Aonach Beag

Aonach Beag is a Munro mountain in the Scottish Highlands. It stands 4 kilometres northwest of Ben Alder between Loch Ericht and Loch Laggan. The name means ‘little ridge’ in Gaelic, though it rises to 1,116 metres. Its parent peak is Geal-Charn one kilometre to the east. Aonach Beag should not be confused with the better-known Munro of the same name near Ben Nevis. The mountain lies within the Ben Alder and Aonach Beag Special Area of Conservation. Its slopes show acidic scree and calcareous grasslands that support rare plants. Three-leaved rush, hare’s-foot sedge and scorched alpine sedge grow near the summit. The long snow cover encourages a rich bryophyte flora. The area is ecologically varied and scientifically important. Aonach Beag is reached by a long walk-in from Corrour railway station. The route passes Loch Ossian youth hostel and Corrour Lodge before climbing Bealach Dubh. It follows Uisge Labhair beside the southern shore of Loch Ossian. The mountain’s three ridges meet at the summit, offering wide views across the surrounding lochs and hills.