Scaling the Aonach's the cheats way

Hill: Aonach Mor (1221m) & Aonach Beag (1234)
Category: Munro

Today was jestingly called our rest day as we were only doing two Munros with over 800m of climbing. And sad to say we did them with assistance, not all shoe leather effort. The gondola ride took us a long way up the hill (650m). It was a pleasant and relaxed way to go up a hill, except when it stopped a few times swaying in the breeze, along with excellent views. These hills are in the top ten of the highest Munros. 

Steep start

Still, despite the initial aid this was not straightforward. The uphill climb from the gondola station, up the steep grassy slopes was rather gruelling. No doubt yesterdays big efforts were still in the legs so a bit laboured.
Relief to get onto the ridge and we could now see the route ahead but our labours were not over.

Fort William

The views over Lochaber and district already outstanding. Along Loch Eil the eye finds Rum & from a later angle Eigg. Angle around Little & Ben Wyvis in the distance.

This is a broad plateau with warning/danger signs, easy to walk off the edge in bad weather. But no danger today in this clear visibility. Superb views as you would expect.

Aonach Mor plateau and cairn ahead 

Just under 2 hours from the start we reached the cairn of Aonach Mor. On one side fantastic clear views over yesterdays Grey Corries ridge circuit. On the other the CMD and Ben Nevis clear of cloud. Views all the way out to Rum.

Beag top in distance from Mor

On our way to Aonach Beag, which from here looks much higher than where we are standing, but is in fact only higher by 13 metres. Funny how distance and panorama plays tricks with your perspective. Our forebearers named these hills after their bulk not their height.

Aonach Beag

A gentle descent and the grass was over. Now it is a rocky scree path to half scramble, half walk up. There are various routes, just pick the one for you and before long the second top has been reached.

View to the Grey Corries

Another wide flat top and time to take in the superb close ups views of the westerly Mamores, Glencoe hills and much more.

CMD ridge behind

Quite a few walkers spotted going up the Ben via the CMD arête, would love to do that one day.

Ben Nevis & CMD in foreground 

There were weather fronts bypassing by so lucky us. Ben Nevis summit was now in cloud, bad news for the late starters.

Return back up the bulk of Mor

A return by the same route with the steep grassy descent, easy on the feet but challenging the knees, a bit painful.
Back at the gondola station and time for well deserved coffee and cake. 
The MTB World cup is taking place this weekend so great views from the gondola of the course being laid out. The forecast does not look great for them, sad.
Another great day in great company and Scotland at its best.

Wildlife: zilch
Time: 4.51
Ascent: 886m (2906ft)
Distance: 10.4km (6.25m)