If you want to avoid the scrambling on the Aonach Eagach, this approach to Meall Dearg - the Munro in the centre of the ridge - avoids any scrambling. The going is boggy but the summit rewards with fabulous views of this amazing ridge.
Rough path, very boggy in places, steep ground on ridge but no difficulties.
Nearest bus Kinlochleven.
Caolasnacon.
The route starts near Caolasnacon Caravan and Camping Park on the B863, Glencoe to Kinlochleven road. If travelling from Glencoe the start is immediately after the second bridge following the campsite entrance. There is parking on the north side of the road just before and after this bridge. The boggy path starts on the east side of the Allt Gleann a' Chaolais and follows this fairly closely as it climbs, joining a wider section of ATV track higher up for a while. The route climbs gently and eventually the first views of the Aonach Eagach ridge are revealed on the right with Coire Cam.
This route aims for the bealach between Garbh Bheinn, which rises steeply on the left and the longer ridge of Meall Dearg. Cross the Allt a Chathaidh Riabhaich which descends from the bealach and then climb up the far side where there is an indistinct and distinctly boggy path. Keep following the burn all the way to the lowest point of the col as this avoids some lumpy ground to the south.
From the bealach start heading up the ridge; a line of old metal fenceposts are an aid to navigation and a very vague path follows these in places. As the slope steepens a couple of rocky areas can be avoided and the views open up to the Blackwater reservoir to the east and to the pinnacles of the Aonach Eagach ridge to the south west - the latter becoming more impressive with each step.
The final section to the summit is less steep and covers easy ground. The summit cairn provides fabulous views of the ridge in both directions and ahead to Bidean nam Bian. From the summit plateau the tiny cars can be seen on A82 directly below. It is worth heading along the ridge path in both directions to get a feel for the ridge and to see other walkers who are tackling the scrambles.
Once you have exhausted the summit views the return is by the same outward route back down to the bealach and then following the burn and path down the glen. If you remain on the faint ATV tracks rather than the path closer to the Allt Gleann a' Chaolais it eventually descends through very boggy ground to the same starting point, both routes are equallly wet underfoot.
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