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.
Summary
Hard, exposed scrambling along the ridge between Am Bodach and Stob Coire Leith - experience and a good head for heights is required..
Terrain
NN174567
Grid ref
9.5km/5.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Small car park 300m west of Allt-na-reigh
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Buses (local and Citilink) run along Glen Coe.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. 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. This car park is often full, in which case there is a larger car park a short distance further west along the road. 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. The path is initially a little eroded but soon joins a section which has been repaired. There are two options for the route up Am Bodach, heading either directly and very steeply up the spur to the summit, or alternatively heading further right to come alongside the Allt Ruigh.
2. 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. Turn left along the ridge, which climbs steeply to reach the Munro 'Top' of Am Bodach where the direct option is joined. 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!).
Photo © Iain.Gillespie
3. The first real scrambling comes on the descent from Am Bodach. 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. 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. 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. Robertson, who became the first man to complete the Munros here in 1901. He kissed first the cairn, and then his wife.
4. 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. The ridge has several steep rocky chimneys and other short scrambling sections which must be climbed and descended, and is very narrow in places (though it is not as consistently narrow as reputation would have it). 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. There is also 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. The difficulties then end and the Munro 'Top' of Stob Coire Leith is reached. 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. 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).
Photo © Iain.Gillespie
5. 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. All that remains is the descent from the ridge. Do not attempt the descent along the rim of Clachaig Gully, which has an extremely eroded and very dangerous 'path', the scene of several fatalities (as well as the danger of sending stones down which could endanger the lives of others). 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.
Photo © Iain.Gillespie
6. Instead head west along the ridge. 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, ascending slightly to two small cairns. From here bear right off the ridge, descending slightly north of west, following an initially indistinct path. This eventually becomes clearer and ultimately meets the boggy path coming down from the Pap of Glencoe. Finally turn left down this path, soon swinging sharply back right and, after a further descent, crossing the Allt a'Mhuillin burn. 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 west of Glencoe village. 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.
Photo © Iain.Gillespie
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