If the Cairngorms are Scotland's Arctic, Glen Coe is its Alps. Nowhere in Britain packs such dramatic mountain scenery into such a compact area. Towering ridges, plunging corries, knife-edge arêtes — and all of it accessible from the A82, one of the world's great driving roads.
The Glen Coe and Ben Nevis area holds around 20 Munros, ranging from the straightforward tourist path up Ben Nevis to the airy scrambles of the Aonach Eagach and the complex navigation of Bidean nam Bian.
Ben Nevis (1,345m) — Britain's Roof
Every Munro bagger visits Ben Nevis eventually. The Mountain Track from Glen Nevis is the standard route — well-maintained, straightforward, and packed with fellow walkers in summer. Don't let the "tourist path" label fool you: it's 17km, 1,350m of ascent, and the summit is frequently in cloud with near-zero visibility. The north face is one of Britain's greatest cliff faces, invisible from the path but terrifyingly close if you wander in mist.
For experienced scramblers, the CMD Arête offers a far more exciting route via Aonach Mòr and Carn Mòr Dearg, with a spectacular knife-edge ridge leading to the summit.
The Mamores
South of Ben Nevis, the Mamores form an elegant ridge walk with 10 Munros strung along it. The full traverse is one of Scotland's classic long mountain days — around 25km with 3,000m of ascent. Most people tackle them in groups of 2-3 from Glen Nevis. Am Bodach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, and An Gearanach make a superb horseshoe from Kinlochleven.
Bidean nam Bian (1,150m) — Glen Coe's Highest
Bidean nam Bian is the highest peak in Argyll and the centrepiece of Glen Coe. It's hidden from the road — the famous Three Sisters are actually its northern buttresses — and reaching the summit involves navigating a maze of ridges, corries, and steep ground. The most popular route goes up via the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail), a hidden hanging valley that's one of Scotland's most magical places.
Buachaille Etive Mòr — The Great Shepherd
Stob Dearg, the pyramidal peak of Buachaille Etive Mòr, is Scotland's most photographed mountain. Its north face rises vertically from the flat expanse of Rannoch Moor in a single dramatic sweep. The walkers' route goes around the back via Coire na Tulaich — steep, loose scree but no scrambling. Curved Ridge on the north face is one of Scotland's finest grade 1 scrambles.
Aonach Eagach — Scotland's Narrowest Ridge
The Aonach Eagach is the famous knife-edge ridge forming the north wall of Glen Coe. It contains two Munros and is a serious grade 2 scramble with genuine exposure. In places, the ridge narrows to just a few feet with drops on both sides. This is not a beginners' route — confident scrambling ability and a head for heights are essential. In winter, it becomes a full mountaineering expedition. But in good conditions, it's one of the most exhilarating experiences in British mountaineering.
Bases
- Fort William: The "Outdoor Capital of the UK" with full facilities. Access to Ben Nevis, the Mamores, and the Grey Corries.
- Glencoe village: Quieter, directly beneath the Glen Coe peaks. The Clachaig Inn is a legendary mountaineering pub.
- Kinlochleven: Excellent access to the Mamores and the eastern end of the Aonach Eagach.
- Kings House Hotel: Historic inn at the foot of Buachaille Etive Mòr, recently renovated.
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