Walking in Glencoe - a great day out on 'the Buachaille'

 

Atop Buachaille Etive Mòr, Glencoe.

 

Buachaille Etive Mòr (Great Herdsman of Etive) also known simply as 'The Buachaille', is a mountain at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands of Scotland. Its pyramidal shape, as seen from the northeast, makes it one of the most recognisable mountains in Scotland, and one of the most depicted on postcards and calendars.

 

Infact, Buachaille Etive Mòr is a large ridge nearly five miles (8 km) long, almost entirely encircled by the River Etive and its tributary the River Coupall. The ridge contains four main peaks: from north-east to south-west these are Stob Dearg (1021.4 m), Stob na Doire (1011 m), Stob Coire Altruim (941 m) and Stob na Bròige (956 m).

 

The steep, craggy north-eastern face of Stob Dearg forms the classic aspect of the mountain as seen from the Kings House Hotel, Glencoe and constitutes the most direct route of ascent for climbers and scramblers. A less severe ascent is possible, certainly in the summer months, via a path from Glencoe leading steeply up the Coire na Tulaich reaching the ridge about half a kilometre west of Stob Dearg.

To the east lies Glen Etive, which provides an alternative route of ascent, (or descent) heading up steep grassy slopes to the summit of Stob na Bròige at the SW end of the ridge. 

Jimi enjoyed a memorable day traversing the ridge. Hope you enjoy the pics. Slainte!