Buachaille Etive Mor, via Lagangarbh Buttress. Glen Coe. 17th July 2012

Buachaille Etive Mor (Stob Dearg 222 543 & Stob na Broige 190 525) is certainly high up in my list of favourite mountains.

Buachaille Etive Mor from the Lagangarbh car park 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

When approaching from the south along the A82, a short distance along the road from the Bridge of Orchy (297 396) the road starts to zig zag and climbs steeply as you approach Rannoch Moor, with Rannoch Moor on the right and the impressive massif that is The Black Mount on the left. Soon Buachaille Etive Mor comes into view with its impressive soaring buttresses and ridges. In winter in good weather it is certainly a very impressive and beautiful mountain.

Lagangarbh Buttress, Grade 3. Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Over a period of many years I have climbed on all the buttresses and completed all the classic scrambles in summer and winter, but I've never done the Lagangarbh Buttress. Strange really considering it is the most accessible.

Vicks just starting the scramble, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Park near Lagangarbh at 221 563, take the well worn path south and cross the bridge over the River Coupall. Continue past Lagangarbh (221 559) and when the path splits take the climbers path left (222 558). At approximately 224 554 take a straight line up hill to the lower slabs and start of the scramble (223 551) at a height of 430m. No more than an easy 1 hours walk in.

Beinn a' Chrulaiste 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

At first the scrambling is on easy angled sound slabs but soon steepens to an impressive array of rocky steps that can be tackled either head on, or turned on either the right or left. I found the scrambling to be very enjoyable, relaxing and on good rock. The scramble is short lived and finishes at a point around 750m at 222 547, from here it is a straight forward walk to the summit of Stob Dearg (222 542).

Me scrambling up Lagangarbh Buttress Grade 3, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

This is certainly a good alternative approach to Stob Dearg for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the normal ascent routes. It would also be an ideal route for those just getting involved in scrambling. For me, it was thoroughly enjoyable to see the mountain from a different aspect and this was my reward for the day.

Me taking in the views over Rannoch Moor, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Upon arrival at the summit of Stob Dearg we were greeted by the usual crowds so decided to sit away from the summit in a sheltered spot over looking the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor to enjoy lunch.

The sandwich thief! Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The views did not last long and soon it was time to descend, the cloud had come down and the rain started.  We descended via the tourist route, from the bealach at 216 541. The well worn path drops steeply in to Coire na Tulaich (218 548) and soon you will be on the well made path back to Lagangarbh.

Stob na Doire from Stob Dearg, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)