Aonach Eagach - Meall Dearg

About Aonach Eagach - Meall Dearg

As the central Munro of the legendary Aonach Eagach, this peak is defined by some of Britain's finest scrambling. Reaching the summit requires traversing the notorious 'notched ridge' of Glen Coe, where exposed rock and narrow chimneys offer a thrilling, airy challenge high above the floor of the glen.

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Did You Know?

• •The name Meall Dearg translates from Scottish Gaelic as 'Red Rounded Hill.' While the summit is a narrow point on a jagged ridge, the name likely refers to the reddish hue of the porphyritic rock on its southern slopes when caught in the evening light.
• •This mountain forms the midpoint of the Aonach Eagach, widely considered the narrowest and most demanding horizontal ridge walk on the British mainland. It sits between the eastern sentinel of Am Bodach and the jagged scramble toward Sgùrr nam Fiannaidh.
• •The summit offers an unparalleled perspective of the Bidean nam Bian massif directly across the glen. From this height, you can look straight into the dark recesses of the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) and see the true, steep scale of the Three Sisters.
• •The ridge was first documented as a mountaineering challenge in the late 19th century. Unlike many Munros that can be 'bagged' via grassy slopes, Meall Dearg almost always requires a Grade 2 scramble, making it a significant milestone for Munro baggers.
• •The descent routes to the south are notoriously treacherous, with steep grass slopes masking vertical cliffs. Experienced hillwalkers generally treat Meall Dearg as part of a linear traverse rather than a peak to be climbed and descended in isolation.
• •Despite its status as a Munro, the summit cairn is often used merely as a brief sanctuary where walkers regain their composure before tackling the 'Crazy Pinnacles' that lie immediately to the west.