The Big Buachaille walk - 8
miles if full circular completed
Rough going over some sections, good navigation required in poor vis.
Gaelic= 'great shepherd of Glen Etive'
Care required in winter especially in
avalanche conditions.
2 Munros, 2 tops. Dangerous crags if you leave usual route.
Flash Panoramic View
Description:
 Length: about 8 mile circular route
Start: Car park Altnafeadh A82 just beyond Glen Etive road.
GRNN220564
Surface: very rough going in places, boulder fields. Return track to
Laraig Gartain boggy.
Hazardous if you leave the track.
Navigation: Easy in clear weather. Can be difficult in poor visibility.
Route
Buachaille Etiv Mor is a ridge with Stob Dearg at the north east end, Stob na Broige at
the South West, and two further peaks between.
From the carpark follow the track past the white cottage owned by
the Scottish Mountaineering Club and take the right fork toward Coire na Tulaich which is
the only safe, viable ascent for walkers. The track follows the bed of the burn before a
steep step up into the corrie brings the ascent route into full view. The track climbs
gradually up the west side of the corrie then curves slowly to the south before attaining
the bealach at the headwall. In winter the headwall develops a large cornice which may be
a problem - even with axe and crampons. The corrie may be prone to serious avalanche in
adverse conditions.
 At the bealach (GR NN216452) turn east then northeast to reach the summit of Stob Dearg
(red peak) in just under 500 ft from the bealach. Care here as the peak has precipitous
walls on 3 sides.
The summit of Stob Dearg (3335 ft) offers magnificent
views over Rannoch moor with Schiehallion visible 30 miles distant to the east. Blackwater
is seen to the northeast and Ben Nevis's bulky summit is obvious 11 miles distant NNW.
Retrace your steps to the bealach, continuing to pass a small peak on your right
(2950ft) then dropping a short way before climbing about 400 ft to the summit of Stob na
Doir at 3262 ft (GR NN208533). Continuing over Stob na Doir and slightly left leads to a
rather uncomfortable descent (with potentially hazardous cornice on the left in winter)
over rocky terrain to a grassy bealach with a small rise near the western end. Take note
here of the future descent route on the right. (GRNN208530)
 Veering now WNW with sheer cliffs to the right (cornice hazard) a climb of about 300 ft
takes you to the summit of Stob Coire Altruim (NN 197531, 2980 ft). WNW lies Stob Coire
Sgreamhach with Bidean nam Bian beyond. The razor sharp ridges of the mountains of Glencoe
are remarkable.
Head SW now to follow the long ridge to the foot of the final left curving
ascent to the summit of Stob na Broig (NN191526, 3095 ft). Again, beware cornice hazard on
the left on this final ascent.
The view from here to Glen Etive and Loch Etive makes the effort worthwhile. A circular
shelter offers some respite from the sometimes cruel wind.
The walker should not attempt to descend any of the slopes to the north, west or south of
this summit as Stob na Broig is encircled by very steep buttresses.
Return by the ascent route, over Stob Coire Altruim to the grassy bealach and find a
point where you feel comfortable to climb down steep slopes to the north.  My own
preference ( also a useful escape route ) is the rough, barely visible track on the left just before the 'bump' on
the bealach. Care is required, due to wet grass in spring and summer, and iced rocks and
snow in winter.
Keep to the right of the burn until after the waterfalls where a better defined track
eventually becomes obvious on the left of the burn. Off the steep slopes now, the river
Coupal must be crossed to attain the very wet and boggy track leading north east along the
Laraig Gartain. The main road is reached in 1.5 miles where a short walk on the main road
takes you to the carpark in about half a mile.
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