It’s Saturday 8 July, 2017 and I’m heading for Glen Coe this time. Later start (2.40am dep from Milton of Campsie) and shorter drive (2 hours) but MUCH tougher and challenging climb awaits compared to Ben Hope.
Credit: Mark Vogan
This is my greatest challenge yet. With a fearsome reputation, the Aonach Eagach is considered the narrowest ridge on mainland Britain spanning 10km from the Pap of Glencoe to Devil’s Staircase but it’s the 2km stretch between it’s munros which frightens even the most experienced. Views are simply spectacular but not for the faint of heart. Scrambling experience and a good head for heights is required.
Steve Fallon
It’s 4.50am and here I go! The mighty Aonach Eagach looms in the background but the terrifying top is hidden in the early morning cloud.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Fair weather
Weather was fair with sun/cloud mix and light winds. Temp around 7-9C. Once up above 2,000ft, winds freshened. Despite cloud moving in during my ridge walk, it came and went and with good visibility, I had great views of the surrounding area as well as below me. Wind did pick up further on approach of the 2nd munro but on descent down, I became sheltered.
Car is getting smaller!
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Looking east to Etive Mor and Rannoch Moor in the distance.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Sun shinning down on Rannoch Moor (right) and Loch Eilde Mor (left).
Credit: Mark Vogan
The Chancellor
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Ben Nevis before the cloud fully moved in
Credit: Mark Vogan
View from Am Bodach looking across to Meall Dearg, the 1st munro. Start’s to get tough from here.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Just came down this. First of many obstacles.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Cloud rolls in on up and down approach to Meall Dearg
Credit: Mark Vogan
Yay! Hello Meall Dearg and my 25th munro!
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Now for the crazy pinnacles and narrowest, scariest section of the ridge.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
No place to start getting cold feet.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
No way around, just over!
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
THIS is what’s directly below… Nothing but thin air.
Credit: Mark Vogan
A82 only a mere 3,000ft down!
Credit: Mark Vogan
A simply stunning view looking up Glen Coe.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
These pinnacles are no laughing matter. Just your bare hands climbing vertical rock. One bad step or slip and your a goner…
Credit: Mark Vogan
Past the pinnacles and looking back at where I just came. In awe really… it’s now onwards and upwards to the 2nd munro.
Credit: Mark Vogan
I’ve made it. Sgorr nam Fiannaidh.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Great surrounding summit views.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
A great view of the Aonach Eagach as I commence my long, steep and at times scary descent.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Trail Magazine
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