How To Hike Buachaille Etive Mòr, Glencoe | Hiking Tips & Route
Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe is known as one of Scotland’s best hikes and for good reason. Having been on the summit twice, in this guide I’m sharing everything you need to plan the perfect Buachaille Etive Mòr hike, including the route and what to wear.
Hiking Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe has long been on my bucket list for many years.
In fact, I can still remember the day that I discovered this towering, Highland massif. A daydreaming passenger on a Scotland road trip, I took a double take as a volcanic spire rose out of nowhere. Entirely awe-struck, I stared out the window as we drove past this breathtaking mountain, mesmerised by the wispy clouds swirling around the summit.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve now climbed Buachaille Etive Mòr twice.
With its glacial scars, sweeping ridges, and awe-inspiring views, and this Glencoe mountain has become one of my absolute favourite hikes, alongside iconic Ben Nevis. It’s also one of the best things to do in Glencoe if you’re looking for an adventure - though it’s essential you’re prepared to tackle this imposing summit.
So, I thought it might be helpful to share my experience of hiking Buachaille Etive Mòr, including details of the route we chose, where to rest up afterwards, and where to stay in Glencoe.
This is my guide and practical tips on how to have the best experience hiking Buachaille Etive Mòr.
Buachaille Etive Mòr - Essentials
Distance: 13km / 8 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Starting point: here on Google Maps
The route: the Buachaille Etive Mòr route described in this guide is the most straight-forward.
Find a detailed route description & GPX files here
Map: OS Map 384
Munro summits: 2 Munros, Stob Dearg and Stob na Broige
Best months: April to October.
It goes without saying you should avoid the this mountain in winter, unless you have winter skills & equipment.
Buachaille Etive Mòr - Weather
It’s essential you check the Buachaille Etive Mòr weather forecast before heading off for your day of walking. That way you’ll know what to expect and what to pack.
The best places to check Buachaille Etive Mòr weather are Mountain Forecast and Mountain Weather.
Where is Buachaille Etive Mòr?
Buachaille Etive Mòr is situated in Glen Coe, in the Scottish Highlands.
Designated a National Nature Reserve status in 2017, the area is incredibly beautiful. In total there are eight Munro height mountains in Glencoe, and each of them is a significant undertaking.
Plus, there’re over 20 other official walks in Glencoe, including the easier Glencoe Lochan and Pap of Glencoe, making this part of Scotland a mecca for outdoor lovers.
How Difficult is Buachaille Etive Mòr?
As far as navigation goes, there’s a well-worn trail across Buachaille Etive Mòr. But if the clouds roll in or the weather gets really bad, then it’s surprisingly easy to lose that trail. And whilst not a technically difficult mountain (you won’t need any specialist equipment or knowledge to reach the summit), Buachaille Etive Mòr is still a challenging hike.
A hike that requires a degree of mountain know-how, experience, and fitness.
Personally, I’m glad I climbed smaller mountains before tackling Buachaille Etive Mòr. These smaller hikes gave me good experience of easy scrambling, boulder hopping, steep hills, and bad weather.
If you’re new to Scottish mountains, or want more experience before climbing Buachaille Etive Mòr, start small and work your way up. These beginner friendly Scotland mountains are a good place to start.
Or ask a qualified mountain guide to take you on Buachaille Etive Mòr - they’ll have all the stress, so you can focus on having an incredible day out.
What to wear for Buachaille Etive Mòr
Investing in good quality kit for your Buachaille Etive Mòr hike will absolutely help you have the best experience.
Hiking boots are a must on this Glencoe mountain; it’s simply too rocky for trainers. Warm layers, like an insulated jacket and a light-weight fleece, are also essential. Trust me, even in the height of summer the summit of Buachaille Etive Mòr feels cold.
Next, waterproofs. The weather in Glencoe is unpredictable and a good quality waterproof jacket is a must. I also pack waterproof trousers for those really bad days.
Finally, a rucksack to hold all your layers and those essential snacks. Personally, I swear by this Osprey Sirrus pack. It’s got heaps of space and carries everything I need for a long day hiking.
How to get to Buachaille Etive Mòr
The easiest way to reach Buachaille Etive Mòr is undoubtedly by car.
Whilst you can take this bus from Glasgow, the closest bus stop is around an hour’s walk away, beside a very busy road. You’re also going to be carrying all of your hiking kit: rucksack, layers, boots, etc and a car will make life much easier. Plus, a car gives you freedom to explore Glencoe and beyond.
If you’re looking to hire a car for your Glencoe trip, then I recommend Discover Cars who have a simple comparison checker and you’re guarantee to find inexpensive rental.
If you’re heading north from Edinburgh, you’ll take the A84. Whilst those driving from Glasgow will take the A82 which follows Loch Lomond. Both roads join around Tyndrum, heading north through barren Rannoch Moor, where ahead you’ll see the black spire of Buachaille Etive Mòr rising some 1000m out of the nothingness that surrounds it.
It’s an imposing welcome to Glencoe; indeed, few people will forget the impact of seeing this iconic peak for the first time.
Buachaille Etive Mòr Parking
Be warned, there’s limited car parking at Buachaille Etive Mòr.
The official parking area (here on Google Maps) is very small and rough. Whilst there’s additional parking across the road on a tarmac layby (here on Google Maps). Both fill up quickly, with a combination of hikers tackling Buachaille Etive Mòr and tourists parking up to photograph the mountain.
I recommend arriving early for a guaranteed parking spot and visit on a weekday for fewer crowds. Planning your Buachaille Etive Mòr hike outside of the busy summer months is also advisable - July and August are especially crowded in Glencoe.
