We offer the Aonach Eagach Ridge as a private trip for 2 people. We can arrange a package to include accommodation and a qualified Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor who will guide you on this classic Scottish mountain ridge.
Your trip can start on any date of your choosing, but advanced planning is recommended to secure good accommodation. Trips are priced on a bespoke basis.
Please contact us with your preferred dates and accommodation requirements (see options below).
Overview
Discover Aonach Eagach Ridge
Aonach Eagach is a mountain which attracts hillwalkers from all over Britain, with many opting to enlist a guide to help them negotiate what is more serious terrain than your average day Munro bagging. It is a classic ridge line which dominates the northern side of Glen Coe.
The route summits two Munros, Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, but for many it is the legendary grade 2 scrambling in between these mountains that makes this such an exhilarating challenge.
Highlights
- Experience one of the best mountain days in Scotland.
- Bag 2 Munros along the way.
- Qualified and friendly Mountaineering & Climbing Instructors.
Itinerary
Today is your chance to get to the start of the holiday by making your way to Glencoe where we will have accommodation arranged for you.
In the evening we will arrange a time for you to meet your guide who will brief you on the day ahead.
Accommodation is in Glencoe/Ballachulish.
Today you will take on the Aonach Eagach Ridge, one of the most famous ridges in Scotland. Although just 6 miles in length, be prepared for a long, challenging, and thrilling experience, as well as a long day in the mountains.
You will begin the day by meeting your guide near the Clachaig Inn. Once checks, kit, and any vehicle shuttles have been arranged you will head to the eastern end of the ridge.
The walking starts with an ascent of Am Bodach, which has a few small rocky sections to help you get used to the terrain and to moving efficiently on steeper ground. At the summit we continue west, descending ‘The Chancellor’, the first technical section of the ridge. Then it is on to the first Munro of Meall Dearg.
The infamous pinnacles, which make up the middle section of the ridge, come next. Every type of scrambling is undertaken to negotiate these. You will climb up and down narrow recesses, over steep steps, up, down, and along rocky ridges, and make exposed step-arounds.
You will, of course, do all this under the careful instruction of your guide. It will certainly be exciting but is achievable for most strong hillwalkers. And, it is important to remember to stop to take in the views.
With the excitement part over we finish up the gentle and broader slope onto Sgorr nam Fiannaidh before making the long descent into the glen.
Distance: 6 miles (10 km)
Total ascent: 1100m
Scrambling Grade: 2
Today it is time to make your way home in the glow of your mountaineering achievement!
What's Included
The cost includes
- 2 Nights accommodation
- Guided traverse of the Aonach Eagach Ridge
- Qualified Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor as your guide
- Maximum group size of 2 per instructor
- Comprehensive Information Pack
Not included in our packages
- Lunches, snacks & dinners
- Arrival transfer to accommodation (optional extra)
- Taxi to start/from end point from/to accommodation (optional extra for those without their own car)
Accommodation Options
When making a booking request for a Aonach trip you have a choice of accommodation options. Just let us know your preference.
Hostel & Camping
Hostel accommodation and camping are options for those on a smaller budget.
Bed & Breakfast
The Bed and Breakfast option provides you with good standard accommodation, with breakfast included within the price of the package. The B&Bs we use are located within small towns or villages, giving you access to local shops as well as a choice of pubs, ensuring you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy an evening meal.
Hotel
If you are looking for some of the highest standard accommodation available this is the option for you. Breakfast will be included within the price of this package.
FAQs
This scrambling weekend is perfect for those ready to take the step up from regular hill walking to scrambling. You don’t need any prior experience, but you must have a head for heights, as this route is very exposed. Previous scrambling experience will stand you in good stead.
You will also need a good level of hill fitness, as it will be a long and tiring day. However, your instructor will be fully aware that this may be a big challenge for you and will support and encourage you throughout this exciting experience.
A guided traverse of the Aonach Eagach ridge is the ideal option for strong hillwalkers looking for support and guidance on the more technical terrain of a mountain such as this.
As we put together these trips for private groups only, where you stay is up to you! We can arrange accommodation in Glencoe, Ballachulish and even Fort William.
You will be provided with a full kit list, but as a guide you will need:
A medium rucksack (around 35-40 litres), walking boots, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, a spare warm layers and walking trousers (not jeans or denim), a water bottle, sun and midge protection. Your rucksack will need space for a helmet and harness which we will provide for you.
With Thistle Trekking you get a personal service. We are happy to answer any questions and queries and help where we can with all aspects of your trip.
Your point of contact will be the same person from the first enquiry to the final communication before your Aonach Eagach holiday.
Our guides are all qualified, experienced, and fun companions on the hill.
What our mountaineers said after their Aonach Eagach traverse
Ollie was fantastic and he was always focused on our safety first and ensured we were challenged the whole time.
Sue C
