Stob Ghabhar and Stob a'Choire Odhair

Summary

Stob Ghabhar is the finest of the Black Mount summits, its narrow rocky ridges and steep sides standing out amongst the hills of the southern Highlands. Stob a'Choire Odhair is an easier ascent with a magnificent view over Rannoch Moor. Combining both peaks, this route is a fine expedition for experienced hillwalkers.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Serious mountain walk including one very steep and loose ascent section, a narrow rocky ridge and a steep scrambly descent by a waterfall.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Car park near Victoria Bridge.

Public Transport

None to Victoria Bridge.

Start Grid Ref

NN270418

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 16km / 10 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1239m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Stob a' Choire Odhair
Munro: Stob Ghabhar

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Walk Description

User reports (87)

Stage 1

There is a car park off to the left about 300m before Victoria Bridge on the minor road from Bridge of Orchy. Begin the walk by rejoining the road (there is a shortcut path starting to the left of the pines from the car park). Follow the road (which is also part of the West Highland Way) over the bridge, then turn left onto the track signposted as a Public Footpath to Loch Etive by Glen Kinglas. Follow this track which soon runs along the north bank of the Abhainn Shira, passing beside a plantation.

Stage 2

The track passes a green metal hut at Clashgour - this was once the local schoolhouse but is now a mountaineering club hut. Just beyond this and before crossing the stream, turn off onto an path on the right. This has a few boggy stretches at first but soon becomes excellent, following the Allt Toaig towards the hills. It leads very pleasantly uphill towards Coire Toaig, sloping uphill away from the stream a little opposite some slabby crags with a waterfall on the mountainside opposite - you may spot the descent path descending to the right of this waterfall. Continue on the main path until just after it crosses the Allt Caolinn Duibh. Here turn right on a path that soon joins an old stalkers' path.

Stage 3

Once on the stalkers' route there are a series of zig-zags that greatly ease the ascent - you can help prevent erosion here by sticking to the zig-zags. Higher up the ridge becomes indistinct and the path fades on the broad slopes. Continue the ascent to reach the cairn marking the summit of Stob a'Choire Odhar, a Munro at 945m. The views from here are superb in all directions, but particularly stunning is the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor to the north, seemingly as much water as land; this summit is well worthwhile as an easier hillwalk in its own right and less experienced hillwalkers should return the same way from here.

Stage 4

To continue to Stob Ghabhar, leave the summit by following the broad west ridge down to the bealach at 668 metres. From here follow the path that climbs to the west, keeping left at an indistinct fork. The path now ascends WSW for about three hundred metres.

Stage 5

The route from here however climbs more directly up the very steep slopes to the south, roughly following the boundary marked on OS maps; there is a path in places but care is needed as the slope is unpleasantly loose with scree and rocks and the view back down towards Coirein Lochain could be intimidating to some; careful navigation is needed. The ridge of Aonach Eagach above is likely to be reached with some relief.

Stage 6

Turn right along the path on the crest of the ridge; there is one very narrow section but no real difficulties - it is a very fine ridge but no rival to its more famous namesake the Aonach Eagach in nearby Glencoe.

Stage 7

After crossing a notch a short rocky ascent follows before a cairn is reached (marking the descent route for later). Continue along the ridge as it curves round to reach the final climb up beside a line of fenceposts to the fine summit of Stob Ghabhar at 1087m, close to the very edge of the crags plunging down into the corrie.

Stage 8

Return the same way for about 500m to a cairn, and from here follow a faint path that decends southwards to reach an old fenceline. The path then follows the fence to join the Stob Maol ridge. This is much broader and gives easier going; lower down curve round to the left towards the stream flowing out of Coire na Muic. The old fenceposts are a guide for much of the way, but make sure you cross the Allt Coire na Muic before reaching the falls at the bottom of the corrie.

Stage 9

Once on the far side of the burn the ground falls away very steeply in the slabby crags of Creag an Steallaire (the crags of the Falls). A very steep and eroded path - scrambly and requiring great care - descends the north side of the falls, giving fine views of the several cascades. Below this steep section continue down the easier slopes by the stream to reach the Allt Toaig. This needs to be crossed (note this could be difficult in spate) to regain the path used on the outward route. Turn right down this path to retrace your earlier steps back to Victoria Bridge.

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