Buachaille Etive Mor & Buachaille Etive Beag, map 384; 29th May 2010

Route: 1955m = 6400' ascent; 11.7 miles; 8.5 hrs

Route: NE to SW is definitely the best direction to traverse Buachaille Etive Mor even with the prevailing wind because of wind, terrain and views. There is a steep, well-engineered path up the normal route in the corrie above Altnafeadh, but be aware of the significant avalanche danger there. Consult SAIS for detailed warnings. The descent path into Lairig Gartain is less good. Although much engineering work has been done on it, there are still some rather treacherous unavoidable slabs about half way down (at about 550m altitude) where no path has been constructed.
There are many alternative routes up Stob Dearg, such as by the very enjoyable "Curved Ridge" up the NE face of the "Buckle", and from the SW end in Glen Etive.
There are 5 cairns along the summit ridge of Buachaille Etive Mor, of which either of the last two may be the true summit, but it isn't the third, which is a substantial cairn. The last is clearly at the end of the ridge.
The path back along Lairig Gartain is being built and is well designed for fast, easy walking. However, the sand used for the surface may soon wash away as it has no clay binding.
Access: If doing both Buachailles, it's better to park on the A82 rather than on the track down to Altnafeadh.
Weather: Showers throughout day; overcast except brief sun on Stob Dearg. Clouds touching most tops, but not when on them.