Buachaille Etive Beag is often overlooked in favour of its more illustrious neighbour. It is, however, a fine ridge in its own right with great views down Loch Etive and two Munros.
Summary
Steep boggy and easily lost path to the bealach, then fairly straightforward ridge.
Terrain
NN188563
Grid ref
8km/5 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Glen Coe car park by the 'Beehive' cairn
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Glasgow - Fort William and Skye buses passes along the A82(T)
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park in one of the laybys near the cairn on the A82(T). Buachaille Etive Beag isn't shown to best effect from here; from higher up the glen the nose of Stob nan Cabar makes a lesser but still fine companion to its famous neighbour, Buachaille Etive Mor. The walk begins along the Right of Way (signposted) through the Lairig Eilde. After about three quarters of kilometre look for a fainter path turning off to the left and turn up this. The National Trust for Scotland has been carrying out extensive repairs on the formerly very boggy path.
Photo © Mr Fermiodes
2. Continue up the worn way (if you can follow it!), heading diagonally up the hillside before aiming for the Mam Buidhe, the lowest point on the ridge. Don't attempt what I did and aim straight for Stob Coire Raineach, as the way is very steep, loose and unpleasant. From the bealach, turn left along the ridge. Climb the bouldery slopes up to to Stob Coire Raineach. The cairn here is on a little plateau at 925 metres and was promoted to Munro status in 1997. The views over the Aonach Eagach and Rannoch Moor are superb.
3. Return to the bealach and this time ascend the ridge towards Stob Dubh. The climb soon levels out at around 900 metres and heads over several minor bumps. The ridge narrows towards the southern end and curves to the right for the final section of ascent. The true summit of Stob Dubh is the northernmost cairn at 958 metres, the higher of the wee Buachaille's two Munros. However the cairn at the far south end of the ridge is the finest viewpoint, with an unbeatable view of Glen Etive, with Ben Starav prominent, towering over Loch Etive. After soaking up this wonderful panorama, return to the bealach.
4. Follow the same path back down from the bealach as used on the outward journey. The descent back to the start is accomplished quickly.
Photo ©Nigel Brown, under CCSA
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