Buachaille Etive Beag, Glencoe

Alan McC., on July 5, 2008, said:

wow did you walk in here?, i,m heading up to glencoe tomorrow, i,m a beginner at camping, i want to walk about 5 to 7 miles to get evening shots and arrive and camp somewhere for morning light pics, any ideas spring to mind?, i will of course leave itinerary at police station, and i cant see me staying two nights outside a campsite, but if theres a location you couldnt get a chance to walk in and camp at for morning pics please spill the beans hehe,, thanks anyhoo Alan mcc.

Billy B@rk, on July 5, 2008, said:

Hi Alan. Glencoe is probably the most beautiful place in Scotland so you’re heading to the right place. I’ve walked on most of the hills in this area. There’s a free campsite next to Kingshouse hotel which is right at the start of the Glencoe hills. If your getting the bus it’s the White Corries stop. Sorry I can’t give you any tips on where to get the best morning or night shots as I always try to be on my way home before the sun goes down. Only once did I miss the last train home while walking in the Ardlui area & had to sleep in the train station.

I you need anymore info let me know. Best of luck & watch out for the midges!

Alan McC., on July 5, 2008, said:

ah yes the white corries chairlift i went skiing from there once,,if you havent been up the chairlift when its snowcovered, its well worth whatever the price is, think i might have had a beer in the kinghouse hotel too, they had a sign if i remember correctly no rucsac's,,haha,, but ibought this tent today so i will need to practice putting it up at the hotel, so thats great info, thanks, i forgot to buy gaiters today will need to improvise, i,m reckoning 5 miles with my gear and the boggy terrain then camp for the night, it looks a 14 mph wind so i,m hoping that will keep the midges down, i,ve not net either, also i dont know if i should carry water, is the springwater safe etc, but i can find out from people at kinghouse, i did seriouly think of starting from white corries but i thought the walk in would be too big for me, i,ll check out google map again,thanks again great stuff, alan

Billy B@rk, on July 5, 2008, said:

Some people say there’s too much iron (or something!) in the water but it hasn’t killed me yet! It certainly tastes nice. If you’re going for a pint at the Kingshouse use the walkers bar at the back, it’s friendlier. Look out for the West Highland Way path which will take you towards the hills. It comes right by the hotel & it’s pretty good walking. 5 miles will easily get you to the Devil’s Staircase (part of the WHW) which is a safe way to get to higher ground without leaving the path. Have fun & be safe.

KasiaD, on April 20, 2009, said:

Wow. Great view, obviously worth the hike for this shot - which having read all above, I'm glad you did and not me:-) Kasia

Billy B@rk, on April 20, 2009, said:

Thanks Kasia. It isn't exactly easy to reach this height but on a ridge like this one you can walk for well over a mile at a good height without going up or down too much. It's magical while it lasts. :)

Amelia Royan, on October 30, said:

Billy, this is really something for me to aspire to, both in photography and hill walking! It must be so worthwhile to climb Buachaille Etive Beag to get this view. What is the translation of this name?

Cheers, Amelia

Billy B@rk, on October 30, said:

This is my favorite kind of walk Amelia. Yes, there is a bit of effort getting to the ridge but then you can walk, sometimes for miles, along the ridge feeling you are on top the world. :)

Buachaille Etive Beag is 'little shepherd of Etive' It's more famous neighbour is Buachaille Etive Mor 'big shepherd of Etive'. :)