Lairig Eilde (Pass of the Hinds) & Lairig Gartain
A circuit around Buachaille Etive Beag

The circuit is through superb mountain scenery ...... although often very boggy in places, particularly on the return journey through Lairig Gartain.

The walk started from 'The Study' car park close to the waterfalls, north of Glen Coe village.
(photo:  The Three Sisters, Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh from the car park)

A short walk up the road led to the Lairig Gartain path that climbs gently into Allt Lairig Ellde glen.  A glorious sunny day made the Glen Coe mountains either side more stunning.
(photo:  Stob Dubh (left) southerly peak of Buachaille Etive Beag)

The path eventually brought us to the pass above Dalness in Glen Etive .... and the rising peak of Stob Coire Sgreamhach at the south eastern end of Bidean nam Bian.
(photo: Stob Coire Sgreamhach)

(photo:  View down into Glen Etive)

From the pass the path dropped down a narrower steeper glen on the west side of Allt Lairig Ellde.  Just after passing through a rather large gate in a deer fence, a path forks left and crosses the lower slopes of Stob Dubh.  This saves having to descend all the way into Glen Etive.
(photo:  Glen Etive with Loch Etive in the distance)

The path initially rose up the steep eastern slopes of Stob Dubh, then traversed round into the Lairig Gartain.  A steady climb brought us to the col between Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor.  It was a relief to reach the col as the early afternoon sun made it rather hot climbing up the steep path.
(photo:  path leading up to the col)

(photo:  a relaxing lunch in the sun .......)

After a 'long' rest, we made our way back down towards the road leading through the Pass of Glen Coe.  The path was rather boggy and needed great care to remain upright.
(photo:  Coire Altruim - Buachaille Etive Mor)

Once back at the road, it was just over a mile to the car park .... and relief from the never ending rush of traffic along the Pass of Glen Coe.
(photo:  Buachaille Etive Beag - right)

Note: Some of the photographs have the wrong date as my camera decided to reset itself to 1999.