Buachaille Etive Mòr facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Buachaille Etive Mòr
Stob Dearg
Stob Dearg from Glen Etive
Highest point
Elevation	1,021.4 m (3,351 ft)
Prominence	532 m (1,745 ft)
Parent peak	Bidean nam Bian
Listing	Munro, Marilyn
Naming
English translation	Great Herdsman of Etive
Language of name	Gaelic
Pronunciation
Geography
Buachaille Etive Mòr Location in Scotland
Location	Glen Etive, Scotland
OS grid	NN223543
Topo map	OS Landranger 41

Buachaille Etive Mòr is a famous mountain in the Scottish Highlands. Many climbers simply call it The Buachaille. It stands at the start of Glen Etive in Scotland. Its unique pyramid shape makes it easy to spot. You can see it clearly from the A82 road when driving towards Glen Coe. This makes it one of Scotland's most photographed mountains. You will often see it on postcards and calendars.

The mountain is actually a long ridge about 8 km (5 miles) long. The River Etive and its smaller streams almost completely surround this ridge. The ridge has four main peaks. From north-east to south-west, these are Stob Dearg (1021.4 m), Stob na Doire (1011 m), Stob Coire Altruim (941 m), and Stob na Bròige (956 m). Stob Dearg and Stob na Bròige are both known as Munros. A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 914.4 metres (3,000 feet) high. Stob na Bròige became a Munro in 1997.

Climbing and Walking Routes

Buachaille as seen from the north with all its main peaks visible.

The north-eastern side of Stob Dearg is very steep and rocky. This is the classic view of the mountain from the Kings House Hotel. It is also the most direct way up for climbers and scramblers. One famous rock climb here is called Crowberry Ridge. It was first climbed and photographed in 1900. Next to it is Curved Ridge, which is a very popular scrambling route. Scrambling is like climbing, but less difficult.

If you prefer walking, there is a path up Coire na Tulaich. This path is a bit worn from use. It leads steeply up to the ridge, about half a kilometre west of Stob Dearg. This route is good for walkers when the weather is nice in summer.

Buachaille Etive Mòr is separated from its nearby mountain, Buachaille Etive Beag, by a valley called Lairig Gartain. To the east is Glen Etive. You can also start your climb from here. This route involves walking up steep grassy slopes to reach the top of Stob na Bròige.

Another path follows a stream called Allt Coire Altruim. This path starts from the Lairig Gartain valley. It reaches the main ridge about two-thirds of the way along from the north. Many people use this path to come down after climbing up Coire na Tulaich. This creates a circular walk, ending with a stroll back along the Lairig Gartain.

Lagangarbh Hut: A Mountain Shelter

Buachaille Etive Mòr from the A82, showing Lagangarbh Hut in the lower left

The only building near Buachaille Etive Mòr is Lagangarbh Hut. It looks like a small cottage. This hut is at the base of the mountain, next to the River Coupall. It is also close to the main A82. The National Trust owns this hut. The Scottish Mountaineering Club manages it. You can rent it for a stay. It can hold up to 30 people, making it a great base for mountain adventures.

Photography Hotspot

The Buachaille is a very popular place for landscape photography in Scotland. It is probably the most photographed mountain in the country. A favourite spot for photos is near the small waterfalls on the River Coupall. This river is to the east of the mountain.

However, the ground around these waterfalls has become very worn down. This is due to many visitors. Because of this, many photographers now suggest staying away from this area. This helps the natural environment recover. The mountain is also a popular background for wedding photos. Its dramatic scenery makes for stunning pictures.

Images for kids

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  The Buachaille's north-east face