Personally, I find May, June, and September to be the best months to climb Buachaille Etive Mòr, with mild weather and less visitors.
How To Pronounce Buachaille Etive Mòr (And what does it mean)
Don’t worry if you can’t say the name this magnificent mountain from simply reading alone!
It took a Scottish Gaelic speaker to help me wrap my head around how to say it properly. Meaning "The Herdsman of Etive", the correct pronunciation of Buachaille Etive Mòr is: “buckle etif mor”. It’s normally referred to as “The Buachaille” (or "the buckle”) by Scottish hillwalkers.
For extra help with the pronunciation head over to Walkhighlands and click the blue speaker icon just underneath the title. A Scot Gaelic speaker will give you the name and meaning as it’s meant to be said - very helpful for many Scottish mountains.
Starting the Buachaille Etive Mòr hike
Leaving the tent at the Glencoe campsite, it’s a quick five-minute drive to the Buachaille Etive Mòr car park. Thankfully, the early 6am start has paid off and there’s heaps of spaces.
Despite being a sunny spring morning, it’s chilly, and we dress warmly - pulling on my puffy jacket, I look up at the mountain, silhouetted against the early morning light. For a brief time, we’re the only souls there and we have Buachaille Etive Mòr all to ourselves.
It looks like a giant, waking from a sleep.
The sky is almost cloudless, and we can see all the way to the summit; it seems very, very far away. We pull on our hiking boots, get our Glencoe map ready, and my stomach gives a little flip as we follow the trail past the iconic white Lagangarbh Hut.
Ahead the 13km trek to the summit of Buachaille Etive Mòr awaits.
Munro #1 - Stob Dearg
The first thing I notice is an intimidating upwards scramble, with a steep climb over a scree covered gully.
This first part of Buachaille Etive Mòr is around an hour of near vertical (but relatively straightforward) walking. But there’s also some easy scrambling, where you’ll need to use your hands to get over the rock. After this tricky section, you’ll happily reach the first Munro summit of the day: Stob Dearg - right on top of the pyramid.
Catching your breath, let your eyes wander over the magnificent surroundings. From here, at 1022m in elevation, the views in all directions are incredible. On one side there is nothing around for miles but the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor in all its dramatic beauty, and on the other the road which runs all the way to through the Glencoe valley, whose traffic has been transformed into teeny tiny dots.
If you’re lucky to have a clear day, and you start your hike early, the light on the first Buachaille Etive Mòr summit is beautiful. Wispy clouds float past, providing an otherworldly backdrop and I look around in utter silence; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
Munro #2 - Stob na Broige
After the first summit, take a moment to catch your breath. From here, it’s time to follow the trail - the ridge walk to the second Buachaille Etive Mòr summit.
On my spring day, I had two things to contend with: one, a smattering of rain on an otherwise clear day which threatens to ruin lunch. And two, another leg-burning ascent of a summit that feels like a Munro, but rather unfairly isn’t.
Finally, the last summit of the day comes into sight. This second Munro is Stob na Broige and it rises somewhat dramatically from the ridge. And if you, like me, loved the first viewpoint, then the viewpoint from the second summit will blow you away.
Overlooking Glen Etive there is nothing but complete isolation and wilderness, and untamed nature that speaks of times long forgotten. The scale of this place is utterly mesmerizing.
Returning from Buachaille Etive Mòr
Finally, it’s time to start the journey from the final Buachaille Etive Mòr summit, back to your car.
The Buachaille Etive Mòr route is circular and returns to the carpark via a steep descent, one that involves careful steps over loose rocky scree and the occasional boulder.
Back on the flat, there’s also a river crossing to contend with, and although it does have stepping stones there’s still a jump between each. I recommend using walking poles as leverage!
From the river walk along the grass verge until finally the car park is in sight.
Where to eat & Drink after Buachaille Etive Mòr
After all that hiking, you’ll want somewhere to recover – we sure did! There are two options of places to eat and drink near the end of your Buachaille Etive Mòr hike:
Boots Bar, The Clachaig Inn | a 300-year-old traditional inn which serves delicious pub grub, whisky, and local beers. Head to the Boots Bar at the back; this place is legendary amongst hikers, and the staff genuinely don’t mind how much mud you leave on the floor.
Way Inn, Kingshouse Hotel | the luxury Kingshouse Hotel may not seem the obvious option but ignore the hotel entrance and visit the walkers bar on the right. Expect good pints, sandwiches & pies, and tons of other equally bedraggled walkers. There’s also a fancier restaurant in the hotel serving up a varied menu.
Where to Stay In Glencoe
There’s an array of places to stay in Glencoe, from camping sites to five-star hotels.
For tenting and campervans, I’d recommend the Red Squirrel campsite. It’s only a short walk from the Clachaig Inn and close to the Buachaille Etive Mòr car park.
Alternatively, it’s a short drive from Buachaille Etive Mòr to either The Isles of Glencoe Hotel or Loch Leven Hotel. Each have excellent reviews, beautiful Highland views, and I’ve stayed in both and would recommend these Glencoe hotels.
Buachaille Etive Mòr, Scotland - Wrap Up
So, there you have it - my guide on how to hike Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe. If you want a real adventure in the Glencoe mountains and are happy to take on a moderately challenging hike, then you’ll love Buachaille Etive Mòr.
The views from the summit are spectacular, especially on a sunny day.
Be sure to stay safe and remember you can always turn back if the weather turns bad or you simply aren’t comfortable. Also, invest in the right equipment, which will massively help you have the best experience on Buachaille Etive Mòr. That means hiking boots, warm layers, and waterproofs.
