What Makes a Mountain a Munro?

A Munro is a mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres). However, not every summit above that height is considered a separate Munro. Some are classed as “Munro Tops”—these are subsidiary summits that don’t meet the criteria for full Munro status.

The key factor is how distinct the mountain is from its neighbours. While there’s no fixed rule, a peak is usually considered a separate Munro if:

• It rises at least 3,000 feet above sea level, and
• It has significant separation—typically with a drop (prominence) of around 500 feet (152.4 metres) between it and the next highest summit.

Other factors like the shape of the ridge, distance from nearby peaks, and historical or mountaineering interest also play a role. If a summit doesn’t stand out enough, it’s listed as a Top, not a full Munro.