarian, so you won't Find any ham sandwiches in my pack. I prefer to eat muesli bars and take a Quorn roll or two if on a really long walk. Chocolate is a no-no - it either goes soggy in the summer or is too hard to break in winter. At the end of the walk I like to finish on an apple and have some Irn-Bru waiting for me back at the car.

Do you walk alone?
Depends on the day and your mood. The hills are great For clearing your mind and straightening out your thoughts when walking solo. But they're also fabulous to enjoy shared!

Ever made a stupid mistake?
Many years ago, I was doing the Monadhliath range near Newtonmore, east to west, and after the second Munro I got following the line of fence-posts as you do. A small detour south to bag the third Munro (Carn Dearg), then back to the fence posts to aim for the fourth (Geal Charn). I blindly followed the fence For ages. Then I started checking the compass and map, but didn't believe the readings as I kept coming across cairns. I ended up doing a round detour of around eight miles, beFore getting to Geal Charn.

Are you doing the Corbetts, Grahams and Marllyns, too?
I've done around half the Corbetts - I started doing them after my first round of Munros. But every time I went up a Corbett, I always seemed to be hankering after being on the summit of the nearest Munro ...



For more on all things bagging, check out The Angry Corrie at www.bubl.ac.uk/org/tacit/tac!

THANKS TO this lot for the questions:
David Knight, Pete Sinciair, Frank Yates, Dave Potter, Andy Shaw, Gill Williams, Pete Wallace, Sandra Davison, John Lee, Freddie Fellows, Alan Sanger, Tom Bowley, Sian Williams, Robert Edridge, Sarah Sweeney, Toby Muirhead, Jane Hicks, Les Richards. Donna Macintyre, Triss Maxwell and Gareth Whiteland

1992 Fionn Bheinn 1994 Sgurr nan Gillean 1995 Ben Hope 1996 Ben Avon 1997 Ladhar Bheinn 1998 Slioch 1999 Bidean nam Bian 2000 Schiehallion 2001 Bruach na Frithe 2002 Ben Vorlich (Earn) 2003 Beinn Alligin 2004 Ben More (Mull) 2006 Sgurr nan Eag
2001 Gordon's last munro - Bruach na Frithe 2002 Jonathon's last munro - Sgorr Ruadh 2003 Keith's last munro - Liathach 2005 Derek's last munro - Beinn Teallach

Stuff still to go in here

Stuff still to go in here