It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Aonach Eagach (appropriately meaning 'notched ridge') runs along the northern side of Glencoe and is probably the most famous ridge in the country. The finest ridge walk in mainland Britain - but not for the faint hearted . Facebook. Aonach Eagach is a very exposed ridge walk. This generosity enables us to publish a whole range of scrambling routes to help you enjoy the outdoors. From Stob Coire Leith the ridge continues easily with a broad path to the second Munro, Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, the highest on the ridge at 967 metres; it has a superb view of the lower reaches of Glen Coe. Giant lumps of rock that looked impossible to pass. If you have a route you could contribute. The descent down its western flank is steep and forms the most difficult section of the whole traverse. He kissed first the cairn, and then his wife. My confidence was finally building. This is an excellent viewpoint, with the first hint of the drama to come in the view of a rock pinnacle known as 'The Chancellor' below (luckily our route does not visit this pinnacle!). The infamous Aonach Eagach Ridge – Glencoe. Home » Scotland Scrambles » Aonach Eagach. UK Scrambles is dedicated to introducing people to the activity of scrambling. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. “I live for everything outdoors and to me a bad day in the hills still beats a good day in the office.”, Sam regularly publishes route blogs on his website, This route was created by Sam Wainwright and donated to the. A traverse of the Aonach Eagach is unquestionably one of the most classic scrambling routes in the whole UK (and perhaps the world over!). Aonach Eagach is a grade 2 scrambling route. Whatever measure you use to assess the quality of a scramble - length, exposure, views, or overall adrenal gland-squeezing awesomeness - the castellated crest of rock that looms menacingly above Glen Coe is pretty hard to top. The only possible escape route is descend northwards from Meall Dearg (incidentally this route gives an easy ascent to Meall Dearg for baggers who do not wish to traverse the ridge). Famed as the narrowest ridge on the British mainland (though Liathach and An Teallach must run it close), the Aonach Eagach gives a thrilling and spectacular traverse for keen scramblers, linking the … Updated Friday, 24th March 2017, 11:09 am. We plan to meet at The Clachaig Inn, check kit and drive to the east side of the glen. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. Be the first to rate this post. Twitter. It is only once onto the crest that the scale and size of the ridge of becomes apparent. From the summit cairn continue down the increasingly exposed ridge before the ridge suddenly drops steeply down to the col. You have been warned! Click for details, Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. Turn to the East and there are a number of long ridges - Beinn Fhada being the closest with the Buachailles Etive Beag and Etive Mor beyond, then further again the Blackmount Hills. We traversed the ridge without a problem Ben was very good telling us what we needed to do and talking us through the difficult sections. Once safely down this descent, the ridge is narrow with a few short scrambly sections but fairly straightforward with a good path as it continues onto Meall Dearg. Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands. Wednesday, 15th March 2017, 10:22 am . The famous Aonach Eagach, above Glen Coe, is one of the best ridge traverses in Scotland, perhaps second only to the terrifyingly awkward Black Cuillin on Skye. The best guidebook for this route is found in the Cicerone Scrambles in Lochaber book, which is available via Paperback or Kindle Book here. It includes two Munros - Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh. Summary:Famed as the narrowest ridge on the British mainland (though Liathach and An Teallach must run it close), the Aonach Eagach gives a thrilling and spectacular traverse for keen scramblers, linking the Munros of Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh.Terrain:Hard, exposed scrambling along the ridge between Am Bodach and Stob Coire Leith - experience and a good head for heights is required.. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Aonach Eagach. Turn left along the ridge, which climbs steeply to reach the Munro 'Top' of Am Bodach where the direct option is joined. WhatsApp. Nothing quite gets a hillwalker's heart racing like a ridge walk. Below shows the route outline for Aonach Eagach. This is the first Munro of the day, at 953 metres, and is famous as being the final Munro climbed by the Reverend A.E. Superb positions and great rock make this a really special outing which is made all the better for finishing at the legendary Clachaig Inn. The difficulties then end when the Munro 'Top' of Stob Coire Leith is reached. 1045 – Traverse the Aonach Eagach ridge! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The path leaves the ridge before the bealach, bearing left to join the Pap of Glencoe path further down the flank. The Aonach Eagach is widely regarded as being the finest ridge walk on the UK mainland. Aonach Eagach is consistently ranked as the best ridge walk and scramble in the UK and in the top few across the world by National Geographic (allegedly). Eventually the ridge becomes better defined and before you know it you’re stood on the top. The path is initially a little eroded but soon joins a section which has been repaired. The path climbs steeply up the south east ridge of Am Bodach giving some really great views of the Lost Valley and the Three Sisters. Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? The route summits two Munros; Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, but for many it is the legendary grade 2 scrambling in between these mountains that makes this such an exhilarating challenge. Usually reached as part of the hard scramble along the ridge en route to Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, it can be ascended on its own by vertigo sufferers by an approach from the north side. The ridge itself is a very linear affair, running almost the entire length of the Glen Coe and therefore its best to be a bit organised and have a car at the other end to save the 7 km walk back up the valley after you’re done. The ridge is very up and down (Aonach Eagach means notched ridge) and you need stamina to complete it. By accessing any page on ukscrambles.com you agree that you have read, understand, and will fully comply with the following pages: Terms | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure. From the end of the difficulties continue along to the summit of Stob Coire Leith. The Aonach Eagach By Colin Hogarth. What's Included with this Holiday . Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate Once you’ve climbed down from the summit of Am Bodach, getting off the ridge before Stob Coire Leith would at best be incredibly arduous and at worst be terminally easy. Walk h128 Aonach Eagach from Pass of Glen Coe. William Poucher’s guidebook the Scottish Peaks, first published in 1965, has a photograph of a sign which says: “Do NOT attempt to descend from the Aonach Eagach ridge until you reach the last peak Sgor nam Fiannaidh.” Its well earned! I was proud that I was over half way, and then I saw the pinnacles. If you haven't arranged transport, you have a long walk back up the glen to return to your parked car - not included in the times or distances given. It connects two Munros, boasts an anorexic spine and some stomach-churning exposure. West Coast Mountain Guides: Aonach Eagach ridge walk. The ridge has been the scene of many epics on account of its length and its difficulty. The Aonach Eagach has all the ingredients for a great day out and is a real mountain challenge in every respect. 2 – (NN 16838 58020) Its from the summit of Am Bodach that things really start to get exciting. We took 2 cars since it was a linear walk so that saved us having to walk miles back to the car once we had traversed the ridge. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! It has a bit of a fearsome reputation amongst hill walkers due to it's inescapability once established on the ridge and it's exposed pinnacles. The Aonach Eagach ridge is located in Glen Coe, which is in western Scotland and forms part of the Scottish Highlands. To the North you can look down on the serrated ridge of Aonach Eagach, beyond which lies the massive bulk of Ben Nevis and to the East of The Ben are the Mamores. There is a tricky move right at the end - a very steep descent onto a narrow section of ridge, which must be climbed down facing the rock. Pinterest. 5 – (NN 14927 58493) From the summit of your second Munro of the day continue along to Sgorr nam Fiannaidh with great views back along the ridge. Viewed from Glencoe below, the Aonach Eagach ridge appears as a narrow crest with a series of small towers. Small car park 300m west of Allt-na-reigh. It is sometimes recommended to descend instead southwards from the summit to Loch Achtriochtan; however this is a very steep descent with much scree and is also probably best avoided. It is only once onto the crest that the scale and size of the ridge of becomes apparent. All that remains is the descent from the ridge. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This is the true Aonach Eagach, or 'notched ridge'. If this isn’t an option, you can at least condole yourself with the presence of a pint on the way back. Start from the car park on the A82 at NN 17333 56746 (maps link). Trail magazine and the British Mountaineering Council present Britain's Mountain Challenges. It is possible to descend south directly into Glen Coe down Clachaig Gully, however this is loose and been the scene of numerous accidents and therefore can’t be recommended. Cneifion Arête 21 Aug 2020. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. High above the valley of Glen Coe is the razor-sharp ridge of Aonach Eagach; it is over 3km of serrated edges, spiky pinnacles, and heart stopping drops and it the best British ridge walk and single day out in the mountains that I have experienced. Join us for a guided scramble on this classic ridge. It is not technically difficult but the section between Meal Dearg and Stob Coire Leith ('The Crazy Pinnacles') is particularly airy and exposed and is not for the remotely faint-hearted. - See 418 traveller reviews, 340 candid photos, and great deals for Fort William, UK, at Tripadvisor. The ridge towers at 953m high and is often thought of as the UK’s toughest ridge walk, and with good reason, as its tricky to traverse and has drop offs that’ll leave you needing to promptly change your underwear. There are many short scrambles necessary all along this ridge; the trickiest section is known as the 'Crazy Pinnacles' and is well along the ridge. using a map and compass. The ridge has several steep rocky chimneys and other scrambling sections which must be climbed and descended, and is very exposed in some places (though it is not as consistently narrow as reputation would have it). As teenagers, George Adam and myself decided to do the Aonach Eagach, it was one of those days when the sun was shining and it is bitterly cold with no wind. The ridge has been the scene of many epics on account of its length and its difficulty. Day 1 Aonach Eagach, Glen Coe. Meall Dearg is a good viewpoint for the other Glencoe peaks, but all walkers eyes will be drawn to the ridge ahead - a frightening prospect for many! As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.There are 89 user reports for this walk - click to read them. