Climbing the Curved Ridge (Stob Dearg / Buachaille Etive Mor) 23.09.2018
Vložit
- čas přidán 3. 10. 2018
- The morning of Sunday the 23rd of September had promised to be a fantastic one. As a previously booked in day out had been cancelled, I jumped at the chance to use this window of opportunity to head out to my favourite place, Glencoe, to climb a mountain that had been on my to do list for well over a year, that mountain is the Buachaille Etive Mor.
Not only was I going to finally climb my all time favourite mountain, I was going to climb to the summit via the Curved Ridge, an exciting and scrambly ascent that is located on the mountains iconic Northeast face.
This vlog has to be one of my favourites so far...
Buachaille Etive Mòr (Scottish Gaelic: Buachaille Èite Mòr, meaning "the herdsman of Etive"), generally known to climbers simply as The Buachaille, is a mountain at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands of Scotland. Its pyramidal form, as seen from the A82 road when travelling towards Glen Coe, makes it one of the most recognisable mountains in Scotland, and one of the most depicted on postcards and calendars.
Buachaille Etive Mòr takes the form of a ridge nearly five miles (8 km) in length, almost entirely encircled by the River Etive and its tributaries. The ridge contains four principal tops: from north-east to south-west these are Stob Dearg (1022 m), Stob na Doire (1011 m), Stob Coire Altruim (941 m) and Stob na Bròige (956 m). Stob Dearg and Stob na Bròige are both Munros; the latter was promoted to Munro status by the Scottish Mountaineering Club in 1997. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
![Scrambling Basics that Every Hiker Should Know [Tips & Techniques]](/img/n.gif)
Thanks for climbing up there Doug! It’s the only way I’ll ever get to experience that route. I had to look away a couple of times, to avert an episode of vertigo!
Glencoe is dear to my lowland heart! Driving through the Glen, when much younger. Parking on the A82 car park. Piper at the side of the road. Then some years later, hiking up to the lost valley, and then back down. Then even more years later, parking in the same car park before running and hiking the glens of Glencoe and Bidean Nam Bian.
Exploring the pap of Glencoe Sgorr na Ciche, having ingested pancakes laden with special mushroom’s. Enhancing the surroundings even more.
Looking forward to returning soon, now that I have a nine year old son, I’ve survived blood cancer, and have a new lease of life, and Glencoe is an extremely special place to me.
I feel I must return, and take my boy into the Glencoe.
Thanks again Douglas. I admire your fortitude, in ascending that rock by yourself. Fabulous!
To take the time not just to climb this but to film it as well is extremely impressive! Brilliant film👍
Did this today, in the pouring rain and wind. Watching your video to see what the views would have been like if we could see them. Went with a guide with ropes helmets and harness. Terrifying at times. And being 110kg and a bit of a gammy leg from sciatica damage made it a big effort. Did it in 6 hours.
Did it about sixteen years ago plus the Crowberry Tower. Thanks for enabling me to relive happy memories. 👍
Brought back memories for me too, we climbed up January Jigsaw to Crowberry Tower some 20 years ago and climbed down via the Curved Ridge. What a brilliant day that was.
As an aspiring Munroist, I've watched about a dozen of your videos so far, and this is the first one that's honestly terrified me. Amazing job with that scramble.
Hi Lewis, Ha thanks for the kind comments buddy. Looking down always seems worse...looking around is where the magic lies!
Glad you are enjoying the videos. Hopefully you will make your own Munro adventures videos!
I’d done about 20 Munro’s by this point so felt fairly confident. Plus I watched a ton of Curved Ridge videos for about a year before I finally went one morning when I knew the weather would be perfect.
Best Regards,
Douglas.
Oft! That's a proper scramble! Great vid as always, cheers Scott 👍
Thanks Buddy, I’d thoroughly recommend the Curved Ridge route on the Buachaille! 😁🙌🏼⛰
Great video and thanks for showing in detail the walk in it’s really helpful.
i enjoyed this! your channel has been recommended twice in 2 days.gonna watch some more of your videos
Like wow 😮. Those overhead shots had me holding my breath. Brilliantly shot. If I was younger and fitter, I would have definitely given that go. Great vid mate 👍
Hey Sean, thank you for the kind comments. I wasn’t sure how well that shot would have turned out at the time due to trying to fix the pole in place and not shake it too much, whilst at the same time trying to focus on where my next foothold was coming from. Turned out pretty good, a nice memory from a brilliant day to look back in fondly for sure.
