Winter Walking in Glencoe
Winter walking in Glencoe is fantastic! It is both challenging and rewarding and very winter conditions dependent. The glen is famous for it’s history, geology, mountaineering history and the flora & fauna. Glencoe has been owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland since 1935 when they bought it. Both our mountains have two Munros apiece and we will be aiming to climb them all.
This is a winter walk and you will need an ice axe and crampons. It is important that you are ready for winter and I would recommend that you have attended a winter skills course before booking. #ThinkWinter!
Bidean nam Bian & Stob Coire Sgreamhach
Bidean nam Bian is a magnificent mountain with pointed peaks, sweeping ridges, towering buttresses and grand corries. We will make use of the excellent paths to climb into Coire nan Lochain, which is a mecca for winter climbers. Our route takes us below the cliffs and onto the graceful summit of Stob Coire nan Lochain. After an easy descent we reach the steep ridge up to Bidean that looks very impressive. It makes the summit a hard climb, but reaching the highest point in Argyll is breathtaking!
Once we have taken in the views we traverse a lovely ridge across to the summit of Stob Coire Sgreamhach. At this point depending on conditions we have two options. Firstly we can retrace our steps slightly and descend into the lost valley. This is a magical place and is our first choice, but in certain winter conditions it can be an unsafe. If this is the case we will descend into Lairig Eilde instead taking a easier descent route and a slightly longer walk back. The nature of hiking in Glencoe in winter.
Distance: 12km Ascent: 1350m Time: 8-10hrs
Buachaille Etive Mor
Buachaille Etive Mor is one of the most famous mountains in the Scottish Highlands. It dominates the view as you drive in from the south and looks almost impregnable. We will head up the dramatic Coire na Tulaich to reach the ridgeline. Because this route can bank out with snow we may take a different route up to the ridge. As mentioned previously this is one of the challenges of winter walking in Glencoe. Once on the ridge it is a lovely walk up to Stob Dearg the highest summit.
After enjoying the expansive views from the top we retrace out steps before continuing along the ridge. There are several tops on the way including Stob na Doire. When we reach the lowest point on the ridge this is where we shall return too. First we climb up over another top to reach Stob na Broige the second Munro of the day. The views down to Loch Etive from here are superb. Then we return to the low point before descending carefully into the Lairig Gartain and a good path back.
Distance: 13km Ascent: 1150m Time: 8-10hrs
£160
Group size is limited to a maximum of 6 people. To book your place on this walk please read my booking information and complete a booking form using the button below.