Buachaille Etive Beag

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Buachaille Etive Beag is often overlooked in favour of its more illustrious neighbour. It is, however, a magnificent ridge in its own right, offering superlative views down Loch Etive and of the surrounding peaks of Glencoe. It also has the benefit of an excellent path easing the ascent and descent from the Lairig Eilde.

Terrain

Well-constructed rocky path to bealach, then fairly straightforward, rocky ridge-walking in good conditions.

Public Transport

Glasgow - Fort William and Skye buses on A82 but nearest stop is The Kingshouse.

Start

Glen Coe car park opposite the 'Beehive' cairn. Map and directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 900m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN187562

Summits Climbed

Munro: Stob Coire Raineach
Munro: Stob Dubh

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the small car park off the A82 opposite the beehive cairn. Buachaille Etive Beag isn't shown to best effect from here; from higher up the glen the nose of Stob nan Cabar makes a lesser but still fine companion to its famous neighbour, Buachaille Etive Mor. From here a path soon joins the Right of Way (signposted from just down the road) through the Lairig Eilde. The path has been greatly improved by the National Trust for Scotland, and soon leads up to a fork where the Lairig Eilde route bears right; keep left here to stay on the excellent path up towards the ridge. Already there are good views of Bidean nam Bian and the Aonach Eagach ridge over to the right.

Stage 2

The path heads diagonally up the hillside for a time before aiming more directly uphill - with the aid of rocky steps - towards the Mam Buidhe, the lowest point on the ridge. Bidean nam Bian's subsidiary Munro - Stob Coire Sgreamhach - looks impressive from here.

Stage 3

Eventually the gradient begins to ease and the path forks on the final approach to the bealach. To climb the highest peak - Stob Dubh - first, take the right branch in the path, continuing up steeply to reach a cairn at point 902m. From here there is a view along the ridge towards Stob Dubh, as well as down to the Lairig Gartain below the parallel ridge of Buachaille Etive Mor.

Stage 4

The ridge narrows considerably at this point, giving a fine traverse, before the final sharper ascent up to the summit cone of Stob Dubh.

Stage 5

It is worth continuing a short distance beyond the highest summit cairn to reach a second cairn with a sensational view into Glen Etive and to Loch Etive receeding into the infinite distance. Ben Starav looks very impressive to the left side of the loch, whilst in perfect weather the keen eye may pick out the Paps of Jura.

Stage 6

Retrace your steps all along the ridge back to the bealach. To climb the second Munro, Stob Coire Raineach, continue beyond up a steep and rocky ascent with several variant paths. The climb up to the summit cairn is rough but relatively short in distance. From here there is a stunning prospect down Glen Coe.

Stage 7

To the east and north east the tangle of peaks is lessened by the vastness of Rannoch Moor. The Blackwater Reservoir is very prominent.

Stage 8

Return once more down to the bealach; care is needed with navigation to ensure a return by the ascent route if visibility is poor as several apparent paths lead onto the steep and difficulty craggy terrain of the western slopes. Once down at the bealach, retrace your steps back down the well constructed path into the Lairig Eilde and back to the start.

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