Region: Fort William to Loch Ericht
Height: 1,221m (4,006 ft)

Aonach Mòr rises steeply above the Nevis Range ski area and offers a unique blend of high-altitude access and remote summit feel. Though often overshadowed by Ben Nevis and Aonach Beag, it’s a rewarding climb with panoramic views and varied approaches. For campervan travellers, the infrastructure around the ski centre makes access straightforward, though overnighting requires planning.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Nevis Range Ski Centre Car Park

• Location: North of Fort William, off the A82
• Grid Ref: NN193775
• Capacity: Large car park with space for campervans
• Facilities: Toilets, café, gondola station
• Charges: Free for day use; gondola tickets extra
• Overnight: Not permitted in the main car park

Alternative Options

• Braveheart Car Park: Smaller, overflow option closer to Fort William
• Glen Nevis Campsite: Full facilities, 15–20 minute drive from the trailhead
• Wild parking: Limited options nearby; check signage and local guidance

Note: Gondola access can shorten the ascent, but the summit still requires full hillwalking gear and navigation

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: From Ski Centre via Gondola and Ridge Path

• Distance: Approximately 12 km round trip from gondola top station; ~16 km if walking from base car park
• Elevation Gain: Around 900 metres ~600m if using gondola
• Terrain: Steep slopes, grassy ridges, rocky summit
• Time Estimate: 5 to 7 hours

Navigation Notes

• Summit plateau can be confusing in poor visibility; a map, compass, or GPS is recommended
• Route can be extended to include Aonach Beag or Carn Mor Dearg
• Gondola descent is optional but weather-dependent

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

• Nevis Range Ski Centre allows daytime campervan access
• Braveheart Car Park and Glen Nevis Campsite offer alternatives

Overnight Options

• Glen Nevis Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
• Wild parking may be possible in nearby laybys (check signage)
• No overnighting permitted at ski centre or Braveheart Car Park

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 Mòr” translates to “big ridge,” though it’s lower than Aonach Beag
• Summit features: Cairn with views across the Nevis Range
• Gondola opened in 1989, offering unique access to high ground
• Popular with skiers, climbers, and hillwalkers year-round

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 8 in our every-second-day campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Aonach Mòr, used the gondola, 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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