There are currently no dates scheduled for this trip.
We offer private and bespoke group options for all our trips. This trip can start on any date of your choosing, for groups of 1-6 people. To explore this option please don’t hesitate to contact us with your preferred dates, accommodation, and group size.
You can also let us know if you would like to see this walking holiday added to our trip calendar or if you simply wish to register an interest. We will accommodate requests from our walkers wherever possible.
Overview
The famous scene that greets travellers arriving in Glen Coe from across Rannoch Moor, whether on foot or by car, is the towering Buachaille Etive Mòr. The most photographed mountain in Scotland, it guards the entrance to Glen Coe and is a playground for climbers and walkers alike.
On this 3-night/2-day trip we attempt to summit the Munros of both the “Big” and the “Wee Buachaille”. Despite Buachaille translating as “herdsman”, rather than herd you we will aim to guide, encourage, and support you to complete the challenge of bagging these 4 Munros.
Highlights of Glencoe
- The chance to summit the iconic Buachaille Etive Mòr.
- Bag 4 Munros over 2 days of hiking.
- Expansive views of the Lochaber mountain ranges and Rannoch Moor from Stob Dearg.
- Wonderful views down Loch Etive from the Wee Buachaille.
- Get your hands on the rock for some minor scrambling.
Itinerary
We have 2 days of guiding mountain walking for you on this trip, with 3 nights of comfortable accommodation in between. Your guide is a qualified Mountain Leader and will be with you from an evening briefing on the first day right to the end of the trip.
This is your chance to make your way to Glencoe where your accommodation will be ready for you. We will arrange for you to meet your guide in the evening to discuss the walking ahead.
Accommodation in Glencoe/Ballachulish
The smaller neighbour to Buachaille Etive Mòr, ‘The Wee Buachaille’, gives up its magnificent viewpoints a little more easily. This will make for a good introduction to the mountains of Glencoe before tackling the more demanding terrain of ‘The Big Buachaille’.
From the pass of Glen Coe, we will ascend to the saddle between the two Munros. From here, we will take in both Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh. The ascent is steady but steepens before the saddle and becomes rocky underfoot from there to the summit of Stob Coire Raineach. Stob Dubh offers excellent views down to Loch Etive before we retrace our steps back to the car park.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Total Ascent: 900m
Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation is in Glencoe/Ballachulish
Today, our aim is to summit the two Munros of Buachaille Etive Mòr (The Big Herdsman of Etive). We will begin by hiking into Allt Coire na Tulaich, where recent path work has improved access. Things get a bit more challenging as our route climbs through boulder fields to the top of the scree chute at the headwall of the coire. Here, care and a head for heights are required.
After this, the walking becomes easier on a broad rocky ridge leading to the summit cairn at Stob Dearg, our first and highest Munro of the day. From the top we will retrace our steps briefly before following the long, winding ridge to our second Munro, Stob na Bròige. Our descent route takes us off the ridge down the north-west facing slopes into the Lairig Gartain. There is a section of minor scrambling to negotiate before we cross the river and follow the path back to the road.
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Total ascent: 1,110m
Time: 7-9 hours
Accommodation is in Glencoe/Ballachulish
After your final night in Glen Coe, you will have the day to make your way home. There is a regular bus service from Glencoe village/Ballachulish for those returning by public transport.
What's Included?
The cost includes
- Qualified and friendly UK Mountain Leader as your guide
- B&B accommodation for 3 nights
- Max group size of 6
- Comprehensive Information Pack
Not included in our packages
- Lunches and dinners
- Arrival/departure transport
Accommodation Options
Bed & Breakfast
The Bed and Breakfast option provides you with good standard accommodation, with breakfast included in the price of the holiday. The B&Bs we use are located within small towns or villages, giving you access to local shops and places where you can get an evening meal.
Hostel
We also offer this holiday with the option of hostel accommodation. This will be a bed in a shared dorm within a local hostel. Bathroom facilities are shared, and there is access to a communal kitchen. This is a more basic accommodation option, ideal for those travelling on a budget.
Guiding Only
For those living locally, travelling in a camper van, or including this as part of a longer holiday in the area, we offer a “guiding only” option without accommodation.
If you would like to join us just for the hikes, you can do so for £175.
FAQs
This trip is graded 4/5 on our hillwalking and mountaineering scale.
Harder hill walks that will include longer days and pathless sections. There may be scree and minor scrambling. This includes the bulk of the Munros. Previous hillwalking experience is recommended, and good hill fitness needed for enjoyment.
This trip involves steep and sustained ascent and descent over rocky ground. There are some short sections of minor scrambling. To enjoy this trip you will need good hill fitness, but this is just a 2 day trip so you won’t need to sustain that effort for as long as on other trips of this grade.
You can read more about our grading system in our Trip Difficulty Guide.
To help you decide if this trip is right for you, please also refer to the itinerary, which includes daily distances, ascent, and detailed descriptions of the terrain.
Glencoe is an iconic location steeped in Scottish mountaineering history. You can expect some challenging hiking rewarded with the potential for incredible views of the mountainous west of Scotland. The trails are rough and rocky and with care require on some steep terrain.
As with all mountain walking in Scotland the hills can feel very different depending on the weather. You can expect to walk in whatever the weather is thrown at us unless it becomes unsafe to do so (e.g. very high winds or lightening).
This weekend of Munro bagging is aimed at those with good levels of physical fitness and/or people with some prior hillwalking experience.
To make the most of this weekend’s walking you will want to be happy on steep terrain and rough ground, and/or be fit and up for the challenge. Your guide will be there to support you throughout and take all the responsibility for navigation.
Your accommodation will be in Ballachulish or Glencoe village, or a little further up the glen if you have chosen the hostel option.
We will do our best to ensure your B&B accommodation is close to a local pub/restaurant for evening meals, and we will make sure you have the opportunity to pick up packed lunch items from a local shop.
If you book the Hostel package you will have access to a communal kitchen.
ou will be provided with a full kit list, but as a guide you will need:
A medium rucksack (around 30-35 litres), walking boots, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, a spare warm layers and walking trousers (not jeans or denim), a water bottle, sun and midge protection.
With Thistle Trekking you get a personal service. We are happy to answer any questions and queries and help where we can with all aspects of your trip.
Your point of contact will be the same person from the first enquiry to the final communication before your Glencoe hillwalking holiday.
Our guides are all qualified, experienced, and fun companions on the hill.
