I had walked the Coire na Tulaich route a few years ago and loved it, my mate had never explored Buachaille Etive Mor.
Well Curved Ridge was fantastic, just loads of fun, there is exposure and plenty of scrambling but the holds are always there. The crux requires a big step up initially and the people in front were using a rope for this. We didnt find it a problem, although we are both quite tall which helped. What a situation it is, watching climbers on the Rannoch Wall and looking at the vastness of Rannoch Moor. We walked in from Altnafeadh and didnt have a problem finding the start of Curved Ridge, I had done plenty of research (mostly on this site) and had printed out photos of the start.
Got to the top of Curved Ridge and then onto the summit of Stob Dearg via Crowberry Tower route. Endless brilliant views from a busy summit. We then walked the whole ridge to the second Munro Stob na Brioge. Walked back via the Lairig Gartain to the sound of roaring stags. Very tired but very happy with such a classic mountain day. Heres some photos from the day.
- Curved Ridge left of Rannoch Wall
- On curved Ridge
- Looking up the route
- On the crux
- Looking down Curved Ridge
- Near the top of Curved Ridge
- To Loch Lhinne
- Checking the view
- To Bidean Nam Bian
- Aonach Eagach
- Buachaille Etive Beag
- Summit of Stob na Broige
- Endless views
- Glen Etive
- We were being watched
