In September 2014, I started a Facebook group for Munro baggers. My friend and freelance colleague Dave suggested the name of this group should be Munroaming. Now there are 7500 members – and many have joined during this past year of Covid restrictions.
The members range from Munro baggers who are just starting out on their journey to walk some of the 282 Scottish mountains with a summit of at least 3,000ft, to those who have walked several rounds.
The group is a place for people to share photos and stories of bagging Munros. The members sometimes ask each other for advice about routes and at other times they suggest tips and recommendations.
It is a wonderful group to be a part of. The photos are usually stunning, even in testing weather conditions, and members frequently have smiles spread across their faces. Munroamers are a happy bunch!
There are days when I am inspired by the photos of other Munroamers. There are also times when I confess I am envious of the Munroamers who have summited a mountain in superb weather while I have been sat at my desk all day.
And then there are other days when I get to post a series of great photos of another of my own Munro bagging days and, no doubt, make other people jealous, or inspired.
I have met new friends through Munroaming and enjoyed the regular postings of so many regular Munro baggers.
Lockdown has been tough for many Munromaers because the mountains have not been accessible to all. There have been a few times when these frustrations have caused a few angry outbursts and fits of jealousy in the group. But mostly people have been content to remember walks done in the past or have been happy to enjoy the posts and photos of those walkers who have been lucky enough to live close to the Munros.
At last, the Covid restrictions of 2021 have been listed and we can again travel across Scotland. I am greatly looking forward to the increased activity in the group.
Many thanks to everyone who makes Munroaming such a lovely place to hang out and do keep sharing the word because ther eis a high chance we’ll reach 8000 members by the end of the year. You’ll find us on Facebook.