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Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.
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After having my eye on this walk for a good while I jumped at the chance when the weather gods smiled on us at the start of May 2017. Perfect conditions to tackle the Buachaille via the curved ridge. This is a mountain I had gazed at too often on annual west highland way expeditions with the scouts. It's eastern face looking impregnable and mighty from the Kingshouse hotel. I done a lot of research on the route up the curved ridge online. Watched a number of GoPro videos and consulted people who had climbed it before. I was surprised how easy it was to negotiate up the mountain on this side. Plenty of others climbing on the same day ensured we were in the right place. As long as you can identify Rannoch wall and stick the the crest of the ridge just to the left of it you'll be fine. The scratch marks left by crampons are also a good indicator you are on the right track. Absolutely loved this climb which is pretty much a vertical scramble more than anything else. The holds are good and there are a few sections that level off to catch a rest from clinging to the rock. There are two noteworthy sections which required a bit of extra focus. A semi narrow ledge you shuffle along before you can ascend higher and the section I've heard referred to as the corner. This is a climbing of probably 3 metres straight up before levelling off again. Crowberry tower must definitely be included if you do curved ridge. It's a straightforward climb round and up to the top and is a 5 minute diversion from the main route. I got to the top of Stob Dearg to the sight of about 50 other walkers which being a sunny day in Scotland is probably why everyone and their granny had decided to reinforce this mountains popularity. But the views from this summit are phenomenal. Rannoch Moor stretches for miles in one direction and the expanse of munros fills the other directions. Truly stunning on a clear day! The walk from Stob Dearg to the second Munro Stob na Broige took about 1.5hrs. It's longer than you think because the Munro top Stob na Doire stands in your way. The views from the second Munro give you a good look down toward Loch Etive. We returned via Lairig Gartain all the way back to the car. 18426110_10154928165528122_2013610642_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Hope you enjoyed your post walk chips I was enjoying my well earned fish supper in the real food cafe after bagging Stob Coir an Albannaich and Meall nan Eun with my husband. (recognised you from your photos) Awesome pictures and you certainly picked the right day for that route!
That's us photobombing your pic on the top of crowberry tower I think we passed each others groups a few times on Saturday, great day for it I'll post my video of the walk later on, I think you're in it
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