Dorsal Arete, Glencoe in winter

Dorsal Arete in winter is one of the classic, ‘must do’ mountaineering routes on the west coast of Scotland. Perched high up on the cliffs of Stob Coire nan Lochan, it is visible from below from the car park on the A82 through Glencoe. It is graded Grade II and unsurprisingly is considered to have ‘3 Stars’.

The walk up from the valley to the coire below Stob Coire nan Lochan is brutal. This has earned it the humorous nickname ‘The Hurt Lochan” (after the film of almost the same name). But after a couple of hours you find yourself amongst the cliffs of one of Glencoe’s best climbing areas.

Dorsal Arete is a thoroughly enjoyable route, with interesting sections that are never too difficult. What’s more, it pops out dramatically on the summit ridge of Stob Coire nan Lochan.

If you’d like to learn the skills required for winter mountaineering or would like to be guided up routes like Dorsal Arete in winter, then get in touch for further information.