Pete wishing he had broke his boots in before the bad step on Am Bodach

This is probably, the narrowest ridge in mainland Britain. It is certainly one of the most accessible, starting from Glen Coe on the A82. The route can be done either east to west or visa versa. We decided to start at the western end of the ridge as you get a fabulous view of Loch Leven at the end of the day and a big bonus of finishing at the door of the Clachaig Inn. Start at one of the car parks near the foot of Am Bodach. Ours was GR174566 using OS map 41. The route up Am Bodach is straight forward if a little steep. The occasional scrambling you encounter will prepare you mentally for things to come. Once at the top of Am Bodach, a mere top at 3093ft, the whole ridge becomes clear. The views are superb with the Buchaille Etive Beag and buchaille Etive Mor guarding the gate to Glen Coe on the left and Bidian nan Bian domintating the skyline opposite. Facing the ridge, if you look right, you are greeted by the Mamores, Ben Nevis, Aonach's Beag and Mor and the grey Corries on the right. It really is worth the two hour effort it takes you to get thus far just for the view.

Proceeding onwards west, the first awkward move is soon encountered. You must face inward as you descend right then left, to rejoin the ridge. One of my companions, a certain Peter Jones, had just purchased new boots the week before going to Scotland. He now regretted it. A few months previously he had completed an outstanding weekend in Wales, his native home, by climbing the north ridge of Tryfan and Crib Goch on Snowdon. He revelled in  the exposure and scrambling. Less than two months later his new boots caused him to have a very nervous and unpleasant day. Be Warned. The Aonach Eagach is not the place to break in your new boots. Moving on, a slightly exposed slab is encountered, then it's on wide grassy ridge, to  the first munro, Meall Dearg at 3126ft.

Peter Jones is Brave Heart as he surveys the notorious Pinnacles

From here to the next top Stob Coire Leith at 3087ft the ridge now becomes a roller coaster of sheer scrambling heaven. There is absolutely no point describing this section in detail. The route is straight forward. A seemingly never ending series of narrow rocky paths with huge drops either side, culminating in the infamous pinnacles. The pinnacles can just about be made out from the A82, up here they are enormous. A good head for heights is needed and a pair of safe hands. Take your time, it's not a race and enjoy the breath taking scenery. It's not unusual to have to queue at certain points on busy weekends or bank holidays so you might want to leave the ridge for a week day although the security of having others around might help some. The day we did it, there were also people using ropes on this section, so once again be warned. The good news for the nervous is from Stob Coire Leith, it's a straight forward walk to the second munro, Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (pronounce it how you like) at 3172ft. There is no easy way down to Glen Coe. You can walk a short way west then descend into a small corrie and a steep quartzite slope, or go the whole way to the Pap of Glencoe. We descended the Clachaig gully to the Clachaig Hotel. A lot of guide books don't recommend this as this is steep and loose but after the main ridge I personally don't think it's any worse than what you have already done. Which ever way you decide, visit the Clachaig Inn, it's steeped in history and atmosphere, besides, you've joined an exclusive club and you've bloody well earned a pint.

Click here for Home Page Click here to email me