The Corbetts number 222 summits and are defined as Scottish mountains between 2000ft and 2500ft tall, each separated from their neighbour with a descent of at least 500ft. They are widely spread, from the Borders in the south to the far north of Sutherland, east to Aberdeenshire and west on the mainland to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. There are 11 Corbetts located on six west coast islands.

Now a new guidebook, The Corbetts, has been published with the aim of showcasing the best routes to reach these rugged gems.

It took five decades for the author of the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) book, Rab Anderson, to complete a full round of Corbetts, as well as repeating some of the mountains several times over. He said: “There are many reasons to recommend the Corbetts, especially when compared to the better known and more popular Munros. “They are wilder, less well-trodden and therefore quieter. They are also frequently more challenging, which makes them more rewarding for many walkers. “In addition, the lesser height of the Corbetts makes their summits great vantage points from which to survey, and appreciate, the bigger peaks and the surrounding landscape.”

  East from the summit of Beinn an Aodainn across Loch Cuaich to Gleouraich Spidean Mialach Meall Dubh then Gairich Sgùrr Mòr and Sgùrr Mhurlagain Photo: Rab Anderson

The Corbetts take their name from John Rooke Corbett, who first listed them in the 1920s.  Since records kept by the SMC started, fewer than 950 people have completed a full Corbetts round, yet at least 8,200 people have bagged a round of the 282 Munros.

Rab, of Edinburgh, who has also completed a round of Munros, said: “The Corbetts present a very varied and memorable round. “There are Corbetts that will take the hillwalker into remote and unfamiliar parts of Scotland, such as those in the Borders, Dumfries & Galloway,  Ardgour and the far north-west. “Some Corbetts, especially those on west coast islands and on ridges present challenges both in access and difficulty.  “Yet, there are also single Corbetts that are readily accessible, such as from the Central Belt, and those that are suitable for short days, or even summer evening trips. These include Ben Ledi, Ben Vrackie, and most of those in the Arrochar Alps. “The Corbetts offer something for all hillwalkers and, for some keen baggers, completing a full round presents a fantastic and challenging goal.” 

 Loch Cluanie with snow capped Aonach Meadhoin and Sgùrr an Fhuarail then Am Bàthach Photo: Rab Anderson

The Corbetts is published by Scottish Mountaineering Press, priced £35, and includes stunning photography, descriptions of recommended ascents, descents, link-ups and route times for each mountain. There are also user-friendly maps allowing walkers to plan for the most enjoyable days out.