Aonach Eagach. Photo: Iain Gillespie
A man has died while tackling a Highlands ridge, just a month after a man perished at the same site in Glencoe.
The 70-year-old walker fell while descending Clachaig Gully on the Aonach Eagach last week. David Candlish, of Mid Brae, Dunfermline, Fife, died on the same route in June.
The latest death on the notoriously risky section has prompted calls from some mountaineers for signs to be put up to warn walkers and climbers that the gully is not a safe descent route.
Sgt David Campbell of the Northern Constabulary confirmed to grough that a man had died on the route. He said: “An experienced walker was reported overdue at 10.45pm last Wednesday and a search was started. Unfortunately his remains were recovered about 5.30am on 16 July by Rescue 177 [the Sea King helicopter crew] from RAF Kinloss.
“He was walking alone. He appears to have lost his footing and received fatal injuries.”
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, led by John Grieve, took part in the search for the missing man.
The ridge, running for 6km (3¾ miles) along the north side of Glencoe, is considered one of Scotland’s classic challenge scrambles. There are several exposed sections with difficult pinnacles to cross, particularly around the Chancellor. It is rated grade three, mainly due to the exposure encountered.
Suggestions on the UKClimbing forums include a sign in the bar of the Clachaig Inn, or at the Am Bodach car park.
Guide books warn walkers not to attempt the descent from the 967m (3,173ft) Sgorr nam Fiannaidh via the gully, which rises directly above the Clachaig Inn. The advice is to walk south from the Sgorr, or continue on to the Pap of Glencoe for a safer route off the ridge.
William Poucher’s guidebook the Scottish Peaks, first published in 1965, has a photograph of a sign which says: “Do NOT attempt to descend from the Aonach Eagach ridge until you reach the last peak Sgor nam Fiannaidh.”
Sgt Campbell said: “A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal, as is normal in all these incidents.” The name of the walker has not been released.
Ronnie Allan
12 October 2011This is innacurate,the descent is not via the gully,it is down the well worn path on the right of the gully that is facing the Clachaig Hotel.Yes it is not advisable but certainly viable in daylight.It goes without saying that to attempt it at night would be extremely dangerous to say the least.
RONNIE ALLAN
12 October 2011I MIGHT ADD THAT PARTIES USING THIS DESCENT ARE LIKELY TO DISLODGE BOULDERS INTO THE GULLY CAUSING CONCERN TO THOSE BENEATH,I HAVE CLIMBED IT 5 TIMES OVER THE YEARS.BELIEVE ME.IF THIS AREA OF HILLSIDE HAS TO BE DESCENDED THEN STAY AWAY FROM THE EDGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
Fear, Loneliness and Perspective | Hitting The Hills
02 July 2013[...] the first hundred and fifty miles should be relatively straightforward… providing I don’t fall off a ridge or do anything [...]
RealityCheck
15 March 2015An alternate descent which doesn't require going all the way along is from the summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh towards Loch Achtriochtan.
" It is sometimes recommended to descend instead southwards from the summit to Loch Achtriochtan; however this is a very steep descent with much scree and is also probably best avoided."
_ from WalkHighlands
Aonach Eagach Ridge - Route, Review, Photos and Video
18 April 2023[...] in June 2009 and another in July 2009 while descending from Aonach Eagach via the Clachaig Gully (source)In August 2014, another man in his 50s died while descending the very same gully (source)July 2016 [...]