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3,661 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland

Aonach Beag

Aonach Beag is a 3,661 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Beinn Eibhinn: 18 mi, 3,710 ft of gain, Class 2.

Aonach Beag in the Central Highlands, Scotland

Aonach Beag at a glance

  • Elevation3,661 ft1,115 m
  • RouteNormal Route via Beinn EibhinnClass 2
  • Distance18 mi3,710 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeCentral HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Normal Route via Beinn Eibhinn

Take the West Highland Line to Corrour Station, which has no road. Start from Corrour Station and follow the Loch Ossian estate tracks to Corrour Lodge, then climb steep, wet, pathless slopes to Meall Glas Choire and follow the ridge over Beinn Eibhinn and a narrow col to the dome of Aonach Beag. The route is Class 2. The Walkhighlands round instead takes in Aonach Beag with Geal-Charn, Carn Dearg and Beinn Eibhinn from a camp at Culra. Take the earliest train, consider a bike for the loch tracks, and turn around in time for the last train out.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 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

  • Remote location
  • Boggy terrain
  • Low visibility
  • Complex logistics

Quests with Aonach Beag

Peaks near Aonach Beag

  1. Beinn Eibhinn

    Beinn Eibhinn

    3,619 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Geal-Chàrn

    Geal-Chàrn

    3,714 ft · 0.8 mi away

  3. Beinn a' Chlachair

    Beinn a' Chlachair

    3,566 ft · 2.6 mi away

  4. Ben Alder

    Ben Alder

    3,766 ft · 2.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Aonach Beag?

Aonach Beag is 3,661 feet (1,115 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.

How does Aonach Beag rank among the Munros?

At 3,661 feet, Aonach Beag is the 37th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Aonach Beag?

The Normal Route via Beinn Eibhinn is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 18 miles with 3,710 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Aonach Beag?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Beinn Eibhinn, covering 18 miles with 3,710 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Aonach Beag?

The Normal Route via Beinn Eibhinn needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 18 miles with 3,710 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Aonach Beag?

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 Aonach Beag 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