Central Highlands
1 NN167691 The route starts at the Glen Nevis car park, at the end of the Glen Nevis road. Parking is free. The route can be completed as a loop, or from the Glen Nevis car park straight over to the ski slopes. The loop avoids the slopes, is logistically easier and avoids the busier parts of the mountain. Leave the car park and follow the worn, well-marked trail, making sure to keep the river on your right-hand side. As the trail levels out, it follows the mountains around to the left, with the river still on your right-hand side. In places the trail has been washed away but, by keeping the river on your right, you will eventually rejoin it. Stay on this trail until you see the ruins of an old building just after crossing a wooden bridge.
NN186688 With 2 the ruined building on your right, the path starts to lead up the mountain in a northeasterly direction, following a tributary of the main river. Keep this on your left, following the steepening path. In winter, the path can be barely visible, but by keeping the river on your left and following its course, you'll be heading in the right direction. The most prominent summit ahead will be Sgurr a’Bhuic. Climb the slopes to the top of this point.
3 NN203701
From Sgurr a’Bhuic, follow the ridge north-north-west, and continue to follow it as it turns west, climbing steeply to Stob Coire Bhealaich. The ground at this point is covered in small rocks and scree, and care should be taken. From here, the ridge continues west, before again turning north-west. Follow the ridge, keeping the cliffs on your right. As it swings north, there is a steady ascent up to the summit of Aonach Beag, marked by a small cairn at the top. In winter snows, this can be hard to locate. Beware of cornices in this case.
NN197714 From the 4 summit of Aonach Beag head north-west, and you will begin to descend quite rapidly down onto the connecting ridge between Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor; care should be taken here as the ridge narrows. In places it will require light scrambling over the rocks. Once at the bottom of the ridge, you will then need to ascend at a gentle gradient to the domed summit of Aonach Mor. Again the summit here is marked by a cairn, and once you've bagged it, retrace your route south back to the ridge.
NN193722 Descend 5 the ridge as far as Seang Aonach Mor (marked on 1:25,000 maps). At this point, take the steep ridge west that leads down into the valley. This descends opposite the eastern ridge of Carn Mor Dearg. Care should be taken as this area is rocky and exposed, and is cut by streams in some places.
NN186722 From 6 the top of the valley head south, with the Aonachs now on your left and Carn Mor Dearg on your right. It's initially very steep, before beginning to flatten out where the river widens. Follow the river, keeping it on your left. Pick up the path when it becomes visible again.
NN186688 The path 7 will lead you back to the ruins and the bridge, where the ascent started earlier in the day. Once you have rejoined the main path, the Water of Nevis will again become obvious. Head onto the main path, and keeping the river to your left, follow the track all the way back to your start point in the car park.