It was the last day of Easter holidays, and not not be wasted with a good forecast. The lads were hauled out of bed and into the car with all the usual slowness and objections In addition, our 'big' car was broken, so we all squeezed in the Mighty Ibiza for the jaunt up to Glencoe. On the way, the rain came down, clouds low and fresh snow had us all discussing heading for the Glencoe Lochan instead...
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

On arrival, it was clearing up and we could see the summit. My only concern was how much snow there was - we are not winter walk equipped or the lads trained, so a small amount of snow is fine - but ice or lots is not fine. Decision made - we get up to the headwall with what looked like old cornice and made a decision there to continue or not.

Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

The brutal clamber up the gully was actually dispatched with quite quickly, in warming weather and shade retreating as the sun rose to require suncream and shades in only a few degrees. We all enjoyed the rocky nature of the gully - with me quietly noticing how many folk were heading up/down the snow bank.

Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

The snow was the only bit that was not pleasant - crumbly, gritty old snow that moved a lot under feet. Most folk had gone straight up a 20' odd slope, leaving a track. Myself and middle son chose a shorter, and more secure it transpired, route from the top of the rocks. It required more bottle, but was significantly safer in the event of a slip.

Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

The lads normally hang around to watch us scramble up, but today they disappeared - completely (and rightly) distracted by the fantastic view. Lunch No.1 was in order.

Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr


The nip up to the summit of Stob Dearg was through a dusting of fresh snow, enjoying the views and trying to slow down the lads, who were arguing about who would be first to the top....Lunch No.2 was enjoyed, with the boys taking great delight in using hot orange to make 'yellow snow', and then freaking their mother by eating it...

Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

The top was full of folk, including a couple who had come up by Curved Ridge who commented that it was a rather frightening trip, with snow just dusting the more challenging bit...

Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

Pic of the day.
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

We jogged back to the col, with the aim of heading over to Stob na Brioge. Lunch No.3 was had here, basking in the sun but watching the weather close in on Ben Nevis in the distance. Here we also had a revolt on our hands, and so after a brief sojurn along the ridge to the foot of Stob na Doire, we had a decision to make...In the end it was a family decision to head down, and come back another day for the other hills (yah boo!)...in the event this was not a bad decision as the weather would have closed in on us by the end of a late day.


Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

The gully down proved longer than up. Disappointingly on the way up and down I was picking up rubbish - mainly energy gel and bar wrappers, but plastic bottles, a t-shirt, tissues and a couple of cans were all in my bag by the end of the day. So frustrating to see such a place disrespected.

Once back down through snow flurries, one of the lads found the most comfy place next to the river to await his parents return...
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Buachaille Etive Mor by Matt Robinson, on Flickr

The day was a classic - and one I hope the boys will remember and be motivated by in future.