I’ve seen a few vids of much older people than you and I climbing that route so you’re never to old to try something new and a bit challenging. All the same I’d done a fair few other scrambles on other Munro’s before I felt confident enough to do this one on my own.
Best advice is go with a group, there are always plenty of meet up groups doing the Munro’s so the Buachaille is defo a popular one for sure.
Glad you enjoyed watching.
Best Regards,
Douglas. 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
@@DouglasGilgallon well hey you never know, maybe if I pluck up enough courage, and perhaps as you say best in a group. Hopefully soon. The camera on the pole is a great idea. Really captures how breathtaking it is. I'm also itching to get up to Torridon in the summer if the Mrs allows me 😎. Saw a great vlog by Charlie McCarthy which inspired me. Scotlands mountains are amazing, and on our doorstep. Great to see so many interesting experiences/vlogs. Thanks for your reply Douglas 👍
Brilliant video. Brought back memories from some 20 years ago or so. We climbed up January jigsaw, a spectacular climb on the Rannock wall, graded severe i think, with spectacular views up to Crowberry tower and climb down via curved ridge to get back to the car park. What a brilliant day that was!,,
Drove past Buachaille Etive Mor on a road trip in 2019. Such an iconic looking mountain, I had to park up and gaze at it for a while. I love scrambling so hopefully will find myself climbing up there one day soon. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻😊
Hi Douglas, so glad I came across your channel mate, I'll be recommending it to a few of my old climbing buddies. I've watched and thoroughly enjoyed a few already and looking forward to seeing more. So far you've done a few of my favourites. I'm 50 this year and living in Ireland now but I miss home and the Highlands, haven't been able to enjoy the mountains for the past 10 years b'coz of problems with my knees and surgeries on both feet. But your right about getting out and up there, so much to see and enjoy, the mountains were my heaven, I miss them everyday. I'm jealous that you get to enjoy them, but please keep doing as many as you can and share them with us. All the best mate.
Hey my friend, thank you so very much for taking the time to comment with your kind and encouraging words.
I’m really glad the vlogs are bringing back some good memories to you.
I sincerely hope your health difficulties will improve in time.
I’m lucky to live just a few hours drive from arguably some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and I don’t take it for granted one bit believe me.
I’m currently editing my 3 most recent vlogs as I write this reply to you, so a few more are going to be uploaded to CZcams soon for sure.
Best Regards and thanks again my friend.
Douglas 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
@@DouglasGilgallon thanks bud I appreciate your reply, best of health to you and yours.
I shat myself for you about 8 times watching that. Really impressive footage too!
Hi Ross, thanks for commenting. The curved ridge is a bit exposed in areas but makes for a pretty epic climb if you have a head for heights. One I’d definitely do again, just wish I’d had a drone for this one. Lol.
Best Regards,
Douglas 😉🙌🏼⛰🏴
Awesome vlog 👏👏very impressive 👍
Brilliant vid mate, only just found your channel - all the best fae the Nauld 💪🏻👍🏻
Enjoyable watch Douglas, quite surprised you didn’t do Crowberry Tower as well whilst you were there.
Honestly! Who is this guy? I would say he is chiselled from the bosom of the Buachaille herself!
What a route. It's one I wanted to tackle myself and seeing this makes me want to do it more.
Superb you handsome devil 🤘🏼
You are too kind Bryan. Lol.
I’d definitely and wholeheartedly recommend the curved ridge to anyone who loves the Munro’s, but wants to try something a bit more adventurous. The only regret I had that day was not going up the Crowberry Tower also. Looking forward to watching your Buachaille vlog later tonight.
Best Regards,
Douglas. 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
A stunning looking mountain!
Great vid, the overhead camera angles are brilliant !
Thanks for the kind comments Jon, I had a great time filming that climb so I’m glad other people enjoyed watching it.
Best Regards,
Douglas 😁🙌🏼⛰
Good video. Yes my wife loves that mountain too. Good information and scenery. Thanks Steve. Subbed you.
