NN1853 : Approaching the summit of Stob Dubh
Strenuous hillwalking; narrow rocky ridge

Buachaille Etive Beag - Stob Dubh

957m Elevation
468m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN1853 : Approaching the summit of Stob Dubh

Iain Russell Photo source

Overview

Stob Dubh is the higher, southwestern Munro of Buachaille Etive Beag, above Glen Etive and Glen Coe. Its 956.7 m summit is reached along a rocky ridge from Mam Buidhe. The other Munro on this ridge is Stob Coire Raineach; Buachaille Etive Mòr is a separate mountain across the Lairig Gartain.

Buachaille Etive Beag - Stob Dubh

Stob Dubh is the southwestern and higher Munro of the Buachaille Etive Beag ridge, at 956.7 m. Stob Coire Raineach is the other Munro; the larger Buachaille Etive Mòr lies across the Lairig Gartain.

Walking the ridge

The usual approach starts at NN187562 beside the A82 and climbs from the Lairig Èilde path to Mam Buidhe. Stob Dubh lies southwest of this bealach. A visit to both Munros returns to the same bealach and approach path: Walkhighlands gives 8 km and 5–6 hours for that complete outing.

The Glen Etive approach climbs the steep southwest ridge. A longer circuit described by Walking Britain descends that shoulder and returns through the Lairig Èilde; its full itinerary is 14.6 km. Stream levels matter on this alternative.

Summit and surroundings

The rocky summit has a cairn, with a lower viewpoint cairn beyond. Loch Etive, the neighbouring Buachaille and the Bidean massif form the principal views. The massif belongs to the Glencoe volcanic complex. Its Gaelic name means “small herdsman of Etive”; Stob Dubh means “black” or “dark peak”.

Conditions and access

The narrow ridge needs care in wind, snow and ice; winter cornices and avalanche conditions can affect the route. Poor visibility makes the return from Stob Coire Raineach particularly easy to misjudge. The Glen Etive descent is steep, and Lairig Èilde burns may prevent a circuit after heavy rain.

Visitor-centre facilities are near Glencoe village. Kingshouse coach stops require separate onward access to the starting car park.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Stob Dubh via Mam Buidhe

Start at the A82 car park at NN187562. Follow the Lairig Èilde approach, then the constructed uphill path to Mam Buidhe. Turn southwest along the ridge, over the north top, to Stob Dubh. Return by the same ridge and approach path. This out-and-back omits Stob Coire Raineach.

Strenuous hillwalk

Both Munros from Glen Coe

From NN187562, climb the western path to Mam Buidhe. Visit Stob Dubh along the southwest ridge, return to the bealach, then climb Stob Coire Raineach to the northeast. Return to Mam Buidhe and descend the approach path. Walkhighlands gives 8 km, 900 m ascent and 5–6 hours for the full outing.

8 km Strenuous hillwalk

Glen Etive via the southwest ridge

From parking near Dalness, follow the Lairig Èilde/Lairig Gartain access path, then climb the steep south-southwest ridge to Stob Dubh, with scree higher up. Continue northeast to Mam Buidhe, descend towards the River Coupall and return southwest through the Lairig Gartain to Glen Etive. The bealach descent requires careful navigation.

Hard; steep rough ground

Ridge traverse and Lairig Èilde circuit

Walking Britain’s circuit starts at NN196563 on the A82: approach Mam Buidhe, climb Stob Coire Raineach, then traverse southwest to Stob Dubh. Descend its steep southwest shoulder towards Glen Etive and return north through the Lairig Èilde to the start. Allow about 8 hours 20 minutes for 14.6 km and 1,294 m ascent. Wet grass, unbridged burns and the A82 approach are significant hazards.

14.6 km ~8.3 hours Hard

Stob Dubh in winter via Mam Buidhe

Use the western approach from NN187562 to Mam Buidhe and the southwest ridge towards Stob Dubh, returning the same way when conditions permit. Snow, ice, cornices and avalanche conditions can change the viable line and turnaround point. Ice-axe and crampon skills, winter navigation and an assessment of current snow stability are essential.

Winter mountaineering
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

957m

3,139 ft

Prominence

468m

Coordinates

56.6382, -4.9708

NN179535

OS Map

41

Explorer: 384

At the Summit

A cairn marks the rocky summit area. A second, lower cairn farther southwest provides a view down Glen Etive; it is not the highest point.

Terrain & Geology

Constructed stone path and steps to Mam Buidhe steep stony slopes a narrowing rocky ridge to Stob Dubh scree and steep grass on the Glen Etive approach

Buachaille Etive Beag is part of the ancient Glencoe volcanic complex. The massif preserves volcanic and sedimentary layers; rhyolitic ignimbrites are particularly well exposed at Stob nan Cabar on its northeastern end. Later glaciation helped shape the surrounding glens.

Views & Scenery

Views down Glen Etive towards Loch Etive, across the Lairig Gartain to Buachaille Etive Mòr, and towards the Bidean nam Bian massif.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Buachaille Etive Beag means “small herdsman of Etive”; Stob Dubh means “black” or “dark peak”.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The usual western approach starts at the A82 car park opposite the beehive-shaped cairn, near The Study, at NN187562. Spaces can fill at busy times.

Public Transport

Glasgow–Fort William/Skye coaches use the A82; Walkhighlands identifies Kingshouse as the nearest stop for this route. The stop is separate from the NN187562 trailhead, so allow for onward access and confirm the service and return journey before travel.

Nearby Facilities

Glencoe Visitor Centre near Glencoe village has toilets, a café and a shop, subject to opening hours. NTS lists public toilets in Glencoe village as the alternative when the visitor-centre toilets are closed.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The ridge towards Stob Dubh narrows above steep slopes; wind and wet or icy rock increase the consequences of a slip.
  • On the return from Stob Coire Raineach, misleading paths can lead onto craggy western slopes in poor visibility.
  • The southwest descent towards Glen Etive is very steep and slippery when wet. Stream crossings on the Lairig Èilde circuit can become impassable after heavy rain.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice can hide the path, and cornices can form on the Stob Dubh ridge. Winter travel requires ice-axe and crampon skills, navigation in poor visibility and avalanche-aware route choice. Consult current mountain-weather and Glencoe avalanche information.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

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Location

Buachaille Etive Beag - Stob Dubh location map

Grid reference: NN179535

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