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
- Prominence
- 237 m
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 900 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH173180
- Parking
- NH103118
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 44km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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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
- 04:43
- Sunset
- 22:08
- Civil dawn
- 03:41
- Civil dusk
- 23:11
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026
Around Aonach Shasuinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Aonach Shasuinn — common questions
- What difficulty is Aonach Shasuinn?
- On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Aonach Shasuinn comes in at 3/5 — moderately challenging. Expect roughly 18km and 900m of ascent on the usual route — 5-8 hours for most parties. Ground conditions: Decent stalkers' path on the lower part of the approach.
- How much drop does Aonach Shasuinn have?
- The drop is 237m: measured from the summit of Aonach Shasuinn down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Aonach Shasuinn?
- Park at NH103118. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Aonach Shasuinn?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on Aonach Shasuinn. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Aonach Shasuinn?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone 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.
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