Ben Starav 5

[Broggy1]

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Up to Scotland for two days over the Bank Holiday and with the Saturday being forecast fine I thought we'd target Ben Starav and maybe get three or even five Munro's done.

Wonderful group of hills these (especially Starav) with some big climbs and some very rough descents and very fine (if cold for August) weather to do them in.

Ben Starav

Looking back up Glen Etive - it's already promising to be a good day

Glas Bheinn Mhor from the climb to Starav

The Glencoe hills from the climb to Starav - the initial climb is a big one as it all needs to be tackled from sea level.

Ben Starav getting closer

The final climb now ahead to Ben Starav

Me on the summit admiring the view down Loch Etive but also thinking about putting another layer on!

The ridge ahead to Glas Bheinn Mhor and Stob Coir an Albannaich

But first there is a narrow and scrambly section to tackle over to Stob Coire Dheirg

Back to Ben Starav from Stob Coire Dheirg

Beinn nan Aighenan in view. This isn't on the ridge and it's necessary to drop down from the main ridge to a lower saddle before tackling this climb. You've then got to retrace your steps back to where you were.

Time consuming stuff but seems a worthwhile purpose as there looks no real easy way to get to this hill.

Will on Beinn nan Aighenan with Ben Starav and the main ridge behind

Dan on Beinn nan Aighenan with the magnificent Ben Cruachan behind

Back on the main ridge now (I did cut the corner off slightly) and looking at Glas Bheinn Mhor from Meall nan Tri Tighearnan

Stob Coir an Albannaich from Glas Bheinn Mhor. We had plenty of time after the early start so decided to go for the five.

Ben Starav again from Glas Bheinn Mhor. Starav is definitely the daddy of this group.

Glas Bheinn Mhor and Ben Starav from Stob Coir an Albannaich.

It's a big descent from Glas Bheinn Mhor followed by an initial steep climb until the slopes ease closer to the summit

Meall nan Eun and beyond from Stob Coir an Albannaich

After a tricky descent (locate the cairn!) from Stob Coir an Albannaich and short climb to Meall Tarsuinn, Meall nan Eun is in view

Meall nan Eun is probably the least interesting hill of these five but it does afford a brilliant view from the cairn

Some of the hills climbed today from Meall nan Eun

Our walk out - Glen Ceitlein

Looking back at Meall nan Eun from Glen Ceitlein.

We went a bit wrong from the top of Meall nan Euan and dropped down into the Lairig Dhochard before dropping down into Glen Ceitlein.

I don't think there's a right or wrong answer and both ways involve care to negotiate crags.

Eventually you hit a track which winds round back to the start point with magnificent Starav in view again

[Coop]

I'll say it again.
" respect to all who do these 5 in one go.
My legs almost buckled going up to Glas Bheinn Mhor