Scramble Route - Barn Wall Route, Glencoe

Barn Wall Route, Aonach Dubh - Western Highglands

Grade: 3 (easy/mod climb)

A classic 2000-foot scramble that takes you right to the summit of Aonach Dubh high above Glencoe.

Equipment: Rope, slings and nuts/hexes advised.

Online Map link

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.