Last weekend I made my way to Glencoe with a couple of friends and traversed Buachaille Etive Mòr via Curved Ridge. We bagged two Munros: Stob Dearg and Stob na Bròige. It was a thrilling and beautiful route* – the views were incredible! The route took us 6.5 hours to complete. However, we were walking at a quick pace to ensure we got back to the car before dusk.
*This route is not recommended for beginners. Curved Ridge is regarded as a classic hard scramble (Grade 3 or moderate rock climb). It requires careful route-finding and some would use a rope to aid security.
Some photos from the route below.
Perfect day for a scramble
I should not have looked down at this point
Climbing ‘The Crux’ on Curved Ridge
Pretending not to be afraid
The view from Buachaille Etive Mòr
What do you think I should climb next? I’ve got the bug!
Comments
Just looked up Ben Lawers, it looks amazing. You'll definitely have to go back when the weather is a bit better. It's now on my to-climb list!
Hi @MichaelG, that looked a good trip - you certainly do need a head for heights for that route! Here's a view of Buachaille Etive Mor in February this year. It's good you highlighted that Curved Ridge is at the limit for scrambling without use of a rope (in good weather) - it's probably not a route for beginners without more experienced support.
I finished climbing the munros a few years ago and for fun thought I'd find out what are the ten most popular munros. The list below is compiled from a few well known munro-bagging websites including some of my own favourites. It is pretty subjective though, and influenced by weather, company and other circumstances.
10. Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach)
9. Beinn Ghlas (Ben Lawers)
8. Beinn Eighe
7. Ben Cruachan
6. A’ Mhaigdean
5. Ladhar Beinn
4. Beinn Alligin
3. Buachaille Etive Mor
2. An Teallach
1. Liathach
There are some great mountain ridges in this list. What do you think ? Any surprises ?
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I hope I'll get round to climbing all of the munros some day. That's quite an achievement!
The only other munro I've bagged from your list is Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach). It's a fantastic walk (also a bit scary at times). I'm hoping to go to Torridon next summer. Definitely going to bag Liathach!
Definitely going to look into Mayar and Dreish next summer.
For beginners, in no particular order I recommend:
Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn)
Ben Lomond
Beinn Ghlas & Ben Lawers
Buachaille Etive Beag - Stob Coire Raneach / Stob Dubh
Beinn Narnain & Beinn Ime
Ben Chonzie
Schiehallion
Climbs hills, takes pictures. Likes remotes places.
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