Ben Starav and Glas Bheinn Mhòr

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Summary

Ben Starav is the magnificent mountain that rises on the south side of Loch Etive, its enormous bulk capped by fine rocky ridges. It is a fantastic viewpoint and gives an excellent traverse in combination with Glas Bheinn Mhor.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.62069/5

Rating

Terrain

Steep and rocky mountains giving tough walking including bogs and very simple scrambling.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Parking layby opposite start of Coiletir track. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 16km / 10 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1423m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN136468

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Starav
Munro: Glas Bheinn Mhòr

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (45)

Stage 1

The walk starts along the track leading down to Coiletir from the Glen Etive road; there is a good sized parking layby off the opposite side of the road. Head down this track and over the bridge over the picturesque River Etive. Beyond this a junction is reached - keep right here and follow the hydro track. At Coiletir a sign indicates a path round the cottage to the left, but it's much easier walking to stay on the hydro track that bypasses it to the right. Eventually the track reaches the Allt Mheuran.

Stage 2

Continue to the bridge, then turn left onto a boggy path on the far side, following the burn uphill; avoid the scar on the right left from the tempoary hydro track. After approximately half a kilometre, leave the main path to begin the ascent up the north ridge of Ben Starav. Head southwest up this ridge; there is a path but the going is rough and steep as well as sometimes wet. The angle of the ridge eases between around 400 and 500 metres, beyond which the ridge becomes better defined and drier, although bouldery, and there is a path to help which begins climbing steeply. The views back up Glen Etive are superb.

Stage 3

The ridge levels off once more at about 800 metres, where another ridge joins in from the northwest. Follow the combined ridge southwards; it undulates at first before narrowing considerably; the final climb is over rocky and boulders.

Stage 4

The disintegrating cyclindrical trig point on the summit will be reached with some relief after the long climb. At 1078 metres this is the highest Munro in the local area; the view of Loch Etive, backed by Ben Cruachan, is quite sensational.

Stage 5

Follow the ridge beyond the summit as it curves around, keeping the steep drop on your left, to reach the southeast summit. It can be tricky in mist to find the start of the ridge which descends steeply at first towards Stob Coire Dheirg. The ridge soon narrows to a fine rocky arete. It is possible to continue along the crest with simple scrambling - alternatively you can bypass the rocks by descending a little to the right and traversing beneath the top of the ridge.

Stage 6

Either way, Stob Coire Dheirg, a Top, will be reached; at this point do not follow the false ridge to the north; the true ridge veers to the right, just south of east, with dramatic crags on its left flank. Soon the rockier section is left behind and further down the ridge broadens out and the awkwardly named col of Bealachan Lochain Ghaineamhaich is reached.

Stage 7

The energetic may detour southeast from here and include an extra Munro, Beinn nan Aighenan, in the day's itinerary. This involves an extra downhill section before a long climb and then an energy-sapping return to this point. Less energetic walkers will continue up the ridge to the east instead. The ridge winds to and fro and ascends the steep minor peak of Meall na Tri Tighearean before descending slightly and then climbing once more up to Glas Bheinn Mhor.

Stage 8

Glas Bheinn Mhor is the second Munro of the day at 997 metres. Descend down the path on the grassy east ridge, which curves to the left before descending to the next bealach at 738 metres.

Stage 9

From here, turn left down the glen, keeping on the right of the stream. There is a path, but the going is boggy at times. Continue down the east bank. At around NN138457 an extremely boggy path forks right to follow a fenceline back to Coiletir, but it's preferable to simply follow a fainter path by the burn to rejoin the outward route at the hydro track. From here retrace your steps back to the start.

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