The great pyramid of rock at the entrance to Glen Coe, and one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland
Open accessin a National Nature Reserve open to the public
If you have ever seen a postcard of the Highlands, you have probably seen Stob Dearg. It is the steep pyramid of rock that rises where the road drops into Glen Coe, and it makes such a clean shape against the sky that photographers park at the roadside just to catch it. Stob Dearg is the highest and most striking point of Buachaille Etive Mòr, whose name means the great herdsman of Etive, a long ridge of four tops running down towards Glen Etive.
The summit is a Munro, a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet, standing at 1,021 metres. The easiest way up, from Altnafeadh on the main road, still involves a steep, rough climb into the corrie and a stony pull to the top, so it is a mountain walk rather than a stroll. The face that looks so dramatic from the road, Curved Ridge, is a serious scramble and a rock climbers’ playground, not a route to wander onto by accident.
The West Highland Way passes below on its way north, and walkers often carry on along the ridge to Stob na Bròige at the far end. This is high, remote ground with no shelter up top and weather that can change fast, so pick a clear day and go properly equipped. The Glencoe Visitor Centre a few miles west is a good place to check conditions first.
More at hill-bagging.co.uk
