Location: Glen Coe
Duration: 1 day
Client to Instructor Ratio: 2:1 Max
The Aonach Eagach, Glen Coe's iconic skyline ridge, transforms into a complex and surprisingly technical mountaineering challenge in winter. It's a route for any adventurous soul aiming to conquer the best winter ridges in Scotland.
Before Your Course
Your EverydayClimbing mountain guide will be in touch one to two days before your course commences. This pre-course contact serves to introduce your guide, confirm meeting details, and provide insight into the expected weather conditions. Our guides are readily available to address any queries you may have, ensuring you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventure.
On the Day
Your adventure begins the moment we park in the heart of Glen Coe, surrounded by towering peaks that appear almost vertical in all directions. From this central point, we set off on our journey, starting with a demanding ascent to the summit of Am Bodach. This initial climb may seem relentless, but the panoramic views improve with every step. Another advantage is that we conquer 90% of our ascent swiftly, leaving the rest of the day to savour the vistas and relish the airy mountaineering along the ridge.
Dependant on the snow-line, there may be opportunities for optional mountaineering sections, allowing you to hone your movement skills with expert guidance, helping you better prepare for the terrain you'll be traversing.
Upon reaching the first summit, we'll don harnesses, helmets and ropes, ready for the tricky descent we soon encounter. At the base of this, the route ahead is clearly evident—a nearly one-kilometer stretch of rugged pinnacles leading to Stob Coire Leith. Along this breathtaking route, we encounter numerous rock spires, chimneys and slabs, some easier to navigate, others technically challenging. In between these formations, the ridge narrows to as little as a meter wide at times, creating a truly atmospheric journey with plenty of opportunities for striking photos.
After conquering all difficulties and reaching the final summit, the journey continues with four kilometres of classic mountain walking that lead us down to the road and eventually, as tradition dictates, to the renowned Clachaig Inn.
Not quite what you're seeking? No problem! We specialise in organising climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering guides for any route in the Scottish Highlands or islands. From the dramatic sea-stacks to the legendary Skye Cuillin, we've got your adventure covered. Feel free to drop us a line with your specific requirements, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.
Dates
This route is typically in condition throughout the winter season and can usually be scheduled on any day that suits your plans.
Feel free to reach out with your specific requirements or contact us using the form below, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.
Prices
Our prices are comprehensive and cover the following:
One person - £300
Two people - £350 (£175 per person)
The Aonach Eagach offers a rewarding progression opportunity for mountaineers aiming to tackle challenging, higher-grade terrain. Basic crampon and axe skills are a minimum requirement, with exposure to Grade II climbing preferred for this next step in your skills pathway. While it's possible to attempt this route as a first winter experience, extensive hillwalking and scrambling experience are essential to build the necessary skill base.
Given the absence of escape options along the route, participants should be physically fit with good mountain stamina to ensure the completion of the journey.
Required
• 35-45l backpack
• B2/B3 Winter mountain boots (Can be rented locally)
• Gaiters
• Ski Goggles
• Walking poles
• Emergency shelter (Orange bag)
• Water bottle (around 1 litre) or hot drink flask
• Food and extra food (min. 1000cals.)
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Thick socks
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thin fleece or light insulated jacket
• Thick fleece or mid insulated jacket
• Thick insulated jacket
• Warm hat
• Buff
• 2-3x Pairs winter gloves
• Hiking trousers
• Synthetic/merino base layers
• Personal medication
• Waterproof stuff sacks for everything
Optional
• OS maps of planned areas
• Waterproof map case
• Compass (silva type 4 recommended)
Provided
• Harness
• Climbing helmet
• 120cm sling and karabiner
• C1/C2 crampons
• Single mountaineering axe
To guarantee your comfort and security throughout our activities, we strongly advise all participants to come prepared with the complete equipment listed. While our activities may proceed even if participants do not have the entire kit list, please be aware that EverydayClimbing and our instructors retain the right to modify the itinerary or conclude the activity early should the absence of essential equipment pose an elevated risk to the group, exceeding acceptable safety standards.
As part of our unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers to outdoor adventures, we offer a selection of equipment available for use by anyone, with no questions asked. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Just drop us a line and let us know what you require.