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.

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.

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.

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!

Looking east to Etive Mor and Rannoch Moor in the distance.

Sun shinning down on Rannoch Moor (right) and Loch Eilde Mor (left).

The Chancellor

Ben Nevis before the cloud fully moved in

View from Am Bodach looking across to Meall Dearg, the 1st munro. Start’s to get tough from here.

Just came down this. First of many obstacles.

Cloud rolls in on up and down approach to Meall Dearg

Yay! Hello Meall Dearg and my 25th munro!

Now for the crazy pinnacles and narrowest, scariest section of the ridge.

No place to start getting cold feet.

No way around, just over!

THIS is what’s directly below… Nothing but thin air.

A82 only a mere 3,000ft down!

A simply stunning view looking up Glen Coe.

These pinnacles are no laughing matter. Just your bare hands climbing vertical rock. One bad step or slip and your a goner…

Past the pinnacles and looking back at where I just came. In awe really… it’s now onwards and upwards to the 2nd munro.

I’ve made it. Sgorr nam Fiannaidh.

Great surrounding summit views.

A great view of the Aonach Eagach as I commence my long, steep and at times scary descent.

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Trail Magazine

Tags: aonach eagach, glen coe, Munro