Buachaille Etive Mor is one of the best known and loved of all the Munro peaks. The epic view of the mountain from the main A82 road makes it appear quite unassailable and is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.
Summary
Steep ascent with scree in the corrie, followed by a bouldery ridge. The descent is on steep grass and the return walk in the Lairig is very boggy.
Terrain
NN221563
Grid ref
13km/8 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Glasgow - Fort William and Skye buses passes along the A82(T)
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park in the large but often busy layby at Altnafeadh - this is a very popular ascent at weekends. The view of the mountain from here is still impressive but not as daunting as that from Kinghouse (shown in the final photo) - the eroded route of ascent up Coire na Tulaich is clearly visible. Start by following the track down to the footbridge, cross it and bear right on the path to reach Lagangarbh hut.
2. The Scottish Mountaineering Club hut (locked) at Lagangarbh is remembered in climbing folklore as where the brilliant but rebellious young climber Dougal Haston enraged the staid SMC authorities by redecorating the interior in the style of Jackson Pollock, but unfortunately no sign of this paint job remains. Continue up the moor for a few hundred metres to a fork in the path; keep right here (the left branch is the rock-climber's path to foot of the cliffs). The path, much improved in recent years, climbs ever more steeply and crosses the Allt Coire na Tulaich to continue its ascent into the coire up the far bank. There are good views across to Buachaille Etive Beag.
Photo © Graham Lewis (Grinner)
3. Towards the top of the corrie the going becomes very steep indeed and the final climb is on unpleasantly loose scree. In winter conditions this is a notorious blackspot for avalanches. Whatever the season, it will most likely be a relief when the ridge is suddenly reached. Turn left up the unexpectedly broad, bouldery ridge; this narrows only as the summit cairn is approached.
Photo © Graham Lewis (Grinner)
4. A large cairn marks the summit of Stob Dearg, the highest of the two Munros on the Buachaille at 1022 metres. The view is magnificent in all directions, with perhaps the most impressive feature being the great void beyond the summit as the cliffs plunge down suddenly to the completely bleak flatness of Rannoch Moor. This view is particularly striking when the mountain casts a great triangular shadow out across the moor. Return along the ridge to the top of the route up Coire na Tulaich.
Photo: mountain coward
5. This time continue straight along the ridge. It ascends slightly before curving to the left and crossing great flat-lying slabs of rock, before ascending to the Top of Stob na Doire. Beyond the well-defined ridge descends more steeply to a bealach before climbing up to Stob Coire Altruim and finally undulating along to the second Munro, Stob na Brioge. This summit, at 956 metres, looks out down Glen Etive, and was only promoted to Munro status in 1997. Baggers should be thankful at this change in status as it means they have an excuse (if any were needed) to complete this fabulous walk along the ridge.
Photo © low cloud
6. Return along the ridge almost as far as the bealach before Stob na Doire. From here, descend on a very steep path down the mostly grassy slopes to the north, keeping to the west bank of the Allt Coire Altruim. At the foot of the glen cross the stream to join the path through the Lairig Gartain. Turn right onto this footpath, and follow it right back to the A87(T). The going is extremely boggy and eroded in places. Once at the road, turn right and beware of traffic as you follow the verges for about a kilometre to return to Altnafeidh. When driving back south on the A82 the Buachaille looks incredibly formidable and it is hard to believe that you've just been up there.
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