The name Stob Coire Altruim comes from Scottish Gaelic: "stob" (pointed peak/stake) + "coire" (corrie/mountain hollow) — roughly "pointed peak of the corrie".
Stob Coire Altruim is a 939m (3080ft) Scottish mountain classified as a Highland Hill, one of 1035 Highland Hills in Scotland. Its parent peak is Buachaille Etive Mor - Stob na Broige. At this altitude, summit conditions can be severe — check the Stob Coire Altruim wind chill, freezing level and cloud base before setting out. Winter walking on Stob Coire Altruim requires full mountain equipment.
Buachaille Etive Mòr, Scottish Gaelic: Buachaille Èite Mòr, 'great herdsman of Etive'), also known simply in English as 'The Buachaille', is a mountain at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands of Scotland. Its pyramidal shape, as seen from the northeast, makes it one of the most recognisable mountains in Scotland, and one of the most depicted on postcards and calendars.
Geology: The bedrock here is Etive Dyke Swarm — Porphyritic microdiorite — a coarse-grained igneous rock intermediate between granite and gabbro. Age: Silurian Period.
Planning to walk Stob Coire Altruim? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 939m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Stob Coire Altruim: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 939m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on exposed summits than in the valley below).
Stob Coire Altruim weather can change quickly at 939m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Stob Coire Altruim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Stob Coire Altruim?
Stob Coire Altruim is 939 metres (3080 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Highland Hill in Scotland.
What is the weather like on Stob Coire Altruim?
At 939m, Stob Coire Altruim experiences significantly harsher conditions than the valleys below. Summit temperatures are typically 6-8°C colder due to the lapse rate, winds are stronger and more exposed, and cloud cover can reduce visibility to just a few metres. Always check the summit forecast before setting out — hillandglen.com shows live wind chill, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk updated hourly.
Is Stob Coire Altruim safe to climb in winter?
Stob Coire Altruim is a serious winter mountain at 939m. Snow, ice and sub-zero wind chill are common from November to April. Full winter equipment is essential: ice axe, crampons, waterproofs, warm layers and navigation tools. Always check the freezing level and wind forecast before attempting a winter ascent. Check the SAIS avalanche forecast for Scottish mountains.
What is a Highland Hill?
A Highland Hill is a mountain in the Scottish Highlands above a specified height. There are over 1,000 Highland Hills. The list provides a comprehensive catalogue of significant summits in the Highlands beyond the well-known Munro and Corbett lists.
When is the best time to climb Stob Coire Altruim?
The best months for climbing Stob Coire Altruim are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. June often has the best combination of long daylight hours and settled weather, with midges at their worst in July-August. Winter ascents (November-April) are possible but require full winter mountaineering equipment and experience.
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