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I had a memorable experience on it in winter, however, don't try and emulate it. It is situated in Glencoe and from the tops you get phenomenal views across the Glen. No votes so far! Please Register as a New User in order to reply to this topic. For me, only the Cuillin Ridge on Skye can beat it. From the summit descend the path westwards, with the main event now clearly in view – ‘The Pinnacles’. for the safest line across the pinnacles just follow signs of wear, climbing directly over some towers and slinking around the flanks of others, always on smooth-polished rock. This was the section I had feared the most. Finally turn left down this path, soon swinging sharply back right and, after a further descent, crossing the Allt a'Mhuillin burn. You can also check out good value accommodation nearby on Booking.com here. We set out to walk it in perfect Scottish sunny conditions… did we agree with these accolades? It is also often prone to Inversions in the Glen which make it even better. … It is an exhilarating and heart stopping traverse with many scrambles, ascending and descending, linking the two Munro’s, Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh. A guided walk on the Aonach Eagach takes in the tops of two Munros, Meall Dearg (953m) and Sgurr nam Fiannaidh (967m). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Want a website thank ranks in Google Search. Learn more about working with UK Scrambles here. This route was created by Sam Wainwright and donated to the UK Scrambles website through our contributor program. You have been warned! Aonach Eagach ridge east to west. On own, swelteringly hot day, but great views from a stupendous walk. Crib Goch: 24/07/2014: We waited for a good weather forecase before attempting the Anoach Eagach. Some cloud cover when climbing up to Am Bodach but clear when we topped Meall Dearg. WE set off together with another, much larger … The Aonach Eagach ridge Aonach Eagach from A82: The Lost Valley below Bidean nam Bian: Below Am Bodach: Descent by the Chancellor: Descending the crazy pinnacles : Looking back from Stob Coire Liath: Sgorr nam Fionnaidh from Stob Coire Liath: Glencoe with Buchaille Etive Mhor prominent from Sgorr nam Fionnaidh: Wednesday 10 July 2013 Ascent: 1115 metres Distance: 10 … Park at the small parking area on the north side of the A82 about three hundred metres west of the solitary house at Allt-na-reigh. A guided traverse of the Aonach Eagach, famously dubbed the narrowest ridge on the British mainland. On the far side follow the path to a track and then turn left to head down to the Glencoe - Clachaig road about a kilometre east of Glencoe village. This path mostly ascends close to the stream, making a wide zig-zag to the left at one point to avoid a rocky gorge, before emerging on the bealach between Sron Garbh and Am Bodach. I had some reservations about the ridge from what I’d read/youtubed. Aonach Eagach or curved ridge or an tellac or cr. The first Munro of Meall Darg is reached swiftly afterward but the majority of the scrambling is then to come as the ridge gradually narrows from here on in. Aonach Eagach is a grade 2 scrambling route. This website contains route information submitted by real people like you, accounting the facts and personal tales of their experiences. A short distance from the summit there is an awkward, sloping, slabby cliff to descend; it is steep but not excessively so, but there is a large drop from the ridge below it, and it can become very slippery in the wet. Aonach Eagach ridge We had a very memorable day on the Aonach Eagach ridge guided by Ben from west coast mountain guides. Note that there are no safe descents from the Aonach Eagach once embarked on this section of ridge; there have been many accidents to scramblers attempting to leave the ridge before the end of the scrambling. Viewed from Glencoe below, the Aonach Eagach appears as a narrow crest with a series of small towers. 1 – (NN 17333 56746) Follow the path out of the car park up the hillside keeping up a good pace to escape the bite of wee beasties. Hey so I’m planning on going Scotland . The last two 'pinnacles' in this section will make even the most experienced scramblers pause for thought while they search for a route round them. The view of the Aonach Eagach is rather foreshortened from here; in the photograph opposite it is shown from Loch Achtriochtan further down the glen. Inspire others to try a new scrambling route, become a contributor. Let us guide you along the Aonach Eagach ridge, this is one of the most sought after ridges in Scotland, and rightly so, with its sharp pinnacles, knife edge traverses and steep drops make this a committing outing. Scrambling is the blurred middle line between hiking and climbing, considered by many to be far more enjoyable than either of them. This is an extremely popular ridge to do and rightly so! The first real scrambling comes on the descent from Am Bodach. The Pinnacles is a 500 m long very exposed section of the ridge and provides some fantastically committing and sustained scrambling. The Aonach Eagach is a rocky ridge lying to the north of Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands, boasting two Munro summits. The advice is to walk south from the Sgorr, or continue on to the Pap of Glencoe for a safer route off the ridge. 3 – (NN 16630 58092) The next section of the ridge along to Meal Dearg goes without incident, providing some finely positioned with the odd section of scrambling. New Topic Reply to Topic. This generosity enables us to publish a whole range of scrambling routes to help you enjoy the outdoors. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Aonach Eagach is a spectacular narrow ridge running high above the pass of Glencoe. A large cairn is passed at a slight dip - ignore the path off to the left here which leads towards the Clachaig Gully and instead continue along the ridge for a short distance. Celebratory pints are de rigor! This car park is often full, in which case there is a larger car park a short distance further west along the road. Hard, exposed scrambling along the ridge between Am Bodach and Stob Coire Leith - experience and a good head for heights is required.. Citilink buses along Glen Coe (request stops at drivers discretion). By The Newsroom. There was only one way and that was to cross them. Scrambling the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe is high on many people's 'tick list'. 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