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This story begins in January this year when Happyfeet (Emmelie) from Denmark and The Rodmiester from Scotland exchanged information on the Walkhighlands website welcoming thread re The Outer Hebrides and the best way to travel and see things on the islands etc. After a few PM's regarding guide books and walking books it was decided that bicycle was the best way to travel so not to miss anything en route.
It became obvious to both parties that sharing the same desire of nature and the great outdoors including hillwalking that we would get along fine and that we had a lot of common interests. Happyfeet was to be visiting Scotland for a couple of courses in August/September and as they were in consecutive weekends she was to be driving up to Glencoe to camp at the Red Squirrel Campsite, this seemed an ideal way for an initial meeting up rather than a quick catch up over coffee. Happyfeet also had the great idea of doing the Isle of Skye Whisky Challenge for the Mountain Rescue Services in Scotland so set up a Just Giving page under the name of The McVikings.
After meeting up on the Monday 1/9/2014 and a walk along to The Clachaig Inn where we were welcomed by the friendly smile of Julie who talked us through the various Real Ales they had on offer a plan of action was hatched over a few beers for the following day, Tuesday 2nd and yes it was to be Stob Dubh followed by Stob Coire Raineach which are the two munros on the Buachaille Etive Beag.
- At 0830hrs leaving the the carpark at the foot of the Allt Lairig Eilde on the A82 opposite the large Cairn. The big question now was will the cloud burn off?
- A well made path takes you South West up the glen but take the first fork right in the path and don't go over the river
- Happyfeet climbing on the well made up path. The last time I did this hill I approached via Glen Etive so this was going to be new to me as well, so far so good though, good underfoot conditions, but the overhanging cloud was looking no nearer lifting in fact further up the glen it looked like getting lower
- We are being followed up by Petr another Walkhighlander we were to find out later. He was kind enough to take our photographs on the summit of Stob Dubh
- Looking back down the path
- Arriving at the Beallach a cairn on a large slab of red rock, this was to become our luch break stop on our way back from Stob Dubh. This had taken us about 1 1/2 hrs to this point. View looking towards the 902m summit (South)
- The cloud was dropping to about 700m at this stage, not looking good for any views. We had decided to do the South Munro first as it would take us longer and thus allowing for the cloud to lift. About 600m walking you come to the 902m summit cairn but Stopb Dubh is further along the ridge
- Nearly there but no let up on the low cloud front, no views today, I think.
- Selfie on the Summit of Stob Dubh
- Thanks Petr for taking our photo at the summit no doubt this one will be sent to the Isle of Skye Whisky Challenge along with a wee film taken by Happyfeet
- After returning to the Beallach we stopped for a bite to eat, Happyfeet to head on down the path we came up and I headed up onto the summit of Stob Coire Raineach taking about 15mins
- Instead of oing back to the Beallach and the cairn on the big red slab I decided to head on over the West side and found some loose scree to come down to save the knees and a bit of time
- I soon met up with Happyfeet on the path lower down although I had not seen her at first she had heard me coming down the loose rocks. Zoom of the road at Glencoe. It was about here we met up with Graham and Louise heading on up the path, hope you two made it ok! Hi again.
- The carpark in the distance at the bottom of the path
- The Cairn opposite the Carparking area
- A well constructed arched bridge on the old General Wade road through Glencoe
- The Three Sisters
- Looking down Glencoe
- Does anyone know what this building was built for and is it in use now? (Building of the old road shelter for the workers?) It is a very prominent landmark coming off the hill.