walkhighlands

Share your personal walking route experiences in Scotland, and comment on other peoples' reports.
Warning Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.

The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

The Aonach Eagach on a whim.


Postby nathan79 » Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:25 pm

Route description: Aonach Eagach

Munros included on this walk: Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach), Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh (Aonach Eagach)

Date walked: 03/04/2012

Time taken: 6.5 hours

Distance: 9.21 km

Ascent: 1100m

12 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Glencoe is an area you can't fail to love. I had never visited the area prior to April 2010, but i've been back a few times since and ticked off a few of the hills in the area. You can't fail to be aware of the sight and reputation of the Aonach Eagach. Though i figured i'd have to tackle it sometime, i was in no rush and felt it would be some time before i gave it a shot.
This was until Alan(Mountainstar) casually suggested it the day before, as you may have read in my TR for BEB. Conditions were perfect-warm and sunny, not a hint of a breeze, and given Alan's wide experience up high, including prior AE visits, i knew i'd be in safe hands and thought it far too good a chance to pass up.
The evening before i supped a single pint in the Clachaig to make use of the free WiFi. Pondering whether i should say my goodbyes now and resisting the urge to read up about the AE's reputation, noticing on Facebook Alan had mentioned our plans. Damn! I can't back out now!
And so it came to the morning. No restless night of tossing and turning, plagued by dreams of deadly plummets, a good night's sleep and a fresh head trying to decide between apprehension and excitement.
The right honourable Mrs Mountainstar, Eli, picked me up from my digs in the Glencoe youth hostel and dropping us down at the start.
Disembarked, tightened the bootlaces, hoisted teh bag, cinched the straps, clasped all clasps and set out on the ascent up to the ridge. I sincerely hoped this would be the worst part of the day for me.
We weren't alone setting out. There were 5 others setting off at roughly the same time.
IMG_0127.JPG
On the ascent up to Am Bodach

As Mountainstar strolled and i plodded up the ridge, we recognised two of our fellow walkers as those we'd talked to the day before on the wee Bookil. Turns out they were AE first timers like myself, intent on heading for Meall Dearg where they'd decide whether to continue or not.
Glad to reach the summit of Am Bodach. The big ascent out of the way and a view of what lay ahed.
Can't say i was feeling too apprehensive. As i say i'd avoided doing too much last minute horror story reading and told myself "it's just another couple of Munros" and i was in a good place. Big camera and anything hanging off me tucked into my bag, wee camera in my pocket secured to my belt with a carabiner(just in case).
IMG_0131.JPG
the challenge to come

We joined forces with the two guys -Craig and Jerry- and headed for the first bit of hands-on stuff off Am Bodach. Shaded from the sun on this section, cold to the touch but as dry and grippy as i'd hoped. The down-scrambling was my biggest worry so getting past this bit with no worries pretty much vanquished any fear.
IMG_0132.JPG

IMG_0133.JPG
Craig coming down the first section


Another day of great views, it was a bit less hazy than the previous day. Good view towards Ben Nevis, first time i've seen it two days in a row!
IMG_0136.JPG
over towards the Nevis range

A long way down to the road, but i was unconcerned and the exposure was no issue.
IMG_0137.JPG

Munro number 1 reached. Struggling to keep a smile of my face, grabbed a picture of the 4 of us while we(or at least 3 of us) steeled our nerves for the next section.
IMG_0138.JPG
4 happy chaps in the sunshine

Caught sight of the big chimney section and thought "now that looks like fun". It was. The others clambered up it while i stopped for a snap.
IMG_0142.JPG
chim-chimney-chim-chim-cheroo

Watching the pinnacles get closer and closer didn't bring any rising sense of fear, only eager anticipation for what looked like a nice challenge. A bit unsure of the rout, but Alan hopped up top the first one, assured us it was fine and the rest of us quickly followed suit.
IMG_0144.JPG

IMG_0147.JPG

IMG_0151.JPG

Strolled confidently over the pinnacles and then eased down the last tricky bit, a little disappointed the tricky stuff was done.
IMG_0152.JPG

IMG_0158.JPG
Job's a good un

Munro number two reached, it was great to be able to look back and see what i'd just come across. Handshakes and happy faces all round.
Started the long plod down towards the Pap path eagerly awaiting the celebratory pint in the Clachaig. Good to see the peak of the Pap from up here, wasn't tempted to nip up to the summit though.
IMG_0166.JPG

At last the road was reached where Mrs Mountainstar met us, dropped me at the hostel for a shoe change en route to taking Craig and Jerry to their car before pub time.
It was just a pity you can't see the ridge from the Clachaig beer garden. Rarely has a beer been so tasty and never have i enjoyed such a fine day on the hills. Apologies for the massive report! :lol:

A big thanks to Alan, i'd never even have looked at the ridge without him.
User avatar
nathan79
Hill Bagger
 
Posts: 909
Munros:103   Corbetts:29
Fionas:13   Donalds:8
Sub 2000:15   Hewitts:14
Wainwrights:16   Islands:7
Joined: Jan 24, 2010
Location: The Kingdom of Fife

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby soapy27 » Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:12 pm

Great photos Nathan im hoping to do it this year just building up the courage looks amazing though :D
User avatar
soapy27
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 473
Munros:282   Corbetts:175
Fionas:23   Donalds:8
Sub 2000:54   
Islands:23
Joined: Apr 5, 2009
Location: Perth

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby pollyh33 » Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:16 pm

Brilliant report Nathan!

Cracking photos and sparkling narrative!

