Stob Coire Raineach (Buachaille Etive Beag)

Stob Coire Raineach, at 925 metres, is the lower and more northerly of Buachaille Etive Beag's two Munro summits, only promoted to full Munro status in the 1997 revision of Munro's Tables.

Reached from the bealach between the two summits — gained via the well-constructed, if eroded, path from the A82 near Altnafeadh — the ascent crosses loose scree and small boulders on a path that splits into several variants before converging near the top; care is needed on this looser ground. The summit offers superb views on a clear day: the Aonach Eagach ridge to the north-west, Beinn Fhada (one of the Three Sisters) to the west, and the impressive form of Buachaille Etive Mòr to the east.

Most walkers combine Stob Coire Raineach with neighbouring Stob Dubh, returning to the bealach and continuing south-west along the broad ridge — some prefer tackling Stob Coire Raineach first, from the bealach, treating the initially tougher climb as the harder part of the day to get out of the way early.

The combined round taking in both Munros from the A82 is around 5-5.5 hours, making this one of the more approachable and family-friendly Munro days in the Glen Coe area, avoiding the steep, complex terrain of its larger neighbours.

The scree and loose ground on the final approach demand some care, but this remains a comparatively gentle Munro by Glen Coe standards — full hillwalking equipment is still sensible given the exposed, high-level position, but this route is well suited to those building confidence on more serious Highland terrain.

Parking along the A82 near Altnafeadh is free but can be very busy in summer and at weekends; Citylink buses between Fort William and Glasgow stop at Altnafeadh.