What Is a Corbett?
Corbetts are Scottish mountains between 2,500 and 3,000 feet (762.0 to 914.3 metres) with a minimum re-ascent of 500 feet (152.4 metres) on all sides. This re-ascent requirement means every Corbett is a distinct, standalone summit rather than a subsidiary top of a larger mountain. The list is named after John Rooke Corbett, a district valuer from Bristol who completed all the Munros in 1930 and went on to compile the list of lower summits. His list was published posthumously by the Scottish Mountaineering Club in 1953.
Why Walk the Corbetts?
Many experienced hillwalkers consider Corbetts more satisfying than Munros. The strict 500-foot re-ascent rule guarantees each summit has genuine character and independence. You will rarely encounter crowded paths or summit cairns surrounded by other walkers. Some of the finest viewpoints in Scotland sit on Corbett summits, offering perspectives that rival or surpass their taller neighbours.
Corbetts are spread widely across Scotland, from the Southern Highlands to the far north-west. Notable examples include The Cobbler above Arrochar, Stac Pollaidh in Assynt and Beinn Dearg Mor in the Fisherfield wilderness. Many involve rough approaches through remote glens, making route planning particularly important.
Planning Corbett Routes
Because Corbetts often lack well-worn paths, careful navigation is essential. Our route planner helps you prepare by showing:
- Detailed contour lines at 10-metre intervals to assess terrain steepness
- Elevation profiles that reveal the true shape of your walk
- Total ascent figures — critical when the re-ascent to reach the summit may involve crossing a deep col
- GPX export for use with GPS devices or smartphone navigation apps
The 500-foot re-ascent rule often means Corbett approaches include a significant descent and re-climb. Seeing this in the elevation profile before you commit to a route can save hours and help you carry the right amount of food and water.
← Back to map