Buachaille Etive Mòr, Highland mountain and ridge near Glen Etive, Scotland.
Buachaille Etive Mòr is a mountain and ridge formation in the Scottish Highlands at the head of Glen Etive, distinguished by its distinctive pyramidal profile. The ridge connects four separate peaks across several kilometers, with the highest point reaching approximately 1000 meters (3,350 feet).
The Abraham brothers made the first ascent of the Crowberry Ridge route in 1900, establishing a significant milestone in Scottish mountaineering. This early exploration helped establish the mountain as an important climbing destination in the Highlands.
The mountain appears in several films, including the James Bond film Skyfall, which has established it as a recognizable landmark in Scottish landscape cinematography. This cinematic presence makes it instantly familiar to visitors from around the world.
The main access point is the layby at Altnafeadh, which serves as the trailhead for several routes up the mountain. Winter ascents require ice axes and crampons, and the ridge itself remains exposed year-round, demanding sure-footedness and experience with exposed terrain.
The name derives from Scottish Gaelic, meaning literally 'great herdsman of Etive', referencing the mountain's commanding position over the valley. This historical designation reflects the landscape's dominance and the cultural weight it held for local communities over centuries.
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