Aonach Meadhoin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aonach Meadhoin |
|
|---|---|
Aonach Meadhoin (right) and Sgùrr an Fhuarail (left) from Sgùrr a' Bhealaich Dheirg, 2 km to the NW.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,001 m (3,284 ft) |
| Prominence | 174 m (571 ft) |
| Listing | Munro, Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Middle Ridge |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Pronunciation | English approximation: OON-əkh-MEER-ən |
| Geography | |
| Location | Kintail, Scotland |
| Parent range | Northwest Highlands |
| OS grid | NH049137 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 33, OS Explorer 414 |
| Listed summits of Aonach Meadhoin | ||||
| Name | Grid ref | Height | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sgùrr an Fhuarail | NH054139 | 987 m (3238 ft) | Munro Top | |
Aonach Meadhoin is a tall mountain in the Kintail area of Scotland. It's a "Munro," which is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) high. This mountain stands on the north side of Glen Shiel. It is about 31 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Kyle of Lochalsh.
Contents
What is Aonach Meadhoin?
Aonach Meadhoin is 1001 meters (3284 feet) tall. It is part of a group of mountains often called the North Glen Shiel Ridge. This group includes Sàileag and Sgùrr a' Bhealaich Dheirg. People sometimes call them the “Brothers of Kintail.” This is a nod to the more famous Five Sisters of Kintail nearby.
What Does Its Name Mean?
The name Aonach Meadhoin comes from Gaelic. It means Middle Ridge. The mountain looks like a horseshoe. Its main ridge is in the middle of two other ridges. These ridges are on either side of a valley called Coire na Cadha. This valley is about two kilometers south of the mountain.
Where is Aonach Meadhoin Located?
Aonach Meadhoin has steep north and south sides. These sides drop into bowl-shaped valleys called corries. Coire nan Eun is to the north, and Coire na Cadha is to the south. The northern side is rocky and often has snow even in summer.
Mountain Ridges
The mountain has three main ridges that spread out from its top.
- The western ridge connects to another Munro, Sgùrr a' Bhealaich Dheirg. This mountain is two kilometers away.
- Another ridge goes northeast for one kilometer. It leads to a smaller peak called Sgùrr an Fhuarail. This name means "Peak of the Cold Place."
- From Sgùrr an Fhuarail, the ridge splits. One part goes north for 2.5 kilometers to the Munro of Ciste Dhubh. The other part goes southeast down to the Cluanie Inn on the A87 road.
Sgùrr an Fhuarail is 987 meters (3238 feet) high. It is listed as a "Top" of Aonach Meadhoin. It offers great views to the east. You can see Loch Cluanie from above, which is a better view than from the main summit.
Water Flow
All the water from Aonach Meadhoin flows to the east coast of Scotland. This is over 70 kilometers (43 miles) away. This is interesting because the mountain is only 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Loch Duich on the west coast. The mountain's two main corries collect a lot of water for Scottish rivers.
- To the north, Coire nan Eun is where the River Affric starts. This river eventually reaches the Beauly Firth.
- To the south, Coire na Cadha provides water for the Loch Cluanie reservoir. This water eventually flows into the Moray Firth through the River Moriston and Loch Ness.
How to Climb Aonach Meadhoin
Most people start climbing Aonach Meadhoin from the Cluanie Inn. This inn is on the A87 road. From the inn, you cannot see the main summit. It is hidden behind Sgùrr an Fhuarail.
The most direct way to climb the mountain is up the southeast ridge. You will pass over Sgùrr an Fhuarail before reaching the main summit.
Combining Climbs
Climbers often combine Aonach Meadhoin with other peaks. The SMC's Munro guide suggests climbing it with Ciste Dhubh. Ciste Dhubh is three kilometers to the north. However, many people climb Aonach Meadhoin with the other two Munros of the North Glen Shiel Ridge. This longer walk starts two kilometers west of Cluanie Inn. It uses two smaller ridges to make the climb and descent easier.
