Buachaille Etive Beag – Great ridge walk, great views

Buachaille Etive Beag is a short and straightforward hillwalk that takes in two Munros, which are in a superb position (what hills aren’t in the Central Highlands and in Glen Coe particularly?). The walk over the rugged ridge to the summit of Stob Dubh is enjoyable for people having a head for heights. For others, it might be on the more challenging side of the spectrum. A good path, however, makes this section more than manageable, even if you don’t feel very comfortable on exposed terrain.

You start your walk in the Buachaille Etive Beag car park , just a short distance east of the famous Three Sisters in Glen Coe. Head out south of the car park, where a footpath leads up into the hills.

Keep to the left when you reach a fork . The path climbs now more seriously, and occasionally some narrow streams need to be crossed. Eventually, the gradient eases, and you reach a crossing , just between the two Munros.

Turn left, and follow the path leading to the summit of the first Munro: Stob Coire Raineach. On this path is also the steepest section of the walk . However, the exposure is minimal since it’s on a good path and a broad hillside. Finally, you reach the summit . The views over to the famous Buachaille Etive Mòr, across Rannoch Moor and the Blackwater Reservoir are impressive.

Head back down to the crossing and take the other path up the hill now leading to the second of the Buachaille Etive Beag Munros: Stob Dubh. The gradient is not as steep here as the one up to the first Munro. Eventually, you arrive at a false summit , and the magnificent ridge leading to Stob Dubh is revealed in front of you.

Descend on the ridge, which is broad at first but narrows soon. Then, further ahead, the path climbs for one last time. This is the most challenging section of the walk for people who don’t have a head for heights, as the path is moderately exposed .

When you emerge on the top, the path broadens again. From here, it’s only a few steps more to the summit of Stob Dubh . The view of Loch Etive in the distance is particularly stunning.

After enjoying the views and a well-deserved snack, head back over the ridge to the crossing and retrace your steps down the well-made path into the glen and to the car park.