Aonach Beag

Aonach Beag is a mountain in the Scottish Highlands, rising near Fort William on the north side of Glen Nevis. It lies about three kilometres east of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Britain. Aonach Beag is the second-highest summit outside the Cairngorms, yet its name means ‘small ridge’ and refers to its bulk rather than its height. The mountain is connected to its neighbour Aonach Mòr by a high ridge called a bealach. Despite the names, Aonach Beag stands higher than Aonach Mòr.

The mountain attracts walkers who take the Nevis Range gondola to 650 metres and follow the ridge to the summit. Others climb from Glen Nevis, avoiding the ski area’s infrastructure. Aonach Beag is often climbed together with Aonach Mòr in a single outing. On the north face, a long-lasting snow patch clings to the slope below Queen’s View at about 950 metres. This patch survived from late 2006 until November 2011, reappearing each winter.

Visitors find open ridges and wide views across Glen Nevis and towards Ben Nevis. The summit offers a broad plateau with space to pause and look north across the highlands. The snow patch remains a striking feature even in summer. The ridge linking Aonach Beag to Aonach Mòr provides a straightforward scramble without technical climbing. The contrast between the wild north face and the gentler southern slopes gives the mountain its character.