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Full traverse of south Glencoe ridges, with high level bivvy

Full traverse of south Glencoe ridges, with high level bivvy


Postby HappyHillGoer » Mon Jul 15, 2019 2:22 pm

Munros included on this walk: Bidean nam Bian, Stob Coire Sgreamhach, Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mòr), Stob na Bròige (Buachaille Etive Mòr)

Date walked: 13/07/2019

Time taken: 18 hours

Distance: 24 km

Ascent: 2200m

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For sometime I'd held a strong interest in traversing the main south Glencoe Ridge lines from east to west. I think the inspiration for this trip came partly from some great photos in one of Colin Prior's landscapes books, in which a few show the approximate 'v' shape made up of Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean Nam Bian. I was also very keen to combine the ascents of both Curved Ridge on Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mor) and of Sron Na Lairig on Bidean Nam Bian in completing this traverse.

Taking the very handy and much appreciated CityLink bus from Glasgow to Glencoe Ski Centre I started out at 6 p.m. on Saturday 13th of July across Rannoch Moor to the foot of Stob Dearg. Conditions were calm, warm and pleasant, with surprisingly very few midges around.

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Given the late time of day I was fortunate to have Curved Ridge all to myself - a really lovely experience for a change. The rock was wonderfully dry and grippy.

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Summiting Stob Dearg at around 9 p.m. I continued along Buachaille Etive Mor's long and attractive back ridge towards the Buachaille's 'second' Munro, Stob Na Broige where I laid out my bivvy bag and settled down for the night. Night-time conditions were exceptional, with the moon high and bright and the pale ghostly outlines of Ben Starav, Ben cruachan and Loch Etive clear from where I lay.

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Good Fortune continued the following morning when at 5 a.m. I awoke to a truly glorious sunrise with barely a cloud in the sky to be seen. Bidean Nam Bian to the west and the Mamores to the North were bathed in a beautiful golden light; it was really quite staggering.

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The first task of this new day was to descend steeply from the northwest flank of Stob Na Broige down to the col of Lairig Gartain. To maintain elevation I traced my way around the southern nose of Buachaille Etive Beag's to arrive at the high col of Lairig Eilde; from there I could see and was tremendously excited to soon be scrambling up the Sron Na Lairig ridge, a shapely grade 2 scramble. The ridge was quite delightful, eventually narrowing into an airy staircase quite reminiscent of the Aonach Eagach ridge.

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After summiting the Sron Na Lairig I then moved on to Stob Coire Sgreamhach gaining terrific views down into the Hidden Valley and further east to the Buachaille Etive Mor ridge which I'd so enjoyed traversing the evening before. I then continued along the main ridge of Bidean Nam Bian; onto the main summit and then on to Stob Coire Nam Beith.

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My final objective, which I think will be well understood by many, was to arrive and finish up in the Clachaig Inn for a nice lunch and a pint of something tasty! To get there I took a direct descent north off the north flank of Stob Coire Nam Beith, straight down to the A82.

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The whole trip was an absolutely wonderful experience a thrilling challenge and I think a greatly rewarding means of getting to understand Glencoe a little better. On reflection I'll probably try to carry a slightly lighter pack next time I do a similar route - perhaps with a summer sleeping bag rather than the winter suitable bag I took on this occasion.

A fun extra photo - my 'guidebook' notes for both Curved Ridge and Stob Na Lairig. It only just survived the trip!

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Many thanks for reading
HappyHillGoer
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HappyHillGoer
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Re: Full traverse of south Glencoe ridges, with high level b

Postby steviesea » Mon Jul 15, 2019 8:44 pm

:clap:
That looks a great route, albeit a tad above my own capabilities.You got some cracking photos and I loved your guidebook :wink: :lol:
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Re: Full traverse of south Glencoe ridges, with high level b

Postby HappyHillGoer » Mon Jul 15, 2019 8:46 pm

Haha thanks very much, Stevie I appreciate it. :) I certainly needed a few lime and sodas at the finish!
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Re: Full traverse of south Glencoe ridges, with high level b

Postby raykilhams » Tue Jul 16, 2019 8:11 pm

Hi H2G,
Great read and great pics. I love the description of the morning of the golden light, indeed it is staggering. Some of our most favourite moments when camping high in the hills is to wake up with a clear sky above us where the air is still and oh so fresh. And then to watch as the sun rises above the peaks creating a memory of colours and shadows only to be viewed by the early rising walker.... superb. Unique views. Thanks for the Memories.
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Re: Full traverse of south Glencoe ridges, with high level b

Postby HappyHillGoer » Tue Jul 16, 2019 8:21 pm

Hi Ray

Thank you that's very kind. And yes I couldn't agree more, those are such wonderful times.
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Re: Full traverse of south Glencoe ridges, with high level b

Postby uk-scrambler » Sun Mar 13, 2022 9:11 am

Great report. I've been researching routes on the south Glencoe range recently - making plans for later in the year. I'm considering combining scrambling and bivvy. Question mark in my mind was whether the scrambling of Curved Ridge, Sron na Lairig and possibly buttress of Stob Coire nam Beith would be too onerous whilst carrying bivvy gear (although we also go as light as possible with bivvy gear). I see you managed it very well.

Your report looks like it was a wonderful experience. Must have been great to watch the moon and then wake up to that sunrise and solitude.

Some very useful descriptions to help me plan my trip. Thanks.
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