Sgorr nam Fiannaidh

Sgorr nam Fiannaidh stands at the eastern end of the Aonach Eagach ridge in the Scottish Highlands. This narrow mountain crest stretches for about ten kilometres between Loch Leven and Glen Coe. The ridge is known for its steep drops on both sides, making it one of the most mentally demanding climbs on the British mainland. The highest point of the ridge is Sgorr nam Fiannaidh itself, standing at 967 metres. To the west lies the Pap of Glencoe, a striking 742-metre peak that marks the western end of the ridge. The ridge continues eastward with the Meall Dearg, another Munro at 953 metres. The Aonach Eagach ridge is often called the ridge of brown trousers because of its exposure and mental challenge. Scottish climbers rate it as the hardest ridge walk on the mainland, surpassed only by the ridges of the Black Cuillins on Skye. The ridge is graded II on the UIAA scale, meaning technical difficulty is moderate, but the exposure is extreme. Between Sgorr nam Fiannaidh and Meall Dearg, the ridge narrows further, with steep drops on either side. The most exposed sections feature jagged rock pinnacles known as the Crazy Pinnacles. From Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, climbers can descend into Glen Coe via the steep and loose Clachaig Gully. This gully is one of Britain’s longest climbing routes, notorious for its damp and slippery conditions. Alternatively, a longer but less technical descent leads to the Pap of Glencoe and down to Glencoe village. The ridge itself offers no escape routes between Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, forcing climbers to complete the traverse. The surrounding landscape includes the dramatic valleys of Glen Coe and Loch Leven, adding to the challenge and beauty of the route.