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  • Guided Ascent of Curved Ridge, Glencoe

    Join us for a Glencoe adventure; climbing to the summit of
    the ‘Herdsman of Etive’ – Buachaille Etive Mor

    Climbing Curved Ridge

Guided ascent of Curved Ridge, Glencoe

Simply the most impressive route to reach the summit of this iconic mountain that guards the entrance to Glencoe

Curved Ridge Outline

Driving towards Fort William across the wild expanse of Rannoch Mor a triangular mountain comes into view guarding the entrance to one of Scotland’s finest viewpoints; Glencoe. This epic mountain is called Buachaille Etive Mor which translates as ‘The Herdsman of Etive’. It stands at the head of two of Scotland’s finest Glens: Glencoe to the West and Glen Etive to the South, it is one of the most iconic and photographed mountains in Scotland. Our route to the summit looks improbable from this angle but snaking up on ‘The Buachaille’s North East flank is Curved Ridge: an outstanding grade 2/3 scramble boasting all the hallmarks of a memorable adventure.

Read Full Details
Curved Ridge Guide

Customer Reviews

  • 5 star rating Excellent guidance on the Cuillin - even in terrible weather! Dave and I completed three days of scrambling and climbing on the Cuillin in place of a Traverse (impossible due to weather). Despite the rain and wind, I was totally at ease guided by Dave and enjoyed ticking off various amazing climbs and peaks on the ridge which more than made the best of the rough forecast. I cannot recommend WCMG enough and cannot wait to be back again in... read moreDave and I completed three days of scrambling and climbing on the Cuillin in place of a Traverse (impossible due to weather). Despite the rain and wind, I was totally at ease guided by Dave and enjoyed ticking off various amazing climbs and peaks on the ridge which more than made the best of the rough forecast. I cannot recommend WCMG enough and cannot wait to be back again in better weather!
    Oh, and my phone wasn't working on this trip but Dave took loads of great photographs for me - excellent for the instagram!
    read less

    Q1944CLkatem 30 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Great day on Sgurr Dearg and the In Pinn We booked with WCMG to do a one day guided ascent of Sgurr Dearg and the Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Isle of Skye. The two of us are novice climbers but our guide Dave was fantastic and got us safely up the mountain while teaching us a lot about scrambling and climbing. The actual climb up the In Pinn was exhilarating and completely safe with Dave taking care of all... read moreWe booked with WCMG to do a one day guided ascent of Sgurr Dearg and the Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Isle of Skye. The two of us are novice climbers but our guide Dave was fantastic and got us safely up the mountain while teaching us a lot about scrambling and climbing. The actual climb up the In Pinn was exhilarating and completely safe with Dave taking care of all the ropes for us. Dave was a fun guy to spend a day with and while being a very serious and experienced climber is also a great laugh! We had a great day out and will definitely book another mountain adventure with WCMG again soon. read less

    7jhd0w 18 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Great scrambling guidance. Great guided scrambling. 3 days on the Cuillins and climbed all the munros on the ridge.
    Very friendly instructor Ken, and very knowledgeable.
    The path is very winding so I'd reccomend a guide for even experienced mountaineers, if a) want to get them done quick without hassle, b) if the weather and visibility is poor.

    marcofT4113KA 17 Oct 2020
  • 5 star rating Perfect day on Skye with WHMG! Dave and I took on the Clach Glas ridge on Skye. Dave put me at ease on difficult unfamiliar terrain and we completed the route taking in some of the best mountain scenery in Scotland! My first time on a guided trip and not the last- can’t recommend WHMG enough!

    DanielA454 16 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Very experienced, brilliant guide! I booked the Aonach Eagach ridge with WCMG without really knowing anything about the company. I was desperate to do the ridge but didn't have the confidence to go it alone. My guide was Scott and he was brilliant. He clearly has a huge (and I mean huge) amount of hiking/climbing/guiding experience in Scotland and beyond. He was great company and very good at explaining to me how to deal... read moreI booked the Aonach Eagach ridge with WCMG without really knowing anything about the company. I was desperate to do the ridge but didn't have the confidence to go it alone. My guide was Scott and he was brilliant. He clearly has a huge (and I mean huge) amount of hiking/climbing/guiding experience in Scotland and beyond. He was great company and very good at explaining to me how to deal with tricky parts on the ridge and using ropes. I felt completely at ease and we hoped along the ridge on a stunning autumn day. So I'm now delighted I've got a go-to company for my next adventure! read less

    TansyRLB 14 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Cuillin Ridge Traverse Booked a Cuillin ridge Traverse with West Coast Mountain guides. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great, but Dave my guide for the 3 days was outstanding. We manage to complete some of the classic ridges (Pinnacle Ridge and Clach Glas) as well another Munro! Dave was excellent to work with and I would highly recommend him. I will definitely be back for the full traverse!

