Aonach Mòr and Beag via the Gondola

Summary

Those looking for the fastest way to climb the two Aonach peaks can approach from the north, riding the Nevis Range gondola for almost half of the ascent. This option gives a fairly short hillwalk with stunning views although the summits are extremely exposed and the plateau requires very skilled navigation. The route may not please purists who wish to climb the mountains under their own steam - these can instead use the route from Glen Nevis.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pathless hillwalking. Steep open slope through ski area, grassy plateau across Aonach Mòr then rockier ridge to Aonach Beag. Careful navigation required.

Getting there

Start

Top station of the Nevis Range Gondola cable car (charge to ride the gondola and for parking in summer).

Public Transport

The foot of the Nevis Range gondola can be reached by bus from Fort William and Spean Bridge.

Start Grid Ref

NN187755

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 860m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Aonach Beag
Munro: Aonach Mòr

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Walk Description

User reports (9)

Stage 1

This route starts by riding the Nevis Range gondola cable car system to reach the Snowgoose Restaurant at around 650m up the northern slopes of Aonach Mòr. Check the gondola is open before setting out, and be sure of the times of the last gondola down to avoid becoming stranded. There is no path up through the ski area; bear briefly right along the track behind the restaurant building, then strike off left uphill, keeping left of a snow fence. In winter, you'll need to pick a route up that avoids the ski pistes.

Stage 2

In summer, there is a faint worn path at first, but this peters out. Keep climbing south and then southeast alongside the snow fence to eventually gain the Aonach an Nid ridge. Throughout the ascent there are superb views looking back over the Fort William suburbs of Caol and Corpach, the bend in Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil beyond.

Stage 3

Eventually the ridge is reached, with very steep slopes falling away to the east into wild wild Coire Choille-rais. From here the ascent eases, following the ridge as it curves uphill, passing the top of a ski tow and round the head of a dramatic gully before reaching the vast grassy plateau atop Aonach Mòr.

Stage 4

Continue across the plateau to reach the large summit cairn; Ben Nevis dominates the extensive view, though the plateau robs the vista of much depth. The plateau is rimmed by cliffs and requires very careful navigation particularly in winter conditions.

Stage 5

Continue south on a now clearer path to make fairly gradual descent down to the surprisingly narrow bealach separating the two Aonachs. The ascent from here up to Aonach Beag is much steeper and rockier, though a zig-zag path helps after the first narrowest section.

Stage 6

The ascent eases onto the dome-like summit area, with the summit cairn close to the eastern edge. This is a great viewpoint, with for Ben Nevis and Càrn Mòr Dearg magnificent to the west, a great tangle of peaks appearing in the direction of Glencoe, and a view between down Loch Linnhe towards the Isle of Mull.

Stage 7

By far the quickest and most convenient return is to retrace your steps all the way, including over the summit of Aonach Mòr, though the ascent of this is fairly gradual from this side.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Fort William Hotels

Fort William B&B

Fort William cottages

Fort William hostels

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