Region: Fort William to Loch Ericht
Height: 1,234m (4,049 ft)

Aonach Beag is a towering neighbour to Ben Nevis, but far less frequented. Its remote feel and dramatic cliffs make it a favourite for those seeking solitude and scale. For campervan travellers, access is shared with nearby peaks, but the route requires a bit more commitment and navigation awareness.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Steall Falls Car Park (Upper Glen Nevis)

• Location: End of Glen Nevis road, near Fort William
• Capacity: Limited, not ideal for large campervans
• Facilities: No toilets or water; nearest services in Fort William
• Charges: Free
• Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

• Ben Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park: Larger, with facilities and campervan access
• Braveheart Car Park: Overflow option closer to Fort William
• Glen Nevis Campsite: Full facilities, suitable for overnight stays and campervan access

Note: The road to Steall Falls is narrow and winding. Check clearance and turning space before committing with larger vehicles

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Via Glen Nevis and Steall Falls

• Distance: Approximately 17.5 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: Around 1,200 metres
• Terrain: Steep slopes, grassy ridges, rocky summit
• Time Estimate: 6.5 to 8 hours

Navigation Notes

• Pathless sections require confident navigation
• Often combined with Aonach Mor or Carn Mor Dearg for a longer traverse
• Summit is exposed, and remote weather preparation is essential

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

• Visitor Centre and Braveheart Car Parks allow daytime campervan access
• Steall Falls Car Park is limited and best suited to smaller vehicles

Overnight Options

• Glen Nevis Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
• Wild parking may be possible further up Glen Nevis road (check signage and local guidance)
• Lower Falls Car Park does not allow overnight stays

Fuel and Supplies

• Fort William: Full services including fuel, supermarkets, and outdoor shops
• Nearest fuel stations: Morrisons and BP on the A82

Legacy Log

• Name origin: “Aonach Beag” translates to “little ridge,” though it’s taller than Aonach Mor
• Often mistaken for its neighbour due to naming confusion
• Known for dramatic cliffs and views into the Nevis Range
• Less trafficked than Ben Nevis, offering a quieter summit experience

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 7 in our every-second-day campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Aonach Beag, navigated the Glen Nevis approach, or found a reliable overnight spot nearby, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

• Steven Fallon Mountain Guides
• Walk Highlands
• Munro Map
• Google

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