Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Aonach Eagach - Meall Dearg
Aonach Eagach - Meall Dearg (952m) is a Munro set in the country between Loch Leven to Rannoch Station. It shares ridgeline connections with neighbouring hills, making it a natural addition to a longer day combining two or three summits. The summit, marked by a cairn, gives views of sea lochs, dramatic ridges and the peaks of the western Highlands. The nearest town is Fort William in Highland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 952m/ 3124ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 838 m
- Time
- 4.6 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NN161583
- Parking
- NN15145836
- Nearest city
- Fort William
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 16km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 16km with 838m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross steep-sided glens with birch and oak woodland. Higher up, the terrain changes to volcanic and metamorphic rock, steep ridges and buttresses. Good stalkers' paths on popular routes but remote sections, particularly around Knoydart, are rough and pathless. The summit is marked by a cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Good stalkers' paths on popular routes but remote sections, particularly around Knoydart, are rough and pathless. Good ridge connections to neighbouring summits make multi-hill days a natural option.
In winter
In winter, Aonach Eagach - Meall Dearg is a serious proposition. Heavy snowfall and rapid freeze-thaw cycles make conditions changeable. Avalanche risk on steeper slopes is real — check the SAIS forecast before heading out. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 11m
- Edinburgh3h 56m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:48
- Sunset
- 20:48
- Civil dawn
- 05:05
- Civil dusk
- 21:32
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026