Ben Starav and Glas Bheinn Mhor
GLENCOE AND KINLOCHLEVEN
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1. Park in the small rough parking area just east of the start of the track leading down to Coiletir. Head down this track (signed 'Hill path') and over the bridge over the picturesque River Etive to reach Coiletir itself. This once provided group accommodation but appears to have been abandoned. Continue for a few hundred metres, crossing a small stream on a bridge, to reach a more substantial stream, the Allt Mheuran, flowing down from the south; turn left up the near side until reaching and crossing a bridge.
2. Once across the bridge, turn left and follow the stream uphill. The path is boggy underfoot, and after about half a kilometre is left where the north ridge of Ben Starav sweeps right down to the glen. Head southwest up this ridge; there is a faint path in places but generally the going is rough and steep as well as wet. The angle of the reach eases between around 400 and 500 metres, beyond which the ridge becomes better defined and drier, although bouldery, and there is a path to help which begins climbing steeply. The ridge levels off once more at about 800 metres, where another ridge joins in from the northwest. Follow the combined ridge southwards; it undulates at first before narrowing considerably on the long final climb up grass and boulders.
Photo ©Graham Ellis, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
3. The disintegrating cyclindrical trig point on the summit will be reached with some relief. At 1078 metres this is the highest Munro in the local area; the view of Loch Etive, backed by Ben Cruachan, is quite sensational. Follow the ridge beyond the summit as it curves around, keeping the steep drop on your left, to reach the south summit (1068 metres).
Photo ©Graham Ellis, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
4. It can be tricky in mist to find the start of the ridge which descends steeply at first towards Stob Coire Dheirg. The ridge soon narrows to a fine rocky arete. It is possible to continue along the crest with simple scrambling – alternatively you can bypass the rocks by descending a little to the right and traversing beneath the top of the ridge. Either way, Stob Coire Dheirg, a Top, will be reached; at this point do not follow the false ridge to the north; the true ridge veers to the right, just south of east, as it continues to descend a little more easily; further down the ridge broadens out and the awkwardly named col of Bealachan Lochain Ghaineamhaich is reached.
Photo ©Graham Ellis, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
5. The energetic may detour southeast from here and include an extra Munro, Beinn nan Aighenan, in the day's itinerary. This involves an extra downhill section before a long climb and then an energy-sapping return to this point. Less superhuman walkers will continue up the ridge to the east instead. The ridge winds to and fro and ascends the steep minor peak of Meall na Tri Tighearean before descending slightly and then climbing once more up to Glas Bheinn Mhor.
Photo ©Andrew Smith, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
6. Glas Bheinn Mhor is the second Munro of the day at 997 metres. Descend down the path on the grassy east ridge, which curves to the left before descending to the next bealach at 738 metres. From here, turn left down the glen, keeping on the right of the stream. There is a path, but the going is boggy at times. Further down the glen you can see the Eas nam Meirleach (Robber's Waterfall). Continue down the east bank to rejoin the outward route at the footbridge.
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Kinlochleven and Glencoe Hotels and Inns
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