I had heard people talking about the views from Beinn a’Chrulaiste in the Glencoe valley. They said that on a fine day, the vistas from the Corbett are breathtaking, in particular the sight of one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains, the Buachaille Etive Mor, across the other side of the valley road. But until you are there, seeing the panorama for yourself, you can’t really comment.
I can only add to the superlatives. The viewpoint on the 857m summit is spellbinding. I recommend you only walk this Corbett when you are assured clear skies.
Out-and-back walk
It’s possible to walk to the summit from the side of the A82 at Altnafeidh (where people park for the Buachaille) or from behind the Kingshouse Hotel. Walk Highlands suggest a circuit route, starting by following the West Highland Way (parallel with the A82) and then to the mountain summit and back via a lower summit of Stob Beinn a’Chrulaiste.
Hubby G and I had tired legs after the previous day of ski touring so we opted for an out-and-back walk from the Kingshouse to the summit.
The ground is boggy on the lower slopes and possibly the wet ground continues higher up but we benefitted from being able to walk on snow on higher slopes.
As we gained height, the snow deepened and, in places it was icy. The gradient becomes quite steep but rarely too arduous.
For the most part, we enjoyed wind-free and calm conditions until around 700m altitude when a very cold and increasingly strong wind chilled us.
Fantastic summit views
Although cold at the top, we took the time to enjoy the impressive view of many Glencoe peaks – and many more mountains in the distance.
The sky and clouds were beautiful and the snow-topped mountains looked splendid.
We were amazed by two cheeky ravens on the summit, too, who seemed to think we would be good for a bite of lunch. They seemed strangely tame although I suspect they have learned that walkers often eat their sandwiches on the summit.
I am increasingly of the opinion that the Corbetts are fantastic. Having been so fixated with the Munros for so long, it feels special to be walking a new list of mountains – and enjoying some amazing views of many mountains I have already bagged.