Cheers Steve, I appreciate the positive feedback. 😁🙌🏼⛰
Just been chain watching your videos mate; absolutely fantastic. Subscribed.
Hope lockdown has been ok for you, and hope you are getting back out there.
I did my first Munro 7 years ago (Mt Keen), and didn't do another until July last year. I'm now on 22! Nine this year so far, plus 4 Grahams and a Corbett. Cobbler this weekend for fun and games with a mate who is an Arrochar MRT volunteer.
Plan is to climb Mont Blanc by age 40, which would be summer 2023 latest. Lots of work to do, but videos like this really inspire me. You deserve way more subscribers..
P.S. They're pronounced "Shtop Jerrick" and "Shtop na Bro-ih-kyah". Apologies, I'm trying to learn Gaelic as well as hillwalking, mountaineering, and parenting!
Great film Douglas enjoyed every moment of it mate :) Curved Ridge is a peach of a route, Only wish it lasted a wee bit longer but ye really cant complain. I head up that route at least once a year and it is heaven! 10/10 for this one, Take care. peter. PS I see you met "Rufus the Raven" bold as brass that wee thing lol!
Thank you so very much Pete for taking the time to offer those kinds words. I don’t think I could’ve had a more perfect morning for that climb!
I’m humbled because Your vlogs are always a joy to watch. I’ve particularly enjoyed all three of the Buachaille vlogs you have posted, so I look forward to future ones from you!
And btw, I was hoping I’d meet that Raven and he didn’t let me down and was a great wee companion on the last few hundred metres lol.
Keep the vlogs coming Pete, hopefully bump into you on some summit someday! 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
Best Regards,
Douglas.
了不起！勇敢的人。这样陡峭的山，我是不敢攀登的。但是，山顶上的景色确实是十分壮观。Great! A brave man. I dare not climb such a steep mountain. But the view from the top of the mountain is truly spectacular.
Hello my friend. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. It was steep, but the camera angle makes it look worse than it was. It was a great day I’ll always remember. 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
Hi Douglas, if you enjoyed the "Curved Ridge" try North Buttress on Stob Dearg too, even better !
Cheers Paul
Hi Paul, thanks for the advice. I’ll defo be going back to the Buchaille to bag Stob Na Broig, so I’ll start looking at the North Buttress vids on CZcams.
Best Regards,
Douglas 😁🙌🏼⛰
This looks fantastic! I'm planning on doing the Bauchaille with a visitor from California this August. Was planning on doing the standard route... not sure now 😁
Yeah Gavin, not sure how your friend is with heights. The exposure on the ridge is pretty awesome, but I wouldn’t take anyone up that way if they are expecting a nice relaxing walk. Having said that the views from the ridge are spectacular and is the best way to experience the mighty buachaille. I’ll definitely be going back up there again someday. 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
awesome. I did the "tourist" route last year with both munros and tops and it was still a challenge. There was a lot of thick snow at the "overhang" so had to navigate around it. Curved ridge looks pretty terrifying but lots of fun tho haha
Hey Chris thank you for leaving your kind comment. Yeah even that tourist fount can have its challenges in the wrong conditions for sure. Hope you get up the curved ridge someday. 😁👍🏼🏔
Really great content chief
Kind of you to say Jamie, thanks buddy.
Best Regards,
Douglas.
Awesome stuff!
Thank you 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴Outdoor Intrigue
Epic route up mate, not sure I’d be so brave just yet to go that way but might give it a bash when am doing the ‘boochle’, great vid as per 👌🏻
Hi Dan, the Curved Ridge was every bit as exciting as I thought it would be! This was my 20th Munro and I reckon I couldn’t have done this without at least the first 10-15 Munros experience for the confidence building.
I met a guy that morning coming down, I thought he’d been up and was coming back down the same route. Turned out he’d tried to get up but didn’t realise he had vertigo or that his vertigo would be so bad. I offered for him to come along with me but after he thought about it he declined. I told him just to follow his gut, as usually your gut instinct is right. So fair play to him for sticking to his gut decision.
