Ben Starav and Beinn Trilleachan with
Loch Etive in between

Ben Starav and the South Glen Etive ridge
Ben Starav is the boldest mountain seen from Glen Etive - it throws out a great north ridge that plunges from 1078m to sea level in 2 ½ km. Between that ridge and the east ridge a high hanging corrie lies backed by granite crags. The north ridge only relents in two places - one 550m high and the other at 850m up. The upper part of the ridge becomes progressively more rocky and narrow until it suddenly arrives at the summit.

Glas Beinn Mhor and Ben Starav seen from Stob Coir an Albannaich

Beinn nan Aighenam seen from Stob Coir an Albannaich

The beautiful east ridge of Stob Coir an Albannaich

It's east north east ridge is regarded as being the finest part of the traverse as you scramble over castellated granite blocks (easily circumvented on the south side). The scramble is pretty short lasting only 100m.

On the North Ridge of Beinn nan Aighhean

Looking down Glen Ceitlein to Glen Etive

On the summit of Stob Coir an Albannaich
above a sea of clouds

The ridge continues easily over Glas Bheinn Mhor - more a ridge mountain than a solitary lump - to Stob Coir an Albannaich. Most of the route is on easy inclined ground. There is also the munro of Beinn nan Aighenam that is off the main ridge and demands a two hour round trip from the main ridge.

The east ridge of Stob Coir an Albannaich seen from Meall nan Eun

Stob Coir an Albannaich seen from the other side of Glen Etive

The summit of Stob Coir an Albannaich is more graceful than Ben Starav - though less dramatic. Its summit is fringed by a 200m high escarpment and has a beautiful east summit ridge. An easy ramp leads north from the east ridge 100m off the summit to take you to the next bealach before the broad slopes to the final summit dome of Meall nan Eun.

The Glen Etive summits seen from Buchaille Etive Mhor

The mountain of Stob Coir an Albannaich

Meall nan Eun seen from the west

The Glen Etive - Glen Creran summits
This group of hills is relatively spread out, each summit standing proud on its own. Separating these mountains is the wide upper basin of the River Ure, which drains down into the narrow ravine of Glen Ure. The character of each mountain is notably different, with Beinn Trilleachan being the most unique. Access to the hinterland of the River Ure is easily made from Glen Creran via a purpose built landrover track going up Glen Ure.

Beautiful views out to Loch Linnhe and the Isle of Mull from Beinn Fhionlaidh (north side of Glen Etive)

The Glen Creran summits

Beinn Sgulaird
This summit stands out proud and isolated from the other two summits. Its best aspect is seen from the northeast on Beinn Fhionnlaidh. The northeast facing corrie from afar looks dramatic, though the north ridges bordering this corrie offer few challenges. Its a seldom visited summit, though its summit cairn is very large.

Beinn Sgulaird and its north east corrie seen from Beinn Fhionlaidh

Looking north from Beinn Sgulaird

The route from the northeast, from the top of the Glen Ure ravine, is a logical approach route for anyone traversing Beinn Fhionnlaidh as well. Its north east ridge is very broad upto point 684m, before descending steeply then rising in a series of rocky castles, the last of which offers a little scrambling. At the top of this ridge, it levels out and turns east to join the eastern ridge. At this point, a ridge heads south along rocky ground to the principle summit of Beinn Sgulaird.

The southwestern approach, from the road at Druimavuic to the summit takes in two minor tops at 863m and 848m. The terrain is a mix of rock and grass, and a lot of up and down is tobe expected. From the bealach above Coire Bhuidhe, it is a relatively easy proposition to climb the corbett of Creac Bheinn (810m) as well.

Beinn Fhionnlaidh
This mountain takes the form of a bulky ridge stretching west to east. Access is easily achieved from either Glen Etive or Glen Creran. From Glen Etive, a track and path can be followed from Invercharnan up through the forestry plantation to the open moors above. From here approaches to either the north or south sides of the mountain can be made. The southern ascents to the summit ridge are easier than the northern approaches.

On Beinn Fhionnlaidh's east ridge

Beinn Fhionnlaidh seen from the south

The Etive - Creran summits seem from Buchaille Etive Mhor

From Glen Creran, the mountain can be ascended from Glenure farm up the gentle and very broad western slopes which gradually converge at 550m to form a broad western ridge leading up to the summit in a series of rises. At 800m, the ridge becomes a distinct and shapely entity rather than a broad mass.

Beinn Fhionnlaidh is easily paired with Sgor na h-Ulaidh (see Glen Coe pages) as part of a day's walk. The descent to the saddle requires careful navigation. A descent down the north east ridge can be made half way down before a detour west is required to avoid cliffs above the saddle. Nowhere requires steep groundwork provided the correct route is taken.

Pairing Beinn Fhionnlaidh with Beinn Sgulaird requires a much longer day. The two summits are best climbed together from Glen Creran, the ground between the two summits is tough. It is long grass with wet bog underneath, progress is notably slow.

Beinn Trilleachan
This is another famous mountain in Glen Etive famous for the Etive Slabs. The ascent of the summit goes right above these slabs giving some sense of exposure. The views down Loch Etive are said to be superb from this summit.

Beinn Trilleachan and its north west corrie seen from Beinn Fhionlaidh

Beinn Trilleachan seen from the west

Other summits under 3000feet include Stob Dubh and Beinn Mhic Chasgaig - both on the south side of Glen Etive.