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Thought I would use my first post on Walk Highlands for a quick trip report on the Aonach Eagach. Had been wanting to do this route for a while but was holding back until I had more experience in the mountains. My mate finally called my bluff with a text that promoted a frisson of excitement and fear in me. Do you want to do the Aonach Eagach on Saturday? How could I say no? Tried very hard not to over think the night before (with mixed results) so I could get a half decent kip. My mate Ralph picked me up at 7am and we headed up to one of my favourite places to be - Glencoe.
When we arrived at the carpark I was feeling relatively calm and eager to go for it. So we headed up towards Am Bodach.
- Heading towards Am Bodach with Bidean behind
From Am Bodach there is a steep descent, didnt find it too bad, just took my time and concentrated.
- Other walkers descending Am Bodach
Then onto the first Munro Meall Dearg. Was really enjoying this. Of course ahead was the 'Crazy Pinnacles'.
- The pinnacles ahead
From here on until the bealach below Sgorr nam Fiannaidh is a blur. Sustained scrambling and some exposure, but hugely enjoyable and not as hard or scary as I feared. Take your time, concentrate, stick to the crest and there is much fun to be had. Of course the ridge is pretty exposed at times and I wouldnt attempt it in wet and windy weather, but most of my worrying beforehand was a waste of mental energy. Caution and care are needed and everyone has different tolerance levels. Not to be taken lightly and for those with some experience, as we know tragedy can strike here, but personally I found it easier than expected. Onto the second Munro Sgorr nam Fiannaidh. Stunning views all around. Fantastic. What wasnt so good was the descent. Rather than the long walk back from Glencoe village we descended from the bealach below Sgorr nam Fiannaidh , a stupid idea and a bad decision on my part. What looked like a path turned into dodgy scree, deep gullies and high bracken. Not recommended. An experience, but not one I want to repeat. I think going back along the ridge the opposite way (as we seen one group doing) would be my choice of route if I do the ridge again, or down the Pap path. Anyway, Glencoe never fails to inspire and I will be back. A few more pics.
- People on the ridge
- Chimney
- Narrow part
- Concentrate here
- Queue for one of the pinnacles
- Scramble
- Photo op
- Another chimney
- The ridge completed
- Loch Leven and Ardgour
- Pap of Glencoe
- On summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh