Aonach Eagach
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The Aonach Eagach (Notched Ridge, from the Scottish Gaelic) is a rocky ridge lying to the north of Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands. It boasts two Munro summits.
The ridge is very rocky and the route between them requires scrambling ability. The Aonach Eagach is usually regarded as the most difficult ridge in mainland Scotland, though it vies with Liathach, and in winter An Teallach, for this title.
The Aonach Eagach is normally tackled from the Glen Coe (south) side. The most common route is from east to west, initially ascending to the ridge just east of Meall Dearg by way of the watercourse of the Allt-na-righ. The summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh lies only two km to the west, however 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 rope may prove prudent.
From Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, the simplest descent is to head south by southwest, down a steep zig-zag path leading by the side of Clachaig gully. 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 head down the hillside, ending on the road just outside Glencoe village.
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, and many parties will go roped for some sections.