Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX is a 7.3 km out-and-back from Altnafeadh to Stob Dearg, the 1,022 m high point of Buachaille Etive Mòr, with 762 m of ascent. Cross the River Coupall footbridge, pass Lagangarbh and keep right at the fork into Coire na Tulaich. The path climbs increasingly steeply, using boulderfields to the right of the central scree chute before cutting left up a rocky rib to the bealach. Turn left, east, along the broad bouldery ridge to the summit cairn, then reverse the same line. The GPX is not Curved Ridge and does not traverse to Stob na Bròige. In summer it is a strenuous mountain walk; in winter the corrie headwall is a notorious avalanche slope.
The headwall below the bealach is the key difficulty. The path is eroded, loose and threatened by stonefall, so parties should keep close enough for communication but leave space where rocks can be dislodged. In winter the coire is avalanche terrain and the route becomes a mountaineering ascent. From the bealach, the summit ridge is simpler but still exposed. Return through the same coire only if conditions remain safe for the steep descent.
A cairn marks the summit of Stob Dearg at 1022 metres.
Walkhighlands
Route Waypoints
Start from the often-busy lay-by at Altnafeadh, grid reference NN 220 563. Follow the track to the footbridge over the River Coupall and bear right towards Lagangarbh.
Pass the Scottish Mountaineering Club hut and continue uphill. At the fork a few hundred metres beyond, keep right for Coire na Tulaich; the left branch heads towards climbing routes below the cliffs.
Follow the improved path as it crosses the Allt Coire na Tulaich and climbs the far bank. The gradient increases and the surface becomes progressively rougher.
The path veers right through boulderfields away from the central scree chute, then cuts back left and climbs a rocky rib to the ridge. Loose rock and steep ground demand care, especially in descent.
At the bealach turn left, east, along the broad bouldery ridge, which narrows near the 1,022 m summit cairn. This GPX turns around here and does not continue along the Buachaille ridge.
Return to the bealach and descend the eroded headwall carefully. Keep clear of other walkers' fall lines and avoid sending loose stones downhill.
Regain the lower path by Lagangarbh and follow it to the A82. Cross burns cautiously if rain has raised them during the climb.
Reverse the ridge to the bealach, descend Coire na Tulaich past Lagangarbh and cross the footbridge. Stay on the intended headwall line rather than entering loose central scree.
Essential Tips
Snow can bank out the very steep Coire na Tulaich headwall, a notorious avalanche blackspot. Check the SAIS Glencoe avalanche report and mountain forecast, and do not attempt winter conditions without training, axe and crampons.
Beyond Lagangarbh, the left branch leads towards rock-climbing ground. Use the GPX and the right-hand Coire na Tulaich path, and stop to relocate if the terrain no longer matches the guide.
The headwall contains boulders and scree. Keep spacing between walkers, avoid dislodging stones and never descend directly above another party; a helmet can reduce but not remove rockfall risk.
The 2-hour-43-minute figure is a distance-and-ascent estimate. Steep ground, careful headwall movement, weather, breaks and navigation can make the outing much longer; carry a headtorch and full hill kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the GPX statistics for this Stob Dearg route?
The supplied out-and-back GPX is 7.3 km with 762 m of ascent. TrailTrack's calculated pace estimate is 2 hours 43 minutes, but steep rough terrain and careful descent can add substantial time.
Does this route traverse all of Buachaille Etive Mòr?
No. It climbs Coire na Tulaich to Stob Dearg and returns the same way. It does not use Curved Ridge or continue over Stob na Doire to Stob na Bròige.
Is Coire na Tulaich safe in winter?
It is a notorious avalanche blackspot when snow-covered. Check the current SAIS Glencoe report and mountain forecast, and only attempt winter conditions with the necessary mountaineering training and equipment.