South Shiel Ridge

Range Of Mountains, Range Of Hills in Ross-shire

Scotland

South Shiel Ridge

North ridge of Aonach Air Chrith
North ridge of Aonach Air Chrith Credit: Steven Brown

South Shiel Ridge, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a stunning range of mountains that stretches approximately 16 kilometers in length. Situated in the western Highlands, it forms part of the renowned Glen Shiel National Nature Reserve. The ridge is a popular destination for hikers, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts due to its challenging terrain and breathtaking panoramic views.

The highest point in the South Shiel Ridge is the famous Munro mountain, Aonach Air Chrith, which stands at an impressive height of 1,020 meters. Other notable peaks along the ridge include Creag nan Damh and Sgurr an Doire Leathain. These mountains are characterized by their steep, rugged slopes and rocky ridges, providing a thrilling challenge for climbers and experienced hillwalkers.

The terrain of the South Shiel Ridge is a mix of grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and scree fields, offering a diverse and exciting environment for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and ptarmigan, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

To reach the South Shiel Ridge, visitors can access various routes from different starting points, such as the village of Shiel Bridge or the nearby A87 road. The ridge offers a range of walking and climbing opportunities, with different levels of difficulty catering to all skill levels. The breathtaking views from the summit and the sense of accomplishment upon completing the ridge make South Shiel Ridge a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers in Ross-shire.

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South Shiel Ridge Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.135202/-5.2258534 or Grid Reference NH0409. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North ridge of Aonach Air Chrith
North ridge of Aonach Air Chrith
Summit cairn on Maol Chinn-Dearg
Summit cairn on Maol Chinn-Dearg
Maol Chinn-dearg from Aonach Air Chrith The final Munro of a never to be forgotten day.
Maol Chinn-dearg from Aonach Air Chrith
The final Munro of a never to be forgotten day.
South Shiel Switchback On the delightful ridge on the south side of Glen Shiel and midway between the 2nd and 3rd munros as you head west. The dominant peak is Aonach air Chrith.
South Shiel Switchback
On the delightful ridge on the south side of Glen Shiel and midway between the 2nd and 3rd munros as you head west. The dominant peak is Aonach air Chrith.
East from Aonach air Chrith The view east from Aonach air Chrith on a lovely summer's day, with the ridge in dappled light as the high clouds scud overhead.
On the 3rd Munro heading west along the South Glen Shiel ridge - the first 2 Munros can be seen in the distance along with several other bumps in between.
East from Aonach air Chrith
The view east from Aonach air Chrith on a lovely summer's day, with the ridge in dappled light as the high clouds scud overhead. On the 3rd Munro heading west along the South Glen Shiel ridge - the first 2 Munros can be seen in the distance along with several other bumps in between.
Rock Towers on Aonach air Chrith
Rock Towers on Aonach air Chrith
Druim na Ciche The northern ridge of Aonach air Chrith culminates just below the main summit of the hill in this shapely top.
In the distance, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, higher than many of the surrounding hills, is holding some snow.
Druim na Ciche
The northern ridge of Aonach air Chrith culminates just below the main summit of the hill in this shapely top. In the distance, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, higher than many of the surrounding hills, is holding some snow.
South Cluanie Ridge westwards from Maol Chinn-Dearg Part of this fine long ridge stretching 20km from The Saddle to Creag a' Mhaim. In view are Sgurr Coire na Feinne and Sgurr an Doire Leathain, with peaks of the Five Sisters of Kintail in the distance. Much of the ridge is showing a snow cornice on this April day.
South Cluanie Ridge westwards from Maol Chinn-Dearg
Part of this fine long ridge stretching 20km from The Saddle to Creag a' Mhaim. In view are Sgurr Coire na Feinne and Sgurr an Doire Leathain, with peaks of the Five Sisters of Kintail in the distance. Much of the ridge is showing a snow cornice on this April day.
Eastwards from Maol Chinn-dearg The ridge eastwards to Aonach air Chrith with a cornice showing for much of the way, built up by the prevailing winds. Spindrift can be seen blowing from the hillside above centre.
Eastwards from Maol Chinn-dearg
The ridge eastwards to Aonach air Chrith with a cornice showing for much of the way, built up by the prevailing winds. Spindrift can be seen blowing from the hillside above centre.
The upper part of Coire a' Chuil Droma Beag Rough ground, lying under the summit of Maol Chinn-dearg seen on the left.
The upper part of Coire a' Chuil Droma Beag
Rough ground, lying under the summit of Maol Chinn-dearg seen on the left.
View from A'Chioch in Glen Shiel, West Highlands An airy ridge for a very hot day.
View from A'Chioch in Glen Shiel, West Highlands
An airy ridge for a very hot day.
Rocky western slope of A'Chioch in Glen Shiel, West Highlands Maol Chinn-dearg across Coire nan Eirecheanach.
Rocky western slope of A'Chioch in Glen Shiel, West Highlands
Maol Chinn-dearg across Coire nan Eirecheanach.
A'Chioch from further east along The South Cluanie Ridge in Glen Shiel, West Highlands
A'Chioch from further east along The South Cluanie Ridge in Glen Shiel, West Highlands
The south Shiel ridge on Aonach Air Chrith Loch Quoich and Knoydart lie beyond
The south Shiel ridge on Aonach Air Chrith
Loch Quoich and Knoydart lie beyond
A'Chioch above Cluanie Inn, Scottish Highlands
A'Chioch above Cluanie Inn, Scottish Highlands
Aonach air Chrith from the north west Taken from the A87 at the head of Strath Cluanie.
Aonach air Chrith from the north west
Taken from the A87 at the head of Strath Cluanie.
Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach An easy ridge running from Glen Shiel up onto the South Glen Shiel Ridge at Maol Chinn-dearg.
Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach
An easy ridge running from Glen Shiel up onto the South Glen Shiel Ridge at Maol Chinn-dearg.
Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach The final section of the ridge as it approaches Maol Chinn-dearg.
Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach
The final section of the ridge as it approaches Maol Chinn-dearg.
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South Shiel Ridge is located at Grid Ref: NH0409 (Lat: 57.135202, Lng: -5.2258534)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///detonated.stall.fuse. Near Glenelg, Highland

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