Thanks for all the advice and reassurance you gave me at Kintail- very much appreciated.

Well done !!!

P xx
User avatar
pollyh33
Walker
 
Posts: 2577
Munros:282   Corbetts:18
Fionas:5   Donalds:2
Sub 2000:1   
Joined: Mar 30, 2011
Location: Rutherglen

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby monty » Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:17 pm

Great photos again Nathan. Well done on tackling the AE. Great to have the services one of the most prolific Mountain men at your side :D
monty
 

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby dooterbang » Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:22 pm

Fab stuff Nathan -perfect day for it.

Well done Alan for showing those wonderful legs and distracting the big man :lol:
User avatar
dooterbang
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 1828
Munros:262   Corbetts:58
Fionas:18   Donalds:10
Sub 2000:10   Hewitts:18
Wainwrights:21   Islands:19
Joined: Oct 27, 2009
Location: Isle of Skye from Feb 2019 (Originally Glasgow)

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby mountainstar » Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:29 pm

Brilliant report Nathan, brought back many good memories of that fabulous day :D .
So glad you finally said yes to doing it....after chewing over it for half a day, and I know that you were just as glad by the big smile on your face :D ...you went at it like a duck to water :thumbup: :clap: .
Another video to go with the walk....hope you like the music :wink:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjklm8Ko5Oo

My pictures to follow as well
User avatar
mountainstar
Walker
 
Posts: 2507
Munros:282   Corbetts:221
Fionas:24   Donalds:8
Sub 2000:20   Hewitts:217
Wainwrights:214   Islands:24
Joined: Dec 7, 2009
Location: Wrexham

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby mountainstar » Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:39 pm

Aonach Eagach Ridge (600 x 340).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (2) (600 x 308).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (3) (600 x 450).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (4) (600 x 277).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (5) (600 x 320).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (6) (600 x 450).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (7) (600 x 450).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (8) (600 x 387).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (9) (600 x 450).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (10) (600 x 450).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (11) (600 x 335).jpg


Aonach Eagach Ridge (12) (600 x 406).jpg


Aonach Eagach Celebrations (600 x 450).jpg

Big smiles all round :D :D ...
User avatar
mountainstar
Walker
 
Posts: 2507
Munros:282   Corbetts:221
Fionas:24   Donalds:8
Sub 2000:20   Hewitts:217
Wainwrights:214   Islands:24
Joined: Dec 7, 2009
Location: Wrexham

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby SusieThePensioner » Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:54 pm

So glad you had that wonderful weather and took the plunge in doing the walk :lol:

Great report and fantastic photos, Nathan :thumbup: I've seen the video on facebook and some more fantastic photos from Alan here :D
User avatar
SusieThePensioner
 
Posts: 1543
Munros:6   Corbetts:3
Fionas:4   Donalds:7
Sub 2000:3   Hewitts:107
Wainwrights:156   
Joined: Sep 7, 2011
Location: County Durham

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby yokehead » Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:20 pm

Yes it is just wonderful. Well done, nice one! :D
User avatar
yokehead
 
Posts: 702
Munros:73   Corbetts:9
Fionas:1   
Hewitts:118
Wainwrights:23   
Joined: Nov 13, 2008

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby Scotjamie » Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:39 pm

A huge well done Nathan - stunning
Almost as good a report on AE as mine....ok then ...much better than mine

A pleasure to have been with you guys over the weekend
AlanR
User avatar
Scotjamie
Wanderer
 
Posts: 1170
Munros:148   
Joined: Jul 27, 2009
Location: north berwick

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby davetherave » Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:40 pm

Well done Nathan, great pics,report and weather. You really had it all on the day.

AE on a whim, seems like the way to do it especially if you were feeling slightly spoiled.

Cheers Dave.
User avatar
davetherave
 
Posts: 717
Munros:220   Corbetts:88
Fionas:26   Donalds:5
Joined: Apr 25, 2009
Location: Brechin

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby L-Hiking » Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:46 pm

Nice one Nathan.....Something to be proud of
User avatar
L-Hiking
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 545
Munros:78   Corbetts:8
Fionas:2   
Sub 2000:2   Hewitts:141
Wainwrights:214   
Joined: Aug 30, 2010
Location: York, North Yorkshire

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby Johnny Corbett » Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:47 pm

A topper of a report Nathan, great photos great day what more could you want :D
User avatar
Johnny Corbett
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 2983
Munros:25   Corbetts:214
Fionas:168   Donalds:74
Sub 2000:302   Hewitts:1
Islands:14
Joined: May 14, 2010
Location: Livingston

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby rockhopper » Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:08 pm

Brilliant nathan - well done...you make it sound so easy :shock: and congratulations on your 50 - cheers :D
User avatar
rockhopper
 
Posts: 7445
Munros:282   Corbetts:222
Fionas:136   Donalds:89+20
Sub 2000:16   Hewitts:2
Wainwrights:3   Islands:20
Joined: May 31, 2009
Location: Glasgow

Re: The Aonach Eagach on a whim.

Postby Stretch » Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:39 am

You failed to mention how you swigged your beloved whisky at the start of every tricky section of the AE. This goes to show that your 'Poker Face' does not fool me sir. :lol:
User avatar
Stretch
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 1714
Munros:146   Corbetts:8
Sub 2000:2   
Joined: Jun 15, 2009
Location: Morristown, Tennessee

12 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Next



Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to Walk reports - Scotland

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Arthurs Eat, Graeme D, MIKE LEVER, RayK, simp25 and 78 guests