My only advice would be go when it’s really dry, I managed to go on a perfect day. When I go back for Stob Na Broige I’ll go back up via the Curved Ridge again,
It’s amazing! 🙌🏼⛰
Douglas Gilgallon yeah mate, I’ll have a look first I reckon when the time comes, definitely go on the gut instincts here I think, if it’s not for me then I’ll be going up and back down the Corrie way. I remember doing Ben Vane and found some bits of that a bit daunting particularly as my 6 year old boy was with me, keeping one eye on him and myself on the scrambly bits was interesting lol, same on the Cobbler, I came down that on the scrambly section and was a good laxative at times!
I’ll not be going near this one though unless the weather report is as perfect as it can be, obviously things can change up there but yeah a good clear/dry day would be great as those views are stunning for one thing, cheers.
Great video Douglas, really enjoyed that. Surprised that you don’t have more subscribers. Liked and subbed anyway 👍🏼 all the best, Allan
Thank you Allan for taking the time to leave your kind comment, and for the sub. The Buchaille is one of my favourite mountains and the curved ridge is a fantastic way to get to the summit.
It’s great to hear feedback that the enjoyment I had that day, has been of interest to good folks like yourself watching.
Best Regards,
Douglas 😁🙌🏼⛰
Never bagged the Buachaille before, but I can honestly say I don’t think I would have the confidence to do it via the curved ridge...the touristy trail would be more my ability! Fair play to you for that being your first grade 3 scramble 👏🏼 had a few toe curling moments watching it ha ha. Well done mate!
Hi Allan, I had a good few Munros under my belt before I tried the Curved Ridge. Not sure I could have done it amongst the first few. Going with a group is always a good idea too. The day I went there was folks coming up 1/2 hour behind me so I wasn’t truly alone. I did meet a guy coming down who’d tried but hadn’t realised he had bad vertigo. I offered him to accompany me, but he just wanted to go back down. Fair play to him for listening to his gut.
Guess it’s true you never know until you’re in the moment.
Hope you get to the top someday whatever route you take.
Best Regards,
Douglas. 😁🙌🏼⛰
Douglas Gilgallon It’s on my list for this year’s Munros.
I’m probably quite similar to yourself in respect of the amount that I’ve bagged.....all of the Arrochar Alps and the Trossachs Munro’s, a couple of the island ones, a couple around Crianlarich area and more than a few Corbetts too....around 20 in total.
Working my way north this year, so hoping to hit Glencoe and bag a few, the Buachaille included. I’ll tackle it via the easiest route first, and maybe via The Curved Ridge with my friend, who has done it before.
Yeah I know what you mean about not knowing how you’ll handle it until you are in the moment!
Thanks for taking the time to pass on the info, much appreciated 👍🏼
All the best,
Allan
Quality content thanks
Thank you buddy, I appreciate that!
Regards,
Douglas.
Great video Douglas - videos like yours are helping me through the lockdown- 'virtual hiking' as a friend of mine says. Really cannot wait to get back into the hills. I have done this Munro before via the 'tourist' route a few years back but watching your video has made me think that this would be a cracking little adventure. How difficult was the route finding on it? I assume this is the first time you had attempted it but you seemed to know a lot about the different landmarks on the way up. Did you use a GPX file or anything? All the best and keep safe, Alex.
Hi Alex, thanks firstly for the kind comments. I am feeling your pain as being on lockdown is a situation I never would have imagined could occur in this lifetime. Hopefully, everyday that passes is a day closer to the end and we can get back to the great outdoors again.
The Buachaille is one of my favourite mountains and I hope to go back to the curved ridge sometime in the future. I think I’d enjoy it even more the 2nd time around.
To answer your question for didn’t use any GPS, I just studied it like an exam if I’m being completely honest, and I did it by watching the plethora of videos that are on CZcams for this very route. So by the time I got there myself I felt I had a fairly good idea of the route up. Obviously looking at the route from a distance is more discernible than it is from directly below, but I found it okay on the day. One or two parts are a wee bit challenging but totally manageable if you keep your nerve. With hindsight I’d have gone with others, but that opportunity did not present itself that year and I’d waited almost over 1 year to go so we just bit the bullet and went alone. Hopefully if you do go, you will film your adventure as I’d definitely love to watch it.
