Munro Planner

Fort William

Aonach Mòr

1,221 metres · 2 detailed routes

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Aonach Beag (Nevis Range) · Aonach Mòr

Aonach Beag and Aonach Mòr from Glen Nevis

Route overview

An exceptional horseshoe route exploring the quieter, wilder southern aspects of the Aonachs. Starting from the dramatic depths of Glen Nevis, the trail climbs past the spectacular Steall Falls before ascending a rugged ridge over Sgùrr a' Bhuic to reach the high, sprawling plateaux of Aonach Beag and Aonach Mòr, offering superb views of Ben Nevis.

Terrain and underfoot

The route features a mix of well-defined glen paths, faint and boggy hill tracks, and pathless grassy ridges. The high plateaux are broad but bordered by steep drops, requiring careful navigation in poor visibility. The descent from the Aonach Mòr bealach into Coire Guibhsachan is initially extremely steep, loose, and eroded, before transitioning into a very boggy glen floor.

Distance
17 km
Ascent
1,468 m
Typical time
6 - 7.5 hoursStandard moving time
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Munros
2

Getting there and parking

Driving and parking

Upper Glen Nevis road end

Drive to the car park at the end of the public road in Glen Nevis, just before the gorge approach. This is the walking start for the Ring of Steall and the upper-glen Aonach Mòr route.

An unmarked gravel car park at the end of the glen road. Keep the central access and turning aisle clear.

Approximately 15 to 25 cars

View parking area on Google Maps ↗Street View (June 2016) ↗
Cost and payment
The council tariff is £3 up to three hours, £4 up to six hours, £5 up to 12 hours or £10 up to 24 hours.
Before you go
The maximum stay is 24 hours. Motorhomes are not permitted between 22:00 and 08:00.
Sources checked 2 October 2026

Aonach Mòr · Aonach Beag (Nevis Range)

Aonach Mòr and Beag via the Gondola

Route overview

This efficient outing utilises the Nevis Range gondola to bypass the initial heavy lifting, offering a direct line onto the high Lochaber plateau. Walkers are rewarded with expansive views toward Ben Nevis and the surrounding peaks. The route links two distinct Munros, transitioning from the broad, grassy dome of Aonach Mòr to the sharper, rockier crest of Aonach Beag.

Terrain and underfoot

The walk begins with a pathless, steep climb through the ski area, following a snow fence onto the ridge. The plateau of Aonach Mòr is broad and grassy but bordered by steep drops, requiring careful navigation in poor visibility. A clearer path descends to a narrow col before a steep, rocky, zig-zagging ascent leads to the stony summit of Aonach Beag. Underfoot conditions are generally good but require care on the steeper sections.

Distance
9.5 km
Ascent
879 m
Typical time
3.5 - 4.5 hoursStandard moving time
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Munros
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Getting there and parking

Driving and gondola approach

Nevis Range gondola access

The Nevis Range gondola is an approach option for Aonach Mòr, not a lift to the summit.

A large car park at the lower Nevis Range base station. Vehicle arrival is below the GPX start at the upper gondola station.

View parking area on Google Maps ↗Street View (October 2016) ↗
Gondola approach
The gondola reaches around 650 metres on Aonach Mòr, below the summit. Operator viewpoint walks are separate from the Munro route.
Sources checked 2 October 2026

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Make a plan for Aonach Mòr

On foot

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On the road

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Guidebook & paper maps

The Munros

Scottish Mountaineering Club · 4th edition (2021)

  • M8 · p. 113
View on Amazon (paid link)

Walking the Munros · Volume 1

Cicerone

Southern, Central and Western Highlands

  • Guide route 2 · p. 41

Latest edition: 4th (2021) · reprinted 2024. Edition of page references unconfirmed.

View on Amazon (paid link)

Peak Bagging: Munros · Volume 1

Nicola Hardy · 2025

The AonachsGuide route 42 · p. 209

Hub 7 - Fort William

View on Amazon (paid link)

The Munro Almanac

Cameron McNeish · 2011

Ben Nevis and the Aonachs

  • Munro description · p. 44

100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains

Ralph Storer · 1997

The AonachsGuide route 25 · p. 56

Page numbers vary by edition.

OS Explorer · 1:25,000
  • 392Ben Nevis & Fort William
OS Landranger · 1:50,000
  • 41Ben Nevis

Summit locations only, not the approach or return route.

Check sheets with Ordnance Survey

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Mountain planning note

Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.