3,222 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland
An Gearanach
An Gearanach is a 3,222 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Steall Zigzag Path: 6 mi, 2,850 ft of gain, Class 2.
An Gearanach at a glance
- Elevation3,222 ft982 m
- RouteSteall Zigzag PathClass 2
- Distance6 mi2,850 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCentral HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Steall Zigzag Path
From Fort William, drive the Glen Nevis road off the A82 to the Upper Falls car park at the road end. Walk the gorge path to Steall meadows, cross the Water of Nevis on the three-wire bridge (or ford the shallows upstream when the river is low), pass the foot of Steall Falls and climb the steep zigzag path up the ridge to the summit. Class 2 on steep grass and rock. It is the first peak of the Ring of Steall, which continues over the Grade 1 An Garbhanach crest to Stob Coire a' Chairn. The river is impassable in spate, the gorge path is slippery, and the upper ridge is windswept.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Stream crossing
- Slippery terrain
- High winds
- Low visibility
Quests with An Gearanach
MunrosPeaks near An Gearanach
Frequently asked questions
How tall is An Gearanach?
An Gearanach is 3,222 feet (982 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.
How does An Gearanach rank among the Munros?
At 3,222 feet, An Gearanach is the 166th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike An Gearanach?
The Steall Zigzag Path is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 6 miles with 2,850 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike An Gearanach?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Steall Zigzag Path, covering 6 miles with 2,850 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike An Gearanach?
Usually, if you are fit. The Steall Zigzag Path is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike An Gearanach?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb An Gearanach with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list