The Buachailles
Richards Mountain Pages

The name "Bauchaille" means shepherd or guardian, and indeed Buachaille Etive Mor (the bigger of the two ridges) guards the entrance to Glencoe to dramatic effect. The classic view below was taken from the Kingshouse Hotel, conveniently located for rolling out of bed to catch dawn photographs before breakfast. Don't hang around for the sunset though, as the mountain is in shade then.


The standard route up Buachaille Etive Mor involves a steep path to a high corrie around the right side of the main face. As the path climbs there are no real difficulties until you reach the steeper scree slopes, where boulders heavier than me slide underfoot.Most people climb out the chimney to the left at the top, but I found the route over the rocks to the right reasonable, if not scary. A bloodstain on a hold didn't help much either.

Once on the ridge, there are no difficulties, but plenty of ups and downs. The descent off the side is a welcome to relief for anyone fearing having to go back down the corrie.


Buachaille Etiv Beag (above) is much the same shape as its bigger cousin. It too has an impressive rock face from the road. Its ascent is a lot easier though. You can approach from either side, climbing to the saddle half way along the ridge. From there it is an easy walk to either end.



back to Glencoe, Glen Etive & Glen Kinglass