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Buachaille Etive Beag Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Moderate Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
5h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
8.5km
out and back
Elevation gain
950m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
958 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
No
Popularity
Moderate
Region
Glencoe
Start point
56.66273, -4.95859
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Buachaille Etive Beag hike, which means "little shepherd of Etive" in Gaelic, allows you to climb two Munros connected by a magnificent 3-kilometer-long ridge: Stob Coire Raineach (925 m) and Stob Dubh (958 m), the mountain's highest point.

Located in the iconic Glencoe Valley, this hike rewards you with exceptional views of Loch Etive and the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Buachaille Etive Mòr, Aonach Eagach, and Bidean nam Bian. This route is an excellent introduction to the Glencoe Valley mountains, as it is more accessible than most of its neighbors.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Buachaille Etive Beag Hike

Difficulties of the hike

Although the trail is unmarked, it is well-trodden and easy to follow. The passage of numerous hikers has formed a clear and obvious path along the entire route. The ascent to the Mam Buidhe Pass is on a well-maintained trail maintained by the National Trust for Scotland with rocky steps that make it easier to climb. Walking along the ridge is very pleasant and offers magnificent panoramas. It is technically easy and not vertiginous.

What you'll love

  • The breathtaking views from the summits: You can admire Loch Etive stretching southward, the Glencoe valley to the north, and identify the iconic peaks around you, such as Bidean nam Bian and the majestic Buachaille Etive Mòr nearby.
  • The unforgettable ridge crossing between the two peaks: A panoramic walking experience in a high mountain atmosphere for about three kilometers.
  • The accessibility of this hike compared to other Glencoe routes: It's an excellent choice for climbing two Munros in one day thanks to its well-maintained trail.
Well-kept path on ascent
Well-kept path on ascent
Cairn at the pass
Cairn at the pass
Buachaille Etive Beag
Buachaille Etive Beag
Stob dubh
Stob dubh
Glen Etive from the summit of Stob Dubh
Glen Etive from the summit of Stob Dubh
Glen Etive from the summit of Stob Dubh
Glen Etive from the summit of Stob Dubh
Rainbow linking Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor
Rainbow linking Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor
Rainbow linking Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor
Rainbow linking Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor
View to the north-east from Stob nan Cabar
View to the north-east from Stob nan Cabar
Buachaille Etive Beag
Buachaille Etive Beag

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/buachaille-etive-beag/