The Aonach Eagach
The narrowest ridge on the British mainland: two Munros linked by an exposed scrambling crest above Glen Coe.
- Distance
- 12.1 km
- Ascent
- 920 m
- Time
- 4.5–6 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Linear
- High point
- 968 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Aonach Eagach is a hard 12.1 km linear walk with 920 m of ascent, taking 4.5 to 6 hours. It starts at Allt-na-reigh, A82 Glen Coe (grid reference NN 173 573). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (Aonach Eagach) at 968 m.
The Aonach Eagach, 'notched ridge', runs along the north side of Glen Coe. The route climbs steeply from the A82 to Am Bodach, descends a tricky rock step, and reaches Meall Dearg.
Between Meall Dearg and Stob Coire Lèith, the ridge is a sustained, exposed scramble over pinnacles, with no safe escape. After Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh, descend by the path to the col with the Pap of Glencoe: avoid Clachaig Gully, which has caused fatal accidents. This is a one-way route; leave a car at the Clachaig or arrange transport. This is a scrambling route on exposed rock, not a walk: you'll need a head for heights, experience of moving on steep ground, and calm conditions. Many people hire a guide.
Route
-
1
Am Bodach
Climb the steep path from the A82 to Am Bodach and down its awkward rock step.
-
2
The crest
Scramble along the ridge to Meall Dearg and over the pinnacles to Stob Coire Lèith.
-
3
Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh and down
Continue to Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh, then descend west towards the Pap of Glencoe col and down to the road.
Summits
Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach)
952 m
“Red hill”
Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (Aonach Eagach)
968 m
“Peak of the Fianna”
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Aonach Eagach take?
- Most walkers take 4.5–6 hours for the 12.1 km route, which has 920 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Allt-na-reigh, A82 Glen Coe (grid reference NN 173 573). Lay-by parking on the A82 near Allt-na-reigh. The route finishes near the Clachaig Inn.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Very steep ascent; a sustained, exposed grade 2 scramble with no escape; steep, loose descent.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (Aonach Eagach) (968 m, Munro); Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach) (952 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- It isn't recommended for dogs. Before you go: There's no safe escape from the crest between Meall Dearg and Stob Coire Lèith. In winter this is a serious mountaineering route.
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