Magnificent rewards for the effort on Buachaille Etive Beag

Hill: Stob Dubh, Stob Coire Raineach
Category: Munros, 
I had been looking forward to this walk for ages and it certainly did not disappoint.
A noticeably cooler morning and the forecast was for a dry day so expectations high. 
We started from the car park just north of the falls, no tourist cameras here. We followed the path which has been greatly improved by the National Trust for Scotland, great work done by them, and before long spot the small dob of paint on the rocks and turn left. 

The track with Stob Dubh ahead

This is a steep section taken at a gentle pace. The construction of the steps really help but I know I will feel some muscles tomorrow with the constant high step ups for my short legs.
There were a few viewpoint stops to enjoy such as this one of bidean nam Bian.

Looking across to summit of Bidean nam Bian

After about an hour we reach the Mam Buidhe small cairn, the lowest point on the ridge and get a look over to the big Etive, stunning views already.
Clouds are gathering but they arrived and blew through quickly and regularly making for some very atmospheric surroundings.

Stob Coire Raineach

We turned left and climbed the rocky faint track to Stob Coire Raineach where we had superb views of over to Schiehallion (cloud still covering Loch Rannoch), Buachaille Etive Mor, Aonach Eagach and Bidean nam Bian. The dam at Blackwater reservoir stand out.

Initial climb of Stob Dubh

As we head back down the roar of rutting stags is now with us all the way along the ridge and back. We did spot one stag and his harem but heard many more down in the Lairig Gartain. At times the clouds would clear to let us see all the way down, don’t fall off!!

Stob Dubh summit

Soon we are at the first cairn and get some fine views ahead of Stob Dubh.
Another short steep climb gets to the top then a short wander to the far end for better views. 

Loch Etive

We only wait a few minutes and the cloud goes to give magnificent views down Loch Etive and beyond, this is what it is all about. Ben Starav standing out but just too cloudy to see much more in the distance. Still how many tops can you see?

Stob Dubh ridge looks stunning

Lunch taken up here, having a nice chat, taking in the views and listening to the stags roaring, a magical memory stored away.

Buachaille Etive Mor ridge

Back down the way we came, steps great for the ascent but can be sore on the old knees going down.

Heading down Aonach Eagach ridge in background

A cracking day to remember, majestic scenery and good company.

Wildlife: Raven, Wheatear, Red Deer stag & hinds.
Time: 4.56
Ascent: 1017m
Distance: 9.6k