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Munro Bagging

MichaelGMichaelG Member ✭✭
edited November 2016 in Outdoors and active pursuits

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!  :)


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Comments

  • FofomaFofoma Member ✭✭✭
    @MichaelG Congratulations and well done!! That looked like a serious scramble and definitely not one I will be attempting! What fabulous views at the top! We attempted to climb Ben Lawers on Saturday but the weather was just too snowy and blustery for me...hubby and I are just not experienced enough so decided to try again next year in better conditions.  So far we have climbed Schiehallion, Ben Chonzie, Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis - I have also climbed Meall Gheordie but other half says that doesn't count because it wasn't with him lol. 
  • MichaelGMichaelG Member ✭✭
    Hi @Fofoma, thanks very much. I've been rock climbing for a few months now, which really helped. There were definitely a few hairy bits though! I'm hoping to climb Ben Nevis next summer via Tower Ridge. Should be fun and even scarier than Curved Ridge lol 

    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!


  • Samantha_GrantSamantha_Grant VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 2016
    Great photos @michaelg - you've got a better head for heights than I have!  The Munros Mayar and Dreish via the spectacular Corrie Fee make a gorgeous hike (that's Corrie Fee below but not from a Mumro bagging walk that day). Loved Schiehallion and Ben Chonzie too.  I was also driven off Ben Lawers in poor weather but not before I bagged Beinn Ghlas which you reach first.  My last Munro was Carn Liath on a wet miserable day last November.





    I'm a Scottish travel blogger and freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of travelling in Scotland.  I'm always on the road exploring my wonderful country.  I love remote places, history and the great outdoors. 




  • EwanEwan VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭

    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 ?

    Exploring Scotland's wild places by foot, bike and camper van

    WildaboutScotland blog | Twitter

  • MichaelGMichaelG Member ✭✭
    Hi @Ewan, great photo! 

    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!  :)
  • MichaelGMichaelG Member ✭✭
    Great shot @Samantha_Grant!   :)

    Definitely going to look into Mayar and Dreish next summer.
  • SmidgeSmidge VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭
    I've just completed my first 10 Munros - and posted about them here - http://www.lovefromscotland.co.uk/10-munros-for-beginners

    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 


    Kate - Scotland / outdoor blogger at Love From Scotland
    Climbs hills, takes pictures. Likes remotes places.
    Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 


  • FofomaFofoma Member ✭✭✭
    @Scathach Great photos! Mayar and Dreish are definitely on my list and from those photos I think Lochnagar is worthy of a place too! 
  • Samantha_GrantSamantha_Grant VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
    edited March 2017
    I took a light hearted look at Munro Bagging recently over on my blog.  Loved the ones I climbed and aim to do more this year but for me nothing beats a hike through a beautiful glen and remote country so I'll never fall fully into the Munro bagger camp. 

    Munro bagging for numpties – Scotland with the Wee White Dug
    I'm a Scottish travel blogger and freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of travelling in Scotland.  I'm always on the road exploring my wonderful country.  I love remote places, history and the great outdoors. 




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