In Glen Shiel you can barely step off the road without stumbling over a sculpted crest or a pleasantly pointy peak. Yet given its ridgey layout, the Kintail area is surprisingly short of actual scrambles. Stand-out is of course The Saddle's Forcan Ridge, a route which fully earns its classic scramble status. But that's not the end of the story. Also on the south flank of the glen is another hands-on gem that sees a fraction of the attention. The route described here climbs the craggy peak of Aonach air Chrith via its north ridge, a straightforward but enjoyably airy scramble with a little-frequented feel. Close the circuit with some of that lovely ridge walking over to Maol Chinn-dearg, to complete arguably the best short section of the South Glen Shiel Ridge.
6.52 miles, 10.50 km, 978m ascent, 5 – 6 hours. Fort Augustus
The Irish Government today announced the creation of a new National Park, the country's eighth. Located on the Dingle Peninsula, Páírc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí includes the rugged Conor Pass, the unique island of Sceilg Mhichíl, and Mount Brandon, one of...