Buachaille Etive Mòr

Things to do

Make a day of it

Hidden details

The name means “Great Herdsman of Etive” — A hiking account gives this translation of Buachaille Etive Mòr’s Gaelic name.

Two Munros on the ridge — The same route account says the long ridge holds two Munros: Stob Dearg and Stob na Broige.

When to go

· No particular time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check the forecast and visibility before travelling.

The sources do not identify a reliably best season. A route account describes a November outing, but this is not evidence that winter conditions are generally suitable.

Highland mountain weather and visibility can change. The described summit route includes steep, rocky ground; the route account warns of serious hazards on the final rocky headwall in winter conditions. Check a current mountain forecast and do not rely on this account as a substitute for up-to-date route advice.

The route

ascent

Around 650 m in the route account

surface

A lower-level track followed by steep, rocky and scree-covered ground on the described ascent

duration

Around 5 hours including stops and lunch for the outing described in one route account

difficulty

Challenging mountain terrain; requires appropriate hillwalking experience and preparation

start point

Lairig Gartain car park or nearby pull-off area, as described in the route account; verify current arrangements before setting out

parking start

The route account describes parking at the start of the Lairig Gartain. Current parking availability and restrictions are not confirmed.

shorter alternative

Enjoy the mountain profile from a safe, permitted valley-side stopping place rather than attempting a summit route.

• The pyramidal profile of Buachaille Etive Mòr
• The Lairig Gartain path between the two Buachailles
• Views looking down Glen Coe from the mountain