    johnfK9258DD 13 Oct 2020
  • 5 star rating Incredible Experience! Ken was amazing!
    Informed route selection: we went up Ledge—slightly more difficult and needs a guide—where we were entirely on our own. Going down, we took the Pony route for variety, where I realized there were hundreds of climbers on the day. Would’ve never known, or be capable enough on my own, to take Ledge. Great call!
    Informed and uncompromising on safety: this was my first mountain climbing experience and I felt...
    read moreKen was amazing!
    Informed route selection: we went up Ledge—slightly more difficult and needs a guide—where we were entirely on our own. Going down, we took the Pony route for variety, where I realized there were hundreds of climbers on the day. Would’ve never known, or be capable enough on my own, to take Ledge. Great call!
    Informed and uncompromising on safety: this was my first mountain climbing experience and I felt safe the entire climb. Really impressive considering the amount of snow and ice We encountered along the way. It goes to show the value of walking with a guide that knows every crack and crevice on the mountain, especially on a day when it snows and things can get quite confusing. He also brought helmets and harnesses as an added precaution.
    Patience and Pace: he intuitively knew when to give me breaks but was certainly not afraid to push me further when I needed to be pushed. He was also very patient and understanding when I wanted to take hundreds of photos—pics turned out great.
    Pick-up service: I hiked to Fort William and didn’t have a car. Ken picked me up from my hotel.
    Best day ever!
    Don’t hesitate to book West Coast Mountain Guides!
    read less

    MountainWalia 10 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Skye Cuillins 4 day course I would highly recommended this fantastic company!!
    Both guides were brilliant in gauging everyone's ability quickly and giving reassurance whenever I needed it. I felt completely safe throughout the 4 days. I have definitely come away with so much more confidence in my own abilities and would love to learn more about scrambling in the future!!

    chariyag 06 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Out again with WCMG! After an amazing few days doing winter mountaineering with Ken back in January, we booked again for some summer days. Ken was happy to adapt to Will and my climbing abilities, did some classic rock routes which was great! Learned lots, had a great time out. Cannot recommend Ken & West Coast Mountain Guides enough, there's really no better day out in Lochaber.

    manderswanders 04 Oct 2020
  • 5 star rating The Cuillin Munros I am just back from doing the Cuillin Munros with Ken and Ollie and had a fantastic experience. The communication was excellent from Ken particularly as it was such a short notice booking and the guiding was thoroughly professional and competent and put everyone at ease on the tougher Munros. Great guys and would use again.

    MountainArena 04 Oct 2020

    5 star rating The In Pinn. Finally! I first climbed Sgurr Dearg in 1992 but didn't (couldn't) climb that little fin of rock, the In Pinn, on account of not being a rock climber. 28 years later I managed it thanks to WCM. This was my penultimate Munro and had proven to be a bit tricky. Anyway, Ken at WCM was very helpful in helping arrange a guide for me at short (two days) notice. All... read moreI first climbed Sgurr Dearg in 1992 but didn't (couldn't) climb that little fin of rock, the In Pinn, on account of not being a rock climber. 28 years later I managed it thanks to WCM. This was my penultimate Munro and had proven to be a bit tricky. Anyway, Ken at WCM was very helpful in helping arrange a guide for me at short (two days) notice. All was very professionally and courteously done which helped to give me confidence on the day. My guide, Jack, was brilliant, gently breaking me in to wearing the climbing gear and trying a bit of harder scrambling on the way up to psychology prepare for the true climbing on the Pinn. The climb itself was almost fun. Hell, it was fun! Jack suggested I abseil down which added to the whole experience. In a way I was just "bagging the In Pinn" but it all meant a lot more to me than that and I really appreciate WCM for understanding that and for making the day special. Jack was great company on the hill and extremely professional. Judging by the other climbs he has done and guiding he had scheduled this must have been a stroll in the park for him, but he still managed to make me feel good as well as keeping me safe and getting me up (and down) that pesky In Pinn. read less

    270keithr 02 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Inn Pin and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich Tom our guide was wonderful with my wife Mairi,putting her at ease and encouraging her step outside her comfort zone on the Inn Pin and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich.Mairi found it so much harder on Choinnich especially when the weather turned with rain ,hail and snow which greased the rock up,but Tom was such a calming influence and a big help.
    Big thanks all round.

    Morrison_12 02 Oct 2020

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Guided Ascent of Curved Ridge Overall rating: ★★★★★ 5 based on 8 reviews.
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Full Description

Course Outline:

Scrambling bridges the gap between hillwalking and rock climbing. Generally speaking, scrambling requires the use of hands aswell as feet to tackle more challenging routes to the summits of mountains. Each scramble is graded in increments of difficulty from 1 to 3. Curved Ridge is the epitome of a grade 2/3 scrambling. Best described as a steep but moderately exposed ridge that winds its way up this iconic mountain depositing us onto one of Buachaille Etive Mor’s impressive Munros; Stob Dearg.

Curved Ridge is the real highlight of ‘The Buachaille’, allowing an improbable passage through impressive scenery an ascent is achievable for a fit hillwalker with a good head for heights. Starting from the carpark opposite the Lagangarbh Hut a good path leads us around to a feature known as the waterslide. Further on again we start to ascend more steeply until below a huge red coloured piece of rock which faces the moor, this is aptly named Rannoch Wall. To its left, Curved Ridge sweeps upwards underneath Rannoch Wall via large and plentiful holds for the hands and feet. The ridge is never too narrow but there are steep steps towards the top making the route challenging but never desperate or impassable. The views from the summit over Rannoch Mor are simply unforgettable.

