Buachaille Etive Beag In Glencoe: 5 Mile There And Back Route

Bag a couple of Munros hiking this stunning ridge in Glencoe. Buachaille Etive Beag might be the “little herdsman” of Glencoe, but it packs in all the drama and beauty of the Highlands. Sitting across the glen from its more famous big brother, Buachaille Etive Mòr, this ridge walk offers two Munros for the price of one and views that stretch from Glen Etive to the jagged peaks of Bidean nam Bian.

The path is clear and steady, making it an accessible yet satisfying climb for anyone looking to experience Glencoe’s magic without too much exposure. It’s a hike that proves smaller mountains can still deliver truly epic rewards.

We were only in the Scottish Highlands for two nights and our main hike was Ben Nevis the following day but we were eager to pack as much in as we could. Buachaille Etive Beag ticked all the boxes for us, especially bagging two munros in one go so we arrived early, parked up and got going.

Buachaille Etive Beag route description

Stage 1 – Heading up to the bealach

Setting off from the car park located off the A82 the path is clear and easy to follow. After a short walk the path forks, the Lairig Èilde route bears right here but you need to keep to the path to the left. The excellent path leads towards the ridge. Looking towards your right there are already great views of Bidean nam Bian and the Aonach Eagach ridge.

Continuing along the path diagonally for awhile before the route takes a more direct approach uphill towards the Mam Buidhe which is the lowest point on the ridge. Following the steep climb up the steps the path eases slightly on the approach towards the bealach – from here the path forks again and you need to keep right.

Stage 2 – The bealach to the summit

Continuing up the steep path you reach a cairn at just over 900m. Providing the weather is decent you can now get a great view along the ridge towards Stob Dubh. After setting off towards Stob Dubh the ridge narrows a great deal offering a fine traverse before you hit the last final ascent to the summit cone of Stub Dubh. After a short, steep ascent to the summit of Stub Dubh there is the option to continue a short distance further to a second cairn. Doing so will reward you with stunning views (again weather dependant) into Glen Etive and Loch Etive.

Once you’ve got your fill of the stunning views on offer now is the time to remember the hard work isn’t over just yet. Head back down from the summit and back along the ridge-walk and arrive back at the bealach. The second Munro is now directly in front of you – Stob Coire Raineach. Although not as high this is another steep ascent but again will reward you with the views you came for. If the weather doesn’t allow the view just be encouraged by all of the hard work you’ve just put in over the past few hours.

Stage 3 – Retracing your steps back to the car park

Once you’ve descended back down to the bealach, you can retrace your steps back down the rocky steps and well-constructed path back to the start of the walk. As always if visibility is poor ensure you return via the path you ascended by – there are several different paths.

Pics from the peaks – more of Buachaille Etive Beag