Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag Walk
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Route Description for Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag Walk
The Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag Walk will get your heart rate up as you make your way to not one but two Munros standing tall along the Buachaille Etive Beag mountain range. Come prepared with water and food to refuel as you explore this unbelievable stunning area of the Highlands. You’ll also want to set out early as the Glen Coe Car Park gets quite busy. Lastly, there’s also a brief scrambly section—which isn’t too technical, but we want you to come as prepared as possible.
Once you set foot on the trail, expect the wild Highland scenery to envelop you, hopefully distracting you from any huffing and puffing! Expect stunning views of Loch Etive and Glencoe peaks. Trust us when we say that the momentary pain is worth it.
From the Glen Coe Car Park, head to the north end of the car park to follow the path as it gently inclines southwest. Around 500 m later, you’ll reach a junction. Travel along the left fork to ascend! Follow the switchbacks, eventually crossing a burn, before tackling a steep ascent for about 200 m. Then, you’ll walk 150 m—don’t worry, this gradient is much more relaxed—towards the bealach nestled between both Munros.
Follow the easy-to-spot trail as it starts venturing southwest up terrain fused with grassy sections and loose gravel. After the ground evens out, continue along the path towards the base of Stob Dubh. Take on a scrambly section here as you make your way towards the summit. At the cairn, you’ll encounter some blocked views. Before you throw a fit, head southwest for a super short distance towards a small cairn, where a vista of Loch Etive awaits!
After, turn around and head back to the bealach from before. From here, you’ll follow another obvious path towards the summit of Stob Coire Raineach, the second Munro packed into this adventure. You’ll travel through some scree and minimal boulders before reaching the summit. Do note that the path does split a lot, but the trails end up meeting atop the Munro. However, take your map along if you want to ensure you follow the right route! Soak in the scenery before turning around and retracing your steps back to the bealach and then the car park.
Trail Highlights
Buachaille Etive Beag
The Buachaille Etive Beag mountain range sits between Glen Etive and Glen Coe in the Highlands! You may have Buachaille Etive Beag Walk with Buachaille Etive Mòr, but these mountains are basically siblings kept apart by a bealach. This mountain range boasts two Munros: Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh.
Insider Hints for Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag Walk
- If the Glen Coe Car Park is jam-packed, head to the layby just up the hill
- Bring lots of water and snacks to refuel along this short but challenging route
Getting to the Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag Walk Trailhead
The Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag Walk starts from the Glen Coe Car Park, which can fill up fast, so ensure you grab a spot early. However, there’s an alternate layby just uphill from the parking lot.Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
May-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag Walk Elevation Graph
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