If you are new to scrambling or anxious about using technical climbing equipment, please don’t worry we are here to help. Throughout your time with West Coast Mountain Guides we will endeavour to teach you the technical skills needed for an ascent of Curved Ridge and offer tips and advice on how best to climb and safely descend this challenging but rewarding summit. Your Guide will instil confidence in your equipment and manage all of the ropework in ascent and descent allowing you to enjoy this exciting and unique experience.

Course Details:

The price includes Guiding and Instruction and free use of harness and helmets. Accommodation is not included but we can help make arrangements or recommend suitable places to stay whilst visiting Glencoe and the surrounding area.

Ratio:

We can accommodate larger parties for an ascent of Curved Ridge. We do this by providing 1 guide for every 3 participants, prices will reflect the number of guides required on the day.

Prices and Dates

1 Day Course

  • We offer these days on a private guiding basis, so on dates to suit you.
  • Costs are for one guide.

1 person £250
2 people £270 (£135/person)
3 people £290 (£97/person)
4 people £310 (£77.50/person)

Kit Requirements

Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks.

Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton.

Fleeces –At least one fleece layer for your upper body. If you get cold easily perhaps add a fleece gilet/vest to your layering. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is useful if cool conditions are likely to be encountered.

Windshirt or lightweight softshell jacket –Ideal for dry conditions.

Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.

Warm Hat & Gloves –A warm hat can still be very useful even in summer.  For Skye, leather work or gardening gloves, which are cheap and durable are ideal. Remember that even in the height of summer, with a bit of rain and wind, it will still be quite chilly.

Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) –The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots.  Lightweight waterproofs are ok.

Rucsac –A medium volume sac (30 -40 litres) is best for mountaineering. Use a strong plastic rucsac liner to keep the contents dry. External Rucsack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner.  Everything needs to fit inside your sac.

Bivvy Bag –A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement, essential.

Gaiters or Stop-tous –Useful, but not essential. Not really necessary on the Skye Cuillins.

Head Torch –Even in summer it’s good practise to carry a small headtorch.

First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast.

Compass/Map –(OS or BMC/Harveys)
Harvey maps produce the best map for Skye. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.

Whistle/Watch

Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres, maybe more during hot weather.

Lunch & Spare Food

Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent.

Boots –For scrambling, boots which have good lateral stiffness, such as B1 rated boots, are useful.

Helmet –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available.

Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over all clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting.

Belay device, two HMS Carabiners and one 120cm sling –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.

Programme Outline

• Speak with your West Coast Mountain Guide roughly four days prior to your ascent
• Meet your Guide at 8/8.30 and be provided harness and helmets whilst discussing a plan for the day
• Ascend Curved Ridge to the summit of Stob Dearg, the most northerly Munro on Buachaille Etive Mor
• Expect to be out on the hill between 6 – 9 hours

Booking Enquiry Form

Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or would like to book.
We’ll be in touch soon!

Private Guiding

If the dates or contents of a course are not exactly what you are after, we also offer private guiding, which makes up a large part of our working year. Private guiding can be arranged on dates to suit you, and we can tailor the course or guiding to match you needs and aspirations. There are no limits for the number of participants on privately guided day, so whether you are an individual after 1:1 guiding or tuition, or a group or club looking to develop their collective skills or reach a particular summit, please get in touch.

Find out more about Private Guiding
Ken Applegate Mountaineering Instructor and Mountain Guide

Other Summer Courses

Another fine day on Curved Ridge in Glencoe

Guided Ascent of Curved Ridge

Take on the challenge of climbing one of the most iconic mountains in Scotland. Climb Curved Ridge to the summit of Buachaille Etive Mor with West Coast Mountain Guides.
Read More
Tower Ridge Guide

Guided Ascent of Tower Ridge

Climb Ben Nevis the hard way via one of the longest and most spectacular mountain routes in the UK.
Read More
Aonach Eagach Guide

Guided Traverse of the Aonach Eagach

Join our team for a guided traverse of the breath-taking Aonach Eagach ridge, and it's Munros, in Glencoe
Read More
Skye Guide In Pinn

Guided Ascent of the In Pinn

The In Pinn on the Black Cuillin, Isle of Skye, is the most technical of all the Munros. We will guide you safely up this amazing fin of rock to the very top.
Read More
Cuillin Ridge Guide

Isle of Skye – Cuillin Ridge Traverse

The Isle of Skye has a very special magic all of its own. The views from the main Black Cuillin ridge are truly magnificent and enhanced by the sea of the Inner Hebrides.
Read More
Skye Cuillin Munros Course

Climb the Skye Cuillin Munros

This is without a doubt the most rugged and extensive high mountain ridge in the British Isles and provides a logical next step from other Scottish scrambles.
Read More
Find Out More

Contact us if you would like more information or have any questions

About Us

West Coast Mountain Guides Ltd. is here to help anyone interested in visiting mountain regions do so with both confidence and enjoyment. E:[email protected]

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