NN1971 : The Ben View

Aonach Beag

1,234m Elevation
404m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NN1971 : The Ben View

Adam Ward Photo source

Explore routes near Aonach Beag

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ben Nevis via Mountain Path

15.6 km ~7h Hard

View route

Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km ~7h Hard

View route

The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km ~6h Hard

View route

Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km Hard

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Aonach Beag via Glen Nevis and Steall Falls

This classic route begins at the Lower Falls car park in Glen Nevis and passes through the gorge to reach the dramatic Steall Falls. From there, ascend the steep slopes of Aonach Beag's south flank. The route provides incredible views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding peaks, with a rewarding summit experience.

14 km ~6 hours Hard

Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor Traverse

Starting from the Nevis Range gondola station, this route ascends Aonach Mor first before continuing across the ridge to Aonach Beag. The traverse between the two Munros offers expansive views and a high-altitude adventure, with a descent returning to the gondola area.

16 km ~7 hours Hard

Carn Mor Dearg Arete to Aonach Beag

This challenging route begins with an ascent of Carn Mor Dearg via the arete, offering a thrilling ridge walk. After summiting, descend and climb to Aonach Beag. Return through Coire Giubhsachan for a circular adventure. This route is best suited to experienced walkers.

18 km ~8 hours Very Hard

Aonach Beag from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

This direct route starts at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel and ascends steeply through the forest before emerging onto open slopes leading to Aonach Beag. It’s a straightforward but physically demanding climb, with incredible summit views.

12 km ~5.5 hours Hard

Aonach Beag Loop via Coire Giubhsachan

This lesser-trodden loop begins at the Steall Falls car park and ascends through Coire Giubhsachan to Aonach Beag’s summit. The descent follows a circuitous path, taking in dramatic scenery and a sense of remoteness.

15 km ~6.5 hours Hard
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,234m

4,049 ft

Prominence

404m

Coordinates

56.8000, -4.9541

NN197715

OS Map

41

Explorer: 392

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a substantial cairn and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with occasional weathered stone shelters providing a refuge from the wind.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with sections of scree; the final approach to the summit features boulders requiring careful navigation.

Aonach Beag is primarily composed of schist and granite, typical of the Scottish Highlands. The mountain's rugged terrain has been shaped by glacial activity, resulting in striking cliff faces and deep gullies.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the Grey Corries, and the vast expanse of the surrounding moors and glens.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Aonach Beag translates to 'small ridge' in Gaelic, aptly describing its narrow summit ridge.

Historical Significance

The area around Aonach Beag is steeped in Scottish history, often featuring in tales of the Jacobite rising and local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Car park at the Nevis Range Ski Area, which has ample spaces and facilities.

Public Transport

Buses run from Fort William to the base of the Nevis Range, particularly during the tourist season.

Nearby Facilities

There are cafes and restrooms at the Nevis Range base station, ideal for a warm drink before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of loose rocks, especially in wet conditions. Weather can change rapidly, so always carry appropriate gear and check forecasts.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Aonach Beag?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Aonach Beag through the maps

Are there other walkers around Aonach Beag?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Aonach Beag search or of course create your own walk for Aonach Beag

Can I organise a walk to Aonach Beag?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Aonach Beag.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Aonach Beag?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Aonach Beag here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NN197715

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Aonach Mor

1,220m

Carn Mor Dearg

1,220m

An Gearanach

982m

 Ben Nevis [Beinn Nibheis]

Ben Nevis [Beinn Nibheis]

1,345m

Sgurr a' Mhaim

1,099m
See 5 more nearby hills