Aonach Eagach

[neilist]

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

[J888ohn]

I'm 100 munros in and still have the fear of this route. Every year I say I'll do it but never have the guts / crazy enough climbing buddies to try it. Have you done the Forcan Ridge, CMD arete or RIng of Steall? If so how does it compare to these? Great pics by the way.

[JimboJim]

Enjoyed and agree with your report, Neil. Great pics too. Always look better with a few folk in them now and again, I think. Cheers.
Jimmy

[Alteknacker]

Smashing pics - you had a great day for it. One of the great things about this route are the unparalleled views you get of Glencoe and the surrounding hills.

I would absolutely agree with your assessment of it: it's not that bad is a) exposure doesn't faze you too much; and b) you take your time if you're in doubt.

[neilist]

I'm 100 munros in and still have the fear of this route. Every year I say I'll do it but never have the guts / crazy enough climbing buddies to try it. Have you done the Forcan Ridge, CMD arete or RIng of Steall? If so how does it compare to these? Great pics by the way.

Hi John, I have done the CMD arete and the Ring of Steall. I would say the Aonach Eagach is a step up from these in terms of sustained scrambling, and a bit more exposure, although I remember one small bit on the CMD arete that gave me a slight wobble due to exposure. But in all honesty the AE was very much easier than expected. Think I had read and thought too much about it beforehand. If you can handle a bit of exposure and enjoy a good scramble you will love it. I would keep it for a good weather day though. You have done 100 munros so I think you could well handle it and would probably be the same as myself, ie realising you didnt need to be so fearful and loving every minute of it. Go for it and have fun.

[neilist]

Enjoyed and agree with your report, Neil. Great pics too. Always look better with a few folk in them now and again, I think. Cheers.
Jimmy

Cheers Jimmy

[neilist]

Smashing pics - you had a great day for it. One of the great things about this route are the unparalleled views you get of Glencoe and the surrounding hills.

I would absolutely agree with your assessment of it: it's not that bad is a) exposure doesn't faze you too much; and b) you take your time if you're in doubt.

Hi Alteknacker, totally agree about the unparalleled views of Glencoe and the surrounding hills. Amazing. Yeah take your time and its a brilliant route.
Cheers

[jepsonscotland]

Great job, well done.
Cracking photos too!
Really wets the appetite.............................
Cheers
Chris

[Silverhill]

Well done and congratulations ! Fantastic that it was not as hard/ scary as you expected and you were able to enjoy it. Great report and I love the detailed pictures with accompanying comments . Very useful for when I try the ridge. Not sure when exactly though. Am still putting it off ….

[Jock McJock]

Nice report. It's walk I'll never forget and that I'll be back to do again one day. Loved every minute of it except the descent! Sounds like you may have went the same way that we did. But I blame my mate Jim, he insisted he knew the way down. I don't think he did!

[AnnieMacD]

Really enjoyed your report and photos. It's great to see people going up and down the pinnacles as one gets a feel for the scale of the scrambles! Your enjoyment really shines through.