Buachaille Etive Beag from Glencoe
Hillwalking route up Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh on Buachaille Etive Beag
Like its big brother Etive Mor, Etive Beag appears quite impregnable from the Rannoch Moor approach. However, head around the west side of the mountain and an ascent looks much less intimidating !
Route outline
| Munros | ||||
| Ascent | 940m (3080ft) | |||
| Distance | 8km (5m) | |||
| Time | 3:40hr | |||
| Start/finish | Pass of Glencoe Grid Ref : NN187563 | |||
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The route described here is the easiest and most direct way up the two Munros of Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh on Buachaille Etive Beag. To reach the bealach between the summits a fairly well constructed path is followed, though is a tad rough where erroded. Higher up, the terrain on the approach to Stob Coire Raineach is a bit loose in places, requiring hands-out-of-pockets. Whereas a path leads from the bealach over grass towards Stob Dubh, with a bit of rocky terrain near the summit.
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Route description
1. Getting to the start in Glencoe
Starting up the path from 'The Study'
There is a large car-parking area for this route on the A82, just east of The Study in Glencoe and around 7km west of Kingshouse Hotel.
This can be very busy in summer and at weekends, there is additional parking in a lay-by just uphill from the car-park and another towards The Study.
2. Bealach between Stob Dubh and Stob Coire Raineach
Heading up the well constructed path
From the northern end of the car-park, follow the obvious path climbing at a gentle gradient and heading south-westwards.
After around ½km the path comes to a junction 
. Keep to the left fork and follow the path uphill (the right fork leads through the Lairig Eilde to Glen Etive and is a delightful walk).
Zig-zagging a route, the path is well constructed, although errosion is taking its toll in places. The path crosses a burn, then turns and climbs steeper for the next 200m of ascent. Another 150m at an easier gradient and the bealach 
between the Munro summits is reached.
3. Etive Beag - Stob Dubh
Heading to Stob Dubh
On a very obvious path, start climbing south-west up grassy and occasional sections of loose gravel. The ground levels out at c900m, from where it's a straightforward walk taking in the fine views all around.
The base of the last climb up Stob Dubh is reached and the ground narrows to a scrambly crest. No real difficulties are encountered, but there is a real airy feel to this section of the route.
Upon reaching the summit cairn 
, you'll find the views down Glen Etive are blocked by a minor top, so continue south-west for a few metres over some boulders to a smaller cairn for amazing views down Loch Etive and beyond.
4. Etive Beag - Stob Coire Raineach
Looking along Etive Beag's crest to Stob Coire Raineach
From Stob Coire Dubh's summit about-turn and trace your route back to the bealach .
Follow an obvious and worn path uphill and through scree and small boulders. The path splits a few times, all routes eventually converge and travel to the summit of Stob Coire Raineach 
. Excellent views - take some time to take them in !
5. Return to Glencoe
Folk heading up Stob Coire Raineach
Re-trace your steps back to the bealach and return down the path to the car-park.
Route profile »
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Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Western Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Glencoe Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
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