Havin' it 'Massif' with the lads!

[highland rambler]

We were joined by the lads for the big one in Argyle. We parked in the pass opposite the the Three Sisters and made our way over the River Coe and into Coire nan Lochan.

Coire nan Lochan towards Stob Coire nan Lochan

The path weaves it's way up the mountain giving good views over to Aonach Eagach and upon reaching the bealach at the foot of Stob Coire nan Lochan (SCNL) we thought that most of the hard work had been done.

Mum and lads dwarfed by Stob Coire nan Lochan

Gearr Aonach overhanging the pass and towards the Aonach Eagach

We decided to climb the south easterly ridge to the summit (SCNL) for views from the ridge over Beinn Fhada, Buachaille Etive Beag (BEB) & one of my favourites, Buachaille Etive Mor (BEM).

Across Beinn Fhada and both Buachailles Etive Beag & Mor

A decent scramble up the ridge brought us to the summit (SCNL) and wonderful panoramic views.

Summit - Stob Coire nan Lochan with the impressive Bidean nam Bian behind

Summit - Stob Coire nan Lochan towards Lochs Leven & Linnhe with 'The Ben' on the skyline

After a break for refreshments and to layer up in the face of a brisk wind we continued along the obvious route towards Argyle's biggest, the peak of peaks, Bidean nam Bian.

Looking back to Stob Coire nan Lochan

It is only a short walk and a little bit of a scramble to the Summit of Bidean nam Bian, which once again gives splendid views down Etive and across towards Fort William and Lochs Leven & Linnhe. One of the lads took the summit photo:

Summit - Bidean nam Bian

Loch Etive illuminated

Stob Coire Sgreamhach

Looking back to Bidean nam Bian

From the summit we made our way down the leisurely route to Bealach Dearg at the foot of Stob Coire Sgreamhach. It was now late in the afternoon and we were greeted by the sun, which lit up the surrounding hills and Coire Gabhail (The Lost Valley) bringing a completely different look to the surroundings. The boys rested on the bealach making a makeshift stone shelter from the wind whilst us oldies completed the traverse up to the summit. The following photo shows the descent route into Coire Gabhail (the red path at the foot of the summit behind the twist in the ridge). The initial impression of the route is a little scary but it didn't seem as bad in reality.

The final climb to Stob Coire Sgreamhach (descent route into Coire Gabhail visible as a red path to the left of the ridge at the foot of the summit climb

Stob Coire Sgreamhach and ridge to Beinn Fhada

Coire Gabhail - first time we have ever seen it in sunlight!

Summit - Stob Coire Sgreamhach

Summit - Stob Coire Sgreamhach

The Buachailles Beag & Mor

Looking back to the big one - Bidean

Stob Coire nan Lochan (right) and Bidean nam Bian (left) with the ridge route

Buachaille Etive Beag & Lairig Eilde

Beinn Fhada (foreground) and Aonach Eagach ridge behind

Following the break for photos and to enjoy the stunning scenery it was time to join the lads back on the bealach for the descent into Coire Gabhail. The route is quite tricky and great care is needed, the initial descent is very steep but this is not captured very well in the photos which lose the perspective. The route is also scattered with loose rock and scree almost all the way to the valley floor and therefore slowly but surely is the key!

Descent to Coire Gabhail

Scree strewn route to the valley floor

We had a tricky crossing of Allt Coire Gabhail, which was in spate due to the amount of rain over the preceeding days and weeks. The usual stepping stones were mostly submerged leading to a combination of wading and use of the poles to keep upright on the rocks - lads enjoyed this and had a great laugh at one another!

By the time we arrived back in the glen it was dropping dark quickly, time for the last couple of photos and the short walk back to the car.

Darkness descending in the glen, Glencoe

Darkness descending in the glen, Glencoe

The lads don't accompany us on every walk now that they are getting older, but they do join us for the big ones, enjoying the extra challenge - great to have them with us!!!

[soulminer]

Damn fine day you had A good family day, have had one of my daughters walk with me- the other two,No , as for my Wife- the longest she walks is from the front door to the car Mind you the dogs will walk all day
Love photos 9 - Etive, and 14- Coire Gabhail
Cheers.

[highland rambler]

I'm glad you liked the report, the views are stunning the area around Glencoe being my favourite, a magical area. Such a bonus when we are all together, we've had some great days on the hills You never know your others may give it a go one day!
Regards,