ROUTE STATS

Distance 23.7km (14¾ miles) Total ascent 1930m Time 12 hours Start Cluanie Inn (NH075117), finish A87 at NG992131 Nearest town Kyle of Lochalsh

Terrain In summer conditions the ridge offers clear paths on narrow grassy ridges, with some very light scrambling. Snow cover brings risk of cornices (snow overhangs) on corrie edges, and steep icy slopes. In winter Aonach air Chrith’s ridges and Sgurr an Lochain’s peak fall between walking and mountaineering, so this is a route for seasoned winter walkers only.

Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) 414, OS Landranger (1:50,000) 33; Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Knoydart, Kintail & Glen Affric Accommodation SYHA Ratagan, Glen Shiel, 01599 511243 Cluanie Inn, Glen Shiel, 01809 335021 Kintail Lodge Hotel, Shiel Bridge, 01599 511275

Public transport Bus from Invergarry or Kyle of Lochalsh (rail connection) to Cluanie Inn, 0871 200 2233, www.travelinescotland. com

Tourist info Fort Augustus iCentre, 01320 345156

Guidebook Great Mountain Days in Scotland by Dan Bailey