All quiet on the Aonach Eagach, Glencoe

Yesterday, Dave was out guiding Claire and Zoe along the Aonach Eagach in Glencoe. Whilst it was a bit cool, the weather remained kind and they made steady progress along the finest ridge on the mainland of the UK.

Some might wonder why it’s considered the finest on the mainland (Skye and Arran both boast magnificent ridges that are more technical and exposed than the Aonach Eagach) when there are a number of others in the Western and North Western Highlands.

Firstly, the Aonach Eagach joins two Munros (Meall Dearg and Sgurr nam Fiannaidh), and to reach Meall Dearg, you need to descend Am Bodach, which sports one of the more exposed sections along the ridge.

Secondly, the crest is committing, with the only options being to continue or turn around. There are no by-passes or paths that skirt around the difficulties.

Thirdly, the views of the surrounding hills and lochs are as good as anywhere else in the Highlands.

Finally, and this one is perhaps a bit of a personal one, but there’s no flat walking to get to the start of the ridge or at the end of the day. You’re straight into the thick of it on leaving the car park and the final descent is just as short and sharp. Therefore a brilliant scrambling to walking ratio!

It finally feels like summer is setting in and we still have a number of spaces on our open Aonach Eagach trips (£110/person):

-26th June
-3rd July
-31st July

For more information, please visit: https://westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/courses/aonach-eagach-guide/

Jöttnar