Lochaber
Buachaille Etive Mor (Stob Dearg) — Parking
Altnafeadh / Kings House · Grid ref NN 221 563 · PH49 4HX · Free — informal parking area on A82
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NN 221 563
- Postcode (satnav)
- PH49 4HX
- Spaces
- ~20 (informal)
- Cost
- Free — informal parking area on A82
- Surface
- gravel
- Drive from Glasgow
- 1h 40m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 2h 10m
From the car park
The informal parking area at Altnafeadh sits on the north side of the A82 at the foot of the Buachaille. The path crosses the River Coupall by footbridge and climbs directly into Coire na Tulaich — a steep, rocky ascent of approximately 600m to the summit plateau. The final section to Stob Dearg (1,022m) involves easy scrambling on basalt.
The walk
The Buachaille Etive Mor ('Great Herdsman of Etive') is one of Scotland's most iconic Munro massifs. Stob Dearg (1,022m) is the dominant northern top. The Coire na Tulaich route is 11km return with 900m of ascent — strenuous but rewarding, requiring hillwalking experience. The full traverse to all four tops is a serious mountain day. The mountain also hosts major climbing routes on its Rannoch Wall.
Facilities
- Kings House Hotel nearby (200m)
- Toilets at Kings House
Busy times
The Altnafeadh car park (only 20 cars) fills by 8am on fine summer weekends. Arrival before 8am on summer weekends is essential. Midweek in May or September offers the best conditions and manageable numbers.
Getting here without a car
Scottish Citylink coach 914/915 (Glasgow–Fort William) stops at Kings House Hotel (0.5km east of Altnafeadh) approximately 4 times daily — one of relatively few Highland Munros with a reliable coach connection. Check citylink.co.uk.
Winter access
The A82 Rannoch Moor section is vulnerable to drifting snow and occasionally closes. Coire na Tulaich holds significant avalanche-prone snow in winter — the funnel shape concentrates debris. In icy conditions the coire is a serious winter climbing route. Check SAIS Highland South forecast.
Overflow parking
Do not park on the A82 itself — dangerous and illegal. Kings House Hotel car park (ask permission). The Study car park (NN 169 564) for Glencoe centre.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:24
- Sunset
- 21:08
- Civil dawn
- 04:37
- Civil dusk
- 21:55
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Is Buachaille Etive Mor suitable for beginners?
- No — the Coire na Tulaich route is steep, rocky and involves easy scrambling near the summit. It is not suitable for inexperienced walkers or those without appropriate footwear and navigation skills. In winter or wet conditions, the coire becomes hazardous.
- Can I get to the Buachaille by public transport?
- Yes — Scottish Citylink coaches (service 914/915) stop at Kings House Hotel, approximately 1km east of the Altnafeadh car park. Check citylink.co.uk for current timetables.
- Why is the Buachaille Etive Mor car park always full?
- The informal Altnafeadh area holds only approximately 20 cars for one of Scotland's most popular Munros. Options include arriving before 8am, using Kings House Hotel overflow (ask permission), or taking the Citylink coach.
- What are the Buachaille's four summits?
- The ridge has four named tops from north to south: Stob Dearg (1,022m, Munro), Stob na Doire (1,011m), Stob Coire Altruim (941m) and Stob na Bròige (956m, Munro). A traverse of all four is a serious mountain day.