aonach eagach guided traverse

aonach eagach guided traverse

1 dayGrade Moderate - 5Glen Coe Max 1:2 Ratio
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
The route

What the days on the ridge involve

Join us for our guided walk and scramble on the Aonach Eagach ridge traverse, one of the most sought after ridge walks in Scotland, and rightly so, with its sharp pinnacles, knife edge traverses and steep drops making this a committing outing. It requires sound judgement, skill and a cool head to safely negotiate this unforgettable day in the Scottish mountains. A favourite of so many with plenty of tales told over a refreshing drink at the Clachaig Inn.
Interactive Map

Expedition Topography & Route

OpenTopoMap Topography
Day-By-Day Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Aonach Eagach - Start

Aonach Eagach - Meall Dearg (Munro)

Aonach Eagach - Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (Munro)

Aonach Eagach - Finish

We plan to meet at the Clachaig Inn for 8.30am, check kit and drive to the east side of the glen. We then start our adventure up the east end of the ridge towards Am Bodach. Once 'the up' is done we get kitted up and pass the Chancellors seat before getting into the exciting stuff; the first exposed down climb. We then continue along the broad ridge towards Meall Dearg; before we start tackling the iconic pinnacles, this is where the heart begins to pound! After negotiating the exciting stuff, you get a chance to get your breath back! We also have the option to take in the second Munro of Sgorr nam Fiannaaidh if people wish. Time for the Clachaig Inn for a well-earned refreshment!

Offline Preparation

Download Trip Itinerary - Aonach Eagach

Includes complete kit list, daily mileage charts, and meeting point coordinates for offline access.

Gear & Provisions

Inclusions, Exclusions & Kit

What's Included

  • ✓Highly experienced & qualified guide
  • ✓Harness, helmet, ropes
  • ✓Climbing hardware
  • ✓Guidebooks
  • ✓Group shelter
  • ✓First Aid kit
  • ✓Photos from your course

Not Included

  • ✗Course Insurance
  • ✗Personal Expenses
  • ✗Accommodation

What to Bring

  • •A pair of suitable walking boots/approach shoes
  • •Quality, breathable waterproof jacket and trousers. Gore-tex or similar
  • •Spare insulating layer
  • •Walking socks
  • •Walking trousers (synthetic materials; jeans or similar are not suitable)
  • •Water bottle or flask
  • •Rucksack 30-40 ltr
  • •Hat & waterproof gloves
  • •Lunch, plus a little spare food
  • •Sunglasses & sun cream (you just never know!)
  • •Waterproof case for phone i.e. zip-lock bag
  • •Personal medications
Official Grade StandardsGrade Moderate - 5

Scrambling - Moderate

Suitable For

Ideal for those with some experience of rocky or exposed terrain, ready to tackle slightly more challenging scrambles. Routes will involve steeper ascents and descents, with more complex movements required on rock, offering an exciting progression for confident mountain walkers.

Skills Required

Previous hillwalking or hiking experience is essential, and a good level of fitness is required. These routes may include some short, technical sections where you’ll need to use your hands to climb, and there may be greater exposure compared to easier scrambles.

Expedition Gallery

Great conditions on the Aonach Eagach ridge traverse
Sunrise in Glen Coe as we start our traverse
Cloud inversion as we traversed the Aonach Eagach Ridge
Guiding on the Aonach Eagach Ridge in great summer conditions
Big smiles for a sunny traverse of the Aonach Eagach Ridge
Cloud inversion as we traversed the pinnacles

Frequently Asked Questions

Individual Departure
£180.00/ person
Private 1:1 RateFrom £380/dayConfigure Private Dates ↓
Scheduled Departures
Sat 1st May 27 - Sat 1st May 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Sat 22nd May 27 - Sat 22nd May 271 day expedition
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£180
Sat 19th Jun 27 - Sat 19th Jun 271 day expedition
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£180
Sat 3rd Jul 27 - Sat 3rd Jul 271 day expedition
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£180
Sat 21st Aug 27 - Sat 21st Aug 271 day expedition
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£180
Sat 4th Sep 27 - Sat 4th Sep 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Basecamp Concierge

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Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.

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Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on aonach eagach guided traverse? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.

WMCI / MIC Certified Lead GuidesTailored Weather Safety Routings
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Calculated Private Rate1 Day • 1:1 Ratio
£380(£380/day)
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The Highland Standard

Why scramble with us

Qualified mountain instructors, a small group, and routes chosen for the people on the day.

A person in an orange jacket sits in a sleeping bag on a rocky summit, watching the sun set over a sea of cloud.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Scrambling trips, in their words

How other people found the ridges, the exposure, and the days with a guide.

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"Scrambling in Glen Coe"

Highly recommend Stephen and Scottish Rock and Water, I did a 2 day introduction course on scrambling in Glen Coe and Stephen made our experience highly enjoyable and very educational. Stephen is very patient and I felt extremely comfortable and safe during the course at all times. I have gained valuable confidence and knowledge from my 2 days. Had an amazing time, thank you Stephen

Craig BeveridgeVerified

"Tower Ridge Ben Nevis"

Absolutely loved the whole day, even the walk out. Stephen was a top guy, first class guide who made sure we were safe, but also allowed us to enjoy ourselves at the same time. Would highly recommend booking with him if you have any plans for a trip.

Brian Verified

"A great day out learning new tricks"

Me and my partner booked a scrambling course on the Curved ridge in Glen Coe with Stephen. Stephen is a great guide. He tailored our experience to meet our needs and to fill gaps in our knowledge we felt we beeded. We weren't totally sure where we were in terms of experience, but he gave us great confidence in our abilities, and also has great chat ! We wouldn't hesitate to book another course with Scottish Rock and Water, and it's clear that Stephen is an absolute expert at his job. We came away from the day accomplished and confident.

JessicaVerified

"Scrambling experience on Skye :)"

The perfect first time scrambling and climbing in Skye! Loved every moment. From the views to the company. Stephen is incredibly knowledgeable and professional and also a fantastic teacher, making sure I felt confident and safe throughout. Thank you for a fab day. Can't wait to book the next trip over!

Melissa MVerified

"Liathach scrambling"

Having had a brilliant experience with Stephen last summer doing an introduction to scrambling course I decided to book into a last minute guided traverse of Liathach. Once again had an amazing experience - cannot praise Stephen enough! He's a brilliant guide, makes you feel so at ease and gives you confidence in your abilities. I was terrified about this walk but felt so safe and comfortable with him. Such good company too making it a fantastic day with lots of chat and laughs along the way. Thank you so much, will definitely be booking back for in for another trip in the future.

Louise AllanVerified

"In Pin & Sgurr Mhic Choinnich combo"

Stephen helped us achieve 2 more ticks in our Munro book. He expertly made our short ridge traverse highly educational and fun at the same time. We even invested in more basic scrambling equipment within hours of completion as he made us hungry for more! We will certainly use Stephen as a Guide again or enroll on one of his many mountaineering courses, an epic day led by a top Guide! Five stars all round 👍

Ollie HVerified
Field Notes

Scrambling notes

Grades, kit, and how to prepare for a Scottish scramble.

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A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.

A climber in an orange helmet moves up a granite slab above a Highland glen.