2001 I climbed Glas Bheinn Mhor as the second hill on a day’s tour together with The Bold Hill – Ben Starav. An apt name especially when viewing the outline of the hill and its steep northern ridge from Glen Etive. Starting from Coiletir I soon reached the foot of Ben Starav and started climbing up the uniformly steep north ridge. At about 700m I donned my wind-proof gear and put on my crampons. Conditions worsened further up on the hill and my map got blown away. I continued to the summit ridge/plateau of Ben Starav over boulders and snow, nonetheless. I touched the summit cairn and went on to the eastern top. Here the clouds broke and for the first time I walked in sunshine. I continued down the narrow arête leading to Stob Coire Dheirg. That was a dance on a narrow ridge covered in powdery snow. Marvellous!! After a pause on the lower slopes of Stob Coire Dheirg I walked in sunshine over one or two lesser tops to reach Glas Bheinn Mhor where I took in the views of Beinn nan Aighenan, Stob Coir’an Albannaich and the Glen Coe hills. On I went on snow and in sunshine until I reached the col at the head of the Allt Mheuran from where I strolled back to Coiletir and my car. An absolutely stupendous day on these remote hills. Views of supreme clarity and beauty. A day worth all efforts on this 17km winter walk.

The Bold Hill. An apt name especially when viewing the outline of the hill and its steep northern ridge from Glen Etive. Starting from Coiletir I soon reached the foot of the hill and started climbing up the uniformly steep north ridge. At about 700m I donned my wind-proof gear and put on my crampons. Conditions worsened further up on the hill and my map got blown away. I continued to the summit ridge/plateau of Ben Starav over boulders and snow, nonetheless. I touched the summit cairn and went on to the eastern top. Here the clouds broke and for the first time I walked in sunshine. I continued down the narrow arête leading to Stob Coire Dheirg. That was a dance on a narrow ridge covered in powdery snow. Marvellous!! After a pause on the lower slopes of Stob Coire Dheirg I walked in sunshine over one or two lesser tops to reach Glas Bheinn Mhor where I took in the views of Beinn nan Aighenan, Stob Coir’an Albannaich and the Glen Coe hills. On I went on snow and in sunshine until I reached the col at the head of the Allt Mheuran from where I strolled back to Coiletir and my car. An absolutely stupendous day on these remote hills. Views of supreme clarity and beauty. A day worth all efforts on this 17km winter walk.