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Despite some recent snow, I was itching to get out for a hike as the forecast didn't look too severe. Big Jesper suggested Buachaille Etive Beag might be a reasonably safe option for a solo, as there was quite a good track most of the way and the views are good. That was good enough for me, though I was beginning to have some doubts, as I got nearer the snow topped hills of Glencoe.
- Moon over the Aonach Eagach ridge.
There were already a few cars in the car park by the 'beehive' cairn (anyone able to inform of its significance?), so I hoped I might be able to hook up with someone with good experience of snow, to keep me right. I saw a solo walker about 10 minutes ahead and set off at a pace to catch up. Puddles of water were frozen solid. Eventually I caught up with my hoped for guide and started chatting to David, to sound out his experience. Alas, David was an Isreali, over for a conference and probably less experience of snow than I. This was his second attempt at a munro, though it sounded like he has done a lot of walking at height! Anyway, he was happy for me to tag along and we both agreed to take it easy and not stretch ourselves too far.
- Bealach towards Stob na Doire and BEM.
- Stob Coire Sgreamhach.
We reached the snow line, about 500 metres, or so, but it was encouraging to see a couple of climbers already high up, heading for Stob Dubh. Aside from a couple of minor wee slips, the rise to Mam Buidhe, was uneventful, other than twisting the neck in all directions to marvel at the beautiful scenery unfolding before our eyes. It was an hour to here and after a quick moment of contemplation, we decided to head for Stob Coire Raineach first. The path/track was obscured, so it was just a case of picking your own route. The snow wasn't too bad, maybe 6-12 inches in most bits and after a further three quarters of an hour we were at the summit. David's first munro - well done! I think he was well impressed with the views of BEM, Bidean, Aonach Eagach, Stob Dubh, etc, etc, etc.
- Stob Dubh.
- Ben Starav.
- West to Loch Linnhe.
- Mamores from SCR
- Stob Dubh, in all her glory.
- Yours truly, summit SCR.
- David, companion for Stob Coire Raineach.
- Aonach Eagach ridge, behind Beinn Fhada.
After some photo's we were soon on our way back down to the bealach. I think my haste to get on to the more airy looking Stob Dubh, maybe made David think I was a bit crazy and not the best to partner him, so after a brief moment of consideration, about 1 second, he decided to call it quits and head down. (Thanks for your company and hope you have some great photo's of your first Munro!)
I decided I would give it a try and head down, if I felt worried in any way and set off, following some of the footsteps already made up the steep slope, towards the ridge. The snow was certainly more frozen and slippier on this side, having been shaded from the sun, requiring a bit more concentration to watch one's footing. It was great making it onto the ridge, with Stob Dubh looking majestic towering over it, on the far side. Although the ridge narrows and steepens towards the summit, I felt sure of my footing and made it to the top in three hours. Alas, it had become a bit more hazy so views weren't just so clear by then.
- Coming off Stob Dubh.
- Stob Dubh, down!!
- SCS.
- Beinn Fhionnlaidh, an old friend.
- Looking down Glen Etive and distant (very), view of The Paps.
- A couple make their way up Stob Coire Raineach.
- Stob Dubh cairn, towards Buachaille Etive Mor
Met a few other walkers, as I made my way down and back to the car in four and a half hours, well pleased with a great day to see Buachaille Etive Beag, snowy side up.
- Pass of Glencoe.
- Fly past to celebrate!
(As in all cases, if you see my bearings are wrong in any photo's, don't be slow to correct me!)