Blurb:

The mountains provide the spiritual nourishment so essential to a truer understanding of the hills and, ultimately, ourselves.

Munro bagging is a headily addictive pursuit, with the holy-grail of ‘compleation’ the ultimate aim, currently achieved by around 7,000 Munroists.

It all began in 1891 when Sir Hugh Munro’s Tables of 3,000-foot Scottish mountains appeared in The Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal. Since then, this innocent compilation of hills has become a hallowed hit-list.

Andrew Dempster traces the meandering course of this cult activity, which has gone from trickle to torrent in the space of a century. From early map-makers to current record- breakers, from the why and the wry to wildness and well-being, The Munros: A History explores the compulsions and philosophies underpinning the Munro phenomenon.

Reviews:

‘a wide-ranging and thoroughly-researched account of how mountains over 3,000 ft came to be a big deal in Scotland, and it also contains a lively chapter exploring the age-old schism between those who like to walk "up" mountains, à la Hugh Munro, and those who prefer to walk "into" them, à la Nan Shepherd.’ THE SCOTSMAN

‘if you’re addicted to the spirit of bagging this is an essential read.’ SCOTTISH FIELD

‘a marvellous book […] It contains a huge amount of research presented in an entertaining and readable style’ CHRIS TOWNSEND

Praise for Andrew Dempster’s previous work:

The author writes with great authority and his experience, knowledge and wisdom come through very clearly. -THE GREAT OUTDOORS on Classic Mountain Scrambles in Scotland

Not quite ready to bag a Munro? Why not try a Hugh? -SCOTLAND OUTDOORS on The Hughs Vol 1

The Munros: A History, Andrew Dempster, sample.