Corbett · Central Highlands
Aonach Shasuinn
Aonach Shasuinn — 'the Englishman's ridge', a name commemorating a Jacobite-era skirmish — is the 888m Corbett rising between Glen Affric and Glen Moriston. The mountain sits in the rough country east of the Cluanie Inn and gives a quiet ridge walk with views into the heart of Glen Affric and across to the Cluanie Munros. The summit is small and rocky, marked by a low blade of upright stone. Often climbed in tandem with Carn a' Choire Ghairbh from a Cluanie or Affric base.
Gaelic: “high ridge, of the Saxon (English)” · Pronunciation: oeun-ach shasuinn
Quick facts
- Height
- 888m/ 2913ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 900 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH173180
- Parking
- NH103118
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
estate road 25% · rough moor 35% · grassy ridge 30% · summit top 10%
From the small parking area west of Loch Cluanie near the dam (NH103118), follow the estate path east-north-east along the south side of An Caorann Mor. After around 5km, branch north-east up the open hillside onto the broad south ridge of Aonach Shasuinn. The route gains the summit ridge on grass and rock. For the natural pairing, descend east to the bealach and climb Sgùrr nan Conbhairean's Corbett companion or work west into Glen Affric. Allow 7–8 hours.
Terrain
Decent stalkers' path on the lower part of the approach. Above the path the going is rough grass and peat hag with no continuous trail. The summit ridge is firmer underfoot with small rocky outcrops. The blade of stone at the summit is easy to miss in cloud.
In winter
Snow cover holds on the upper ridge from December through March. The Cluanie approach is exposed to easterly winds funnelling down the glen. No avalanche concerns on the standard line but the broad summit demands accurate compass work in poor visibility. A long winter day — start at first light.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 2m
- Edinburgh3h 28m
OS maps: OS Landranger 34
Mobile signal: EE/Vodafone usable at the Cluanie Inn and on the dam road; no signal once into the Caorann Mor or on the summit
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 22:01
- Civil dawn
- 03:33
- Civil dusk
- 23:03
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Aonach Shasuinn.
Around Aonach Shasuinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Aonach Shasuinn — common questions
- How hard is Aonach Shasuinn?
- Aonach Shasuinn is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 900m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: Decent stalkers' path on the lower part of the approach.
- Where do I park for Aonach Shasuinn?
- Standard parking is at NH103118 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Aonach Shasuinn?
- The standard good-weather months for Aonach Shasuinn are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Aonach Shasuinn?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Aonach Shasuinn?
- EE/Vodafone usable at the Cluanie Inn and on the dam road; no signal once into the Caorann Mor or on the summit
- Is Aonach Shasuinn safe in winter?
- Snow cover holds on the upper ridge from December through March. The Cluanie approach is exposed to easterly winds funnelling down the glen. No avalanche concerns on the standard line but the broad summit demands accurate compass work in poor visibility. A long winter day — start at first light.