Buachaille Etive Mòr

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Buachaille Etive Mòr is one of the best known and loved of all the Munro peaks. The epic view of the mountain from the main A82 road makes it appear quite unassailable and is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Terrain

Steep and rough ascent followed by a bouldery ridge. The descent is also steep and scrambly in places; once across the burn the walk out through the Lairig has a good path.

Public Transport

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

Start

Layby at Altnafeadh. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Deer Stalking information

National Trust for Scotland: no stalking issues.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the large but often busy layby at Altnafeadh - this is a very popular ascent at weekends. The view of the mountain from here is still impressive but not as daunting as that from Kinghouse - the route of ascent up Coire na Tulaich is clearly visible. Start by following the track down to the footbridge, cross it and bear right on the path to reach Lagangarbh hut.

Stage 2

The Scottish Mountaineering Club hut (locked) at Lagangarbh is remembered in climbing folklore as where the brilliant but rebellious young climber Dougal Haston enraged the staid SMC authorities by redecorating the interior in the style of Jackson Pollock, but unfortunately no sign of this paint job remains. Continue up the moor for a few hundred metres to a fork in the path; keep right here (the left branch is the rock-climber's path to the foot of the cliffs). The path, much improved in recent years, climbs ever more steeply and crosses the Allt Coire na Tulaich to continue its ascent into the coire up the far bank. There are good views across to Buachaille Etive Beag.

Stage 3

Towards the top of the corrie the path veers right and threads a way up boulderfields well to the right of the central scree chute. Higher up the path cuts back left and then climbs up a rocky rib to reach the bealach. In winter conditions this route is banked out by snow and the very steep coire headwall makes it a notorious blackspot for avalanches. Whatever the season, it will most likely be a relief when the ridge is suddenly reached. Turn left up the unexpectedly broad, bouldery ridge; this narrows only as the summit cairn is approached.

Stage 4

A cairn marks the summit of Stob Dearg, the highest of the two Munros on the Buachaille at 1022 metres. The view is magnificent in all directions, with perhaps the most impressive feature being the great void beyond the summit as the cliffs plunge down suddenly to the completely bleak flatness of Rannoch Moor. This view is particularly striking when the mountain casts a great triangular shadow out across the moor.

Stage 5

Return along the ridge to the top of the route up Coire na Tulaich. This time continue straight along the ridge towards Stob na Doire.

Stage 6

The path ascends slightly before curving to the left and climbing to the top of Stob na Doire - a long ascent that has many feeling this 'Top' should be classed as a Munro! Care is needed at the summit in poor visibility, as the terrain has led some walkers to descend southeast from this point; note the turn in the ridge for the descent to the next bealach.

Stage 7

From here climb up to Stob Coire Altruim, with a steep crag falling away to your right and great views. Continue along the undulating ridge to the second Munro, Stob na Bròige. This summit, at 956 metres, looks out down Glen Etive, and was promoted to Munro status in 1997. Baggers should be thankful at this change in status as it means they have an excuse (if any were needed) to complete this fabulous walk along the ridge.

Stage 8

Return along the ridge almost as far as the bealach before Stob na Doire. From here, descend on a constructed path down the slopes to the north, keeping to the west bank of the Allt Coire Altruim. The path is good at first but lower down there is some very rocky going with minor scrambling, requiring some care.

Stage 9

At the foot of the glen cross the stream to join the path through the Lairig Gartain. Turn right onto this footpath, and follow it right back to the A82. The path has been expertly built and gives good going. Once at the road there is about a kilometre of the dangerously busy A82 between you and the start at Altnafeadh - it is best to keep to the right of the road on traces of a very boggy path. When driving back south on the A82 the Buachaille looks incredibly formidable and it is hard to believe that you've just been up there.

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