Aonach Eagach
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| Aonach Eagach | ||
|---|---|---|
 The Aonach Eagach above the A82, looking up Glen Coe |
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| Location: | Glen Coe, Scotland | |
| Summits: | Sgor nam Fiannaidh | Meall Dearg |
| Elevation: | 967 m (3173 ft) | 951 m (3120 ft) |
| Prominence: | c. 622 m | c. 118 m |
| Topo map: | OS Landranger 41 | OS Landranger 41 |
| OS grid reference: | NN141583 | NN161583 |
| Listing: | Munro, Marilyn | Munro |
| Translation of name: | Rocky peak of Fian's warriors (Gaelic) | Red hill (Gaelic) |
| Pronunciation: | [skur nam fjanɪ] | [mjauɫ dʲerag] |
The Aonach Eagach (IPA: [ɯnəx egəx]; Gaelic, 'notched ridge') is a rocky ridge lying to the north of Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands, boasting two Munro summits. It is sometimes known by the somewhat tongue-in-cheek name "Aggy Ridge".
In length the full ridge continues for 10 km from the Pap of Glencoe at the west to the eastern end at the Devil's Staircase. The central section, some 2 km in length, is very rocky and the route along it requires scrambling ability. The slopes to each side are extremely dangerous, with steep grass and scree slopes hiding even steeper slopes which end in cliffs on both north and south sides of the ridge. For safety, climbers are strongly advised not to attempt descent of these slopes, but rather to continue along the ridge or reverse their path back along the ridge.
The Aonach Eagach is usually regarded as the most difficult 'scrambling' ridge in mainland Scotland, though it vies with Liathach, and in winter An Teallach, for this title.
[edit] Traverse of the ridge
The Aonach Eagach is normally tackled from the Glen Coe (south) side in an east–west traverse. From Allt-na-reigh near the head of Glen Coe it is possible to ascend grass slopes leading to Am Bodach (a subsidiary Munro top), before continuing eastwards along the ridge to the first Munro proper, Meal Dearg.
From here the summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh lies only two kilometres to the west, but a number of pinnacles must be scrambled over, and it is not uncommon for parties to take more than two hours to cross this seemingly short distance. There are a couple of sections where the use of a rope may prove prudent.
From Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, the most direct descent is to head south by southwest, down a steep zig-zag path leading by the side of Clachaig gully. This 'path' is exceptionally steep and extremely loose in places, and has many small rock steps; it approaches close to the main gully in several places and so is potentially dangerous (fatal accidents have occurred here). A gentler alternative is to continue along the ridge, until reaching the bealach between Sgorr nam Fiannaidh and the Pap of Glencoe. From here a track heads down the hillside, ending on the road just outside Glencoe village. It is also possible to retreat approximately 200m east from the summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh and descend directly down the scree slope to Loch Achtriochtan, taking care to avoid being drawn into gullies further down. This descent also requires care, particularly near the top, but is still far safer than the Clachaig Gully descent.
Alternatively, the two Munros may be bagged individually by simply descending by the route of ascent. However it is for the traverse that the Aonach Eagach is best known.
In winter, the ridge is a fine expedition, though considerably harder than in summer (Scottish Winter Grade I/II), and many parties will go roped for some sections. Because of the short winter days, benightment on the ridge or its approaches is also not infrequent.
[edit] Devil's Staircase
A path known as the Devil's Staircase crosses the range about 6 km east of Meall Dearg. Today, as part of the West Highland Way, it is used primarily by walkers and mountain bikers travelling between Kinlochleven and Glencoe. However, in 1692, it was the approach route for the (apparently delayed) troops coming from Kinlochleven to provide reinforcements for the Massacre of Glencoe.
