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Barn Wall Route, Aonach Dubh -
Western Highglands
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Grade: 3 (easy/mod
climb)
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A classic 2000-foot scramble that
takes you right to the summit of Aonach Dubh high above
Glencoe.
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Equipment: Rope, slings and
nuts/hexes advised.
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Online Map link
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Views: 4
Technicality: 2
Exposure: 3-4
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GIBBER FACTOR* 3
*out of
five.
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Overview One of the best known scrambles in Lochaber, with over
2000ft of ascent in superb surroundings. A series of ledges on grippy
rhyolite makes for an excellent ascent with superb views, and an
ideal route to the summit of Aonach Dubh.
Approach From the car park at 168 569 take the well marked path
to a bridge over the River Coe. Continue up the east side of the
stream to an obvious rock shelter after a mile and cross the stream
on the right. Continue steeply uphill to a grass slope culminating in
the obvious face at 156 558.
Route From the grass ramp move to the base of the wall at the
far left hand edge and start up the obvious rock ramp to a recessed
V. Either take the recess direct or move right then back left to
clear it.
A classically moody Glencoe shot by Scott Blair
from Stob nan Cabar
- from his OM
album
The next section gives lots of options with a series of blocks and
ledges climbing consistently to a heather terrace with a tree on the
left hand end.
Either take the steep face just left of the tree or move 30 ft to
the right of the tree for an easier route. Both options are steep and
exposed but have a good supply of large and well located holds.
Above the steep section a larger heather-covered terrace trends up
to the left. An obvious gully gives an easy route on, or continue 30
ft past the gully to more steep rock at the left hand end of the
terrace.
And rather better weather for Richard G's view of
the Three Sisters -
from his OM
album
The angle now eases as you move upwards and to the right to a
final small but steep nose. Take this direct to reach walking
territory that leads to the summit of Aonach Dubh and views back down
into Glencoe.
Caution Scrambling is potentially dangerous and,
particularly at the higher grades, requires technical skills and
equipment to minimise the risk. We suggest that you take professional
instruction or climb with an experienced partner.
