20th May 2012 - Ben Starav

Looking north towards Buichaille Etive Mor and its smaller relative, Beag

Anna surrounded by some of Scotland's most stunning scenery

Anna leading on to the summit of Ben Starav

From the summit of Ben Starav towards Trilleachan and its infamous Slabs

From the summit of Ben Starav looking north east

This view epitomises what hillwalking is all about. Loch Etive in all its majesty

The clowds cast impressive shadows over a trully impressive vista

A Sea King Rescue helicopter returning from a call-out

A striking band of Quartzite in the north ridge of Ben Starav

The stunning ridge of Buichaille Etive Mor. Stob Dearg to the right

A zoomed in view of the south flank of Ben Nevis. Little Brenva Face, North East Buttress and the CMD clearly visible

A lovely example of a traditional Scots Pine nestled deep in the glen

Last weekend Anna and I headed down to Glen Etive to have a wander up Ben Starav. It has been on my radar for quite some time, but one thing after another has prevented me getting down there. Yet again our plans were foiled by the combination of a very late start and the appearance of a horrible weather front. Neither of us fancied getting up only to enjoy no view, get soaking wet and risk the high winds that were forecast...so we waited until today to pop down and give it a blast, and boy did we get it right!

There was only the gentlest of breezes, very few clouds in the sky and lovely hot sunshine throughout the day. Heading up from Coileitir we made good progress up the north east ridge after crossing the Allt Mheuran, overtaking several other parties befors stopping for some lunch and a good drink just shy of where the ridge levels off prior to the final summit ridge. The views across Loch Etive towards the Etive Slabs and down towards Taynuilt were absolutely stunning. Anyone who wonders what the appeal of hillwalking is should take one walk up Ben Starav on a good day and they would understand.

The final summit ridge is a good scrambly section, not difficult or exposed but you will need to get your hands involved and it is far better than a grassy slog! On the summit we had a long break sitting in the sun soaking up the spectacular views and tranquility. We had a long chat with a group of lads who caught us up while we were relaxing. They have recently got into hillwalking and are knocking off all the Munros, so good luck to them! We moved on towards Bhienn Mhor, taking the direct line over the rocky ridge towards Meall nan Tri Tighearnan rather then taking the easier path to its side. Then we beasted up the grassy slopes to the summit of Bhienn Mor, and off its other side to the bealach at Sron nan Cabar before rattling down Allt Mheuran through some stunning Scots Pine (the Glen having once been densely covered in forest before industry took over and as much as 2 acres a day were being felled to fuel the Bonawe Furnace!). Back to the car in 7 hours which given the hour we had on the summit is not too bad at all. Ben Starav now ranks in my Top 5 mountains in Scotland (that I have done) and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area as the views are just breathtaking, and even though parking can be a bit of an issue, we only passed about 8 people on the entire day!