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Aonach Beag [Nevis region]

Munro

Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
1234 m (4048 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NN19667150
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
7 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
2
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Little ridge
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  41   Ben Nevis, Fort William & Glen Coe
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

 Description
Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor are the two highest peaks on a long ridge running N-S from the Great Glen to the head of Glen Nevis. The sides of this ridge are generally steep and craggy and it is best to assume that you should only attempt an ascent or descent from the N or S ends of the ridge.

As the N slopes of Aonach Mor are developed for skiing, it is normal to ascend both these mountains from the S via Sgurr a'Bhuic.

An alternative route leads up Coire Giubhsachan to a high col (830m) between Aonach Beag and Carn Mor Dearg. Whilst an ascent of this path is relatively easy, it can be difficult to locate when descending and any deviation will lead you to dangerous crags. If in doubt avoid this route.

Hazards you may encounter on Aonach Beag [Nevis region] include
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 Crags within 1km of summit.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Aonach Beag [Nevis region]

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

 Weather & OS Maps
West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format)
West Highlands
by Met Office
Aonach Beag
by Metcheck
Aonach Beag [Nevis region] Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

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The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Aonach Beag [Nevis region].

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 Routes that include Aonach Beag [Nevis region]
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 2025 m 16.11 km 7 hrs Aonach Beag [Nevis region] and Aonach Mor  Moderate climb with some steep ascents and many crags either side of the summit ridge, Navigate with care. Excellent views of Ben Nevis and Carn mor Dearg.  
2 1740 m 15.10 km 6 hrs Aonach Beag [Nevis region] and Aonach Mor  A strenuous route in places with short sharp ascents but relatively easy. Care is required in low cloud to attain the narrow ridge between Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag. The route along the Allt Coire Giubhsachan can be very boggy in wet periods.  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Aonach Beag [Nevis region]

 Baggers Gallery for Aonach Beag [Nevis region]

Joyce and Ian enjoying typical Scottish mountain heatwave(!) on the summit of Aonach Beag, with the Ben behind.

© Ian Munro

Image by Ian Munro

Misty and I on top of Aonach Mor

© mackenzie barker

Image by mackenzie barker

Aonach Beag (Nevis) Jul'09

© Mike Blake

Image by Mike Blake

eddie robb,bruce coull and andrew law on summit of aonach beag with ben nevis in the back ground on the 7june 2009

© Andrew Law

Image by Andrew Law
View All 11 Baggers Images for Aonach Beag [Nevis region]
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Recently Climbed By
Stevie Yates on 17 Jul 2023
scott mitchell on 03 Jun 2023

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Post a few words about Aonach Beag [Nevis region] or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Ian Munro
wrote on
May 27, 2012
Take care to locate the correct point to begin the descent down from the summit plateau to the bealach between the Aonach summit plateau and Carn Mor Dearg. Do not descend from the lowest point. The top of the preferred route is marked by a small cairn, well offset from the direct path between the two summits. Best found by walking along the west edge of the plateau but take extreme care in poor visibiity. Even that route is trcky, being steep and with a lot of loose surfaces.
Felix Gruijters
wrote on
April 23, 2009
When descending Aonach Beag to get to Sgurr Choinich Mor, first follow the ridge south west, than when you see the main path go south east go to the corner and find a very steep winding path twisting itself down the craggy slope. We descended with a heavy overnight but please realise that this descend is not for the inexperienced.
Mike Watson
wrote on
September 21, 2006
Did these from the gondola station. Slight cheat but then gives access to a much less travelled route onto Carn Mor Dearg allowing all 4000ft'rs in lochaber to be reached in a day. Although you do have a tricky westward descent from the bealach between Mor & Beag .... not fun in good weather never mind bad!
Terry Thomson
wrote on
June 17, 2002
Completed both Aonach Beag/Mor from the apparent less favoured route from Coire Giubhsachan. The path up the west slopes, although steep, was fairly easy going. Once onto easier slopes, the summit of Aonach Mor is 3/4km on a 12degree bearing. The ascent from the bhealaich between these two mountains is very narrow, but once the cloud base lifted, the views all round are spectacular. A very rewarding days hillwalking.
Alan Willison
wrote on
May 17, 2002
Completed on a beautiful spring day in May 2002 (with Aonach Mor). Superb 360 panorama, one of the best. Dont descend from the bealach between Beag and Mor...its very risky.
 
 

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