Ben Starav, Beinn nan Aighenan, Glas Bheinn Mhor

[gman]

starav actual.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Forecast was for mist & fog till noon, but Glen Coe webcam showed it was clear at ground level but low cloud higher up. Was first to the parking spot around 9am, had a look at the ridge up Starav:


Down, over the bridge and got to the gate. Hill path sign posted up the side of fence:


Took direct route rather than follow river, then crossed burn:


I had done the descent route before, going up Albannaich:


Path continues up towards ridge:


As forecast, cloudy at top:


Looking up River Etive towards Glen Coe:


Nice ridge walk leading into cloud - visibility was actually OKish further up:


Getting craggy, bit of scrambling on boulders. I tripped & skinned a finger but bravely soldiered on


Trig point & cairn at the top of Starav. Met a guy here who had been camping down at the river, he was thinking of doing the 5 but fortunately I'd already done the other 2 so could have an 'easy' day.


Followed path on to south summit and Stob Coire Dheirg, scrambled over rocks on the arete but there's a path to the right too:




Optional extra: Beinn nan Aighenan. Looks easy from here!


Weather clearing now, this is probably where I started to get sunburnt




Down to the col, there's a cairn marking the start of 2 paths to Beinn nan Aighenan. I went the lower route:


Then more easy descent. There had been a lot of easy walking to here from the summit of Starav so it's a bit of a shock to start ascending again. Looks steep but there's a clear path with a wee bit of scrambling. Had been passed by a couple of guys at this point so they offered encouragement as they descended


Great views from the top. At this point I realised that beer, fags & kebabs isn't ideal training for hills


Starav clear of cloud now, and the route to Glas Bheinn Mhor:


Tried to find a short cut, but returned the same way. Looking back to Beinn nan Aighenan:


Another summit which I tried unsuccessfully to find a shortcut around:


Views opening up now:


Finally reached cairn:


Looking back to Starav:


Then a bit of craggy scrambling on the descent path to the bealach. Looking down from here:


And back up to craggy scramble:


These are great hills with mixed terrain (bit boggy at the start/finish but not too bad) but could be a struggle if you've been a couch potato for 3 weeks before

[PeteR]

Good effort to bag the three, especially given your training regime

Love these hills, so always enjoy a report on them. So glad you got a good day in the end too, so you could enjoy the great views all round

[Fudgie]

I've seen a few reports of people doing the three and its a thought that won't leave my head

Glad you got some good weather for it as it's been miserable down here I went out recently after stuffing my face the night before on chips and cheese and it was, eh, slow going

[gman]

Love these hills, so always enjoy a report on them. So glad you got a good day in the end too, so you could enjoy the great views all round

Yeah, these 3 are a bit special - ridge walk, scrambling & views. Looking at the 3 on the other side of Glen Etive next.

I've seen a few reports of people doing the three and its a thought that won't leave my head

Glad you got some good weather for it as it's been miserable down here I went out recently after stuffing my face the night before on chips and cheese and it was, eh, slow going

Weather was fine up there but it was raining all day in Alexandria. I had chips, cheese and kebab meat but it turns out I've got a cold coming on so I'm blaming that for lack of pace

[Paula Hubens]

Great pictures gman! They give a good idea of what to expect. I have got these three in the planning for my next trip. Your pics are a very tasty appetizer.