Stob Coire Raineach & Stob Dubh (Buachaille Etive Beag). 19th January 2013

Sron na Lairig. 19/01/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Buachaille Etive Beag in Glen Coe is a fantastic walk both in summer and winter. It is also a fantastic group of hills to introduce folk to winter walking, as it is a relatively short day out and with plenty for the novice winter walker to enjoy. It also sits in a fantastic situation within Glen Coe offering amazing views of the Bidean nam Bian massif, the Aonach Eagach Ridge and Buchaille Etive Mor on a clear day. I met members from the Scottish Hillwalking & Activities Group early morning at Kinning Park Underground Station and as usual everybody was on time. It took little time to introduce ourselves to each other and the travel arrangements were soon made and we were on our way to Glen Coe. We had also made arrangements to meet folk from Edinburgh in Glen Coe the previous evening.

Stob Dubh with Beinn Fhada on the right. 19/01/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We arrived at what is known as the Beehive Car Park (NN188562) in Glen Coe at 9.30am and were soon joined by the folk from Edinburgh. We all introduced ourselves whilst we readied ourselves for the days walking and soon we all ready and off for a snowy adventure.

Iain, Rachel, Jamie, Kerri, Klaas & Helen at the summit of Stob Coire Raineach. 19/01/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The walk into these hills is very straight forward and is on a well made path that is quite clear. From the car park pick up the path and start walking into the glen in a south westerly direction until the path forks (NN184558). Taking the left turning the path starts to rise gently at 1st in a southerly direction until it steepens (NN184553) and then it ascends the hillside steeply to the bealach (NN187545), but the path is good and there are steps. We all rested at the Bealach before ascending the 1st peak Stob Coire Raineach (NN191548), which we all achieved without difficulty. There was a cold wind blowing and we wasted no time in taking our photos and celebrating our success before quickly descending again to the bealach.

Rachel & Helen at the Bealach. 19/01/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Again we all rested at the bealach before taking on the challenge of Stob Dubh. Once rested we started the ascent to gain the ridge which eventually leads to the summit of Stob Dubh (NN179535). It is a great little ridge with a nice narrowing towards the summit and it offers just enough excitement to keep all entertained. As with the previous peak we wasted no time in descending back to the bealach as now the wind had increased and it was snowing. Once back down and away from the full force of the wind we stopped to discuss snow packs and gradients of slopes before we all tried out different methods of walking in crampons. After a short rest again we all descended back to the cars without incident.

The ridge of Stob Dubh. 19/01/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Once we had all changed we all called into the Kingshouse Hotel for a well earned celebration drink. A great way to end a great outing with a brilliant group of folk. Thank you to all that attended I thoroughly enjoyed the day!     

Iain, Rachel, Klaas, Jamie & Kerri at the summit of Stob Dubh. 19/01/2013 (Photo: A J Thorley)