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.
Aonach Mòr · Aonach Beag (Nevis Range)
Aonach Mòr and Aonach Beag (Nevis Range)
Distance
9.5 km
Ascent
879 m
Typical time
3.5 - 4.5 hours
Munros
2
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.
Stay close to the hill
Turn Aonach Mòr into part of a Highland break
Browse handpicked Scottish cottages ranked with cached road times to Munro route starts. Signed-in walkers can prioritise cottages by the hills still missing from their round.
Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.