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Andy a friend from work had asked if he could join me on a walk the next time I was going, knowing Andy was inexperienced on the hills, I decided that Buachaille Etive Mor reached by way of Curved Ridge would be a grand day.
So myself Andy and Gary a fellow walker set of from Lagangarbh at about 9.30am. The weather was dry but cloud covered all the higher tops in the area.
We followed the well trodden path passed the SMC cottage and took the path to the left when it split and made our way round the front of the Buachaille towards Glen Etive. We carried on passed a couple of water falls until we came to a
water slab shortly after the path zig zags up the hill in different directions but mostly ending up in the same place.
- Andy at Curved Ridge
We were reassured that we were at the start of Curved Ridge by a couple of real climbers who had been climbing on the Rannoch wall and abseiled down the ridge.
- A good view up Curved Ridge, just follow the leader.
- Andy hugs the rock
- Me on a tower with Rannoch moor behind
At this point Andy was a bit concerned by the wall of rock that went on and on and disappeared in the clouds, but he carried on and took it one stage at a time. We were glad to see other walkers climbing up the same ridge complete with a dog in the rucksack of one of the walkers.
After stopping for a few photo opportunities we made it to the top of Stob Dearg. We had a well deserved break
We then headed along the ridge destination Stob na Brioge. The cloud had lifted completely and the path and route ahead were easy to follow. We got to the top of Stob na Doire,
- Me, Andy and Gary at our first top Stob Dearg 1022m
- Andy and gary at the top of Stob na Doire, with Stob Dearg behind
then it was a long drop down to the bealach, Andy Decided that he would take the path back to the car at this point and Gary and I headed for the last top. We made to the top of Stob na Brioge and enjoyed the views down to Loch Etive as well as the views back along the Buachaille.
After that we headed back to the bealach and followed the long steep tricky in places path to the Lairig Gartain a supper path that led us back to the A82.
- Gary and Andy at the side of the A82 with Buachaille Etive Mor looking unassailable behind.
All in All it had been a great day topped of with a quick refreshment in the Kinghouse before heading back to Dumbarton.
Thanks to Andy and Gary.