Best Regards and thanks again,
Douglas 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
Douglas Gilgallon Thanks a lot- I think I’ll track down a few vids about it in that case then and see what I can work out. That’s been how I’ve done others in the past and I’ve found that, with scrambling, often it becomes clear once you’re there and looking for the next handhold. Cheers for the advice- all the best, Alex 👍⛰
I don't know how much the fisheye lens of the GoPro exaggerates it, but those overhead shots make the curved ridge terrain look practically vertical...and somewhat terrifying!! Great effort! I'm hoping to climb the Buachaille at some point soon, although I think I'll be opting for the Coire na Tulaich route for my first visit. Hopefully one day I'll have the necessary skills and confidence to do the curved ridge as the views look spectacular, but there's no danger I'd ever tackle the Rannoch Wall!
Hey Fraser,
yeah the GoPro lense does create a more dramatic effect for sure. Having said that there is a great deal of exposure on the curved ridge. I met a guy that morning coming back down in front of me who hadn’t expected the steepness of the ridge and had to abandon his attempt as he also discovered he had vertigo once he’d got over a certain height!
Personally, I’d dreamed about climbing the curved ridge for well over a year and had watched many vlogs from others over and over so I felt I had a fairly good grasp of where I was going and what to expect. This was my 20th Munro so I guess I’d built up a bit of confidence by then, but I really didn’t want to go up any other way but via the curved ridge.
It was brilliant!
If I was to go again I’d go with a group. Much more fun to experience the awesomeness of the Buachaille with a group of like minded people.
Best Regards,
Douglas. 😉🙌🏼⛰🏴
@@DouglasGilgallon I am that guy you met lol. This popped up on my recommendations. I'm glad I didn't feature😂
Hey Jordyn, how you doing?
I wasn’t recording at that point my friend, but I’d never feature anyone identifiable without having their permission so no worries on that one. It was a brilliant scramble as you saw. I hope you get another go at it on another day buddy.
Best Regards,
Douglas. 😁🙌🏼⛰🏴
@@DouglasGilgallon haha no worries mate. Aye it looks class, I'll be heading back up this year with someone to hold my hand this time!
That’s great Jordyn. You’ll love it. Hopefully you’ll vlog it and post it on CZcams. 😉
Best Regards,
Douglas 🙌🏼⛰🏴
Enjoyed your climb buddy, just wanted to find out why this is a grade 3 as doesn’t look like it.
Looks more grade 2-
Looks amazing. Also daunting. Lot more exposure than Aonoch Eagach you reckon?
Thanks Brian. I can’t comment on the Aonach Eagach Ridge as I haven’t got round to that one yet.
Best Regards,
Douglas.
@@christwrd Funny, but I found the curved ridge more unnerving than the aonach. I remember thinking that was my limit of scrambling because of the exposure getting to me somewhat, whereas I had no problem doing the aonach. Saying that, I have just come back from doing the aonach eagach for the second time and it unsettled me a bit this time, having to remove my back pack to do some of the down climbs..
@@christwrd Winter on Aonach is the real challenge..!! Or indeed the Claigaig Gully. 😉
@@christwrd You did well. I did a lot of Summer and Winter routes in Glencoe and Cuillins in the 70's. Happy days.
Great video, where I can buy this overhead stick for gopro Mate? This footage looks awesome 👍
Hey Fryderyk , thanks for your kind comment on the vlog.
Here is the link to the exact pole I bought for the overhead shot. It’s made by a company called Smatree, and you’ll find it here in this Amazon link.
Smatree SmaPole Y2 Telescoping Pole with Tripod Stand for GoPro Hero 2018/GoPro Fusion/Hero7/ 6/5/4/3+/3/2/1/Session (WiFi Remote Controller is NOT Included) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XVLHEB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gGOhDb3H9SN6P
Best Regards,
Douglas 😁🙌🏼⛰
@@DouglasGilgallon oh nice, how you are attaching this pol to the backpack? It looks solid and stable.
Hi Fryderyk, I tethered it to the bags attatchments for walking poles. The key however I’ve found is to pack the bag tightly with any belongings you are taking on your trip as this minimises movement. In my other backpack I jam the pole down the side of the water bottle pocket alongside the water bottle and also tighten the bags side straps tighter around the pole. Works just fine as a steady pole as long as you manage to secure the pole firmly enough.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Douglas.
@@DouglasGilgallon make sense 👍thanks for your advice Douglas
Does this 30 plus years ago, I ain’t a rock climber just a scrambler; I think the camera makes it out worse than it is