The Easains are a pair of Munros that give a fairly long ridgewalk high above the glacial trough of Loch Treig with extensive views.
Summary
Some boggy ground on the lower, undulating part of the ridge; some very rocky slopes higher up but with a path.
Terrain
NN349789
Grid ref
15.5km/9.5 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Parking just north of An Dubh Lochan on Fersit road.
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
No buses to Fersit.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. From the A86 take the minor road towards Fersit. Park just north of An Dubh Lochan, where there is a gravelly area to leave your car. The walk begins by heading southwest, soon crossing the line of the old tramway from Loch Treig to Fort William that was involved in the construction of the aluminium works there. Continue ahead, following the height of the ridge to the minor summit of Creag Fhinaclach, with a steep drop on the right and a view of Loch Treig.
Photo ©Paul Birrell, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
2. Continue along the undulating ridge as it broadens out, passing some hydro survey pillars connected to the water pipeline (again to the Aluminium smelter power station). Another route joins in near here, climbing up from Loch Treig passing one of the pillars down to the left of the ridge. Meall Cian Dearg now looms ahead, looking intimidating; however the path leads slightly to the left of the steep nose and climbs up the peak without any more than a slight scramble.
Photo ©Bill Copland, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
3. The ridge levels off and becomes very broadonce again, with good views on the next section. Looking over to the left is Chno Dearg across Loch Treig, whilst to the right is the inspiring skyline of the Grey Corries.The ridge then becomes better defined as it climbs once more, curving to the left to reach a top at 978 metres. Beyond it curves round above Coire Aluin to a final climb up to Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin.
Photo ©Bill Copland, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
4. The large summit cairn is at 1105 metres; this first Munro of the day being just slightly lower than its twin, Stob Coire Easain, which is now suddenly revealed in the view. Continue on to the bealach, the latter part of the descent being quite steep, as is the first part of the climb up to the next peak, but there is a good path.
Photo ©Bill Copland, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
5. The second Munro of the day, Stob Coire Easain, is a mighty 1115 metres, with grand views in all directions; once again, it is the Grey Corries that are probably the pick of it, though the outlook over Rannoch Moor to the southwest is also impressive. There are three options for the return route. Probably the easiest option, and the one we give times and distances for, is to retrace your route of ascent. The other options are to either descend northwest from this peak very steeply into Coire Lair and follow the south side of the stream (path in the lower reaches) until the tramway can be rejoined and followed back to the start, or alternatively descending back to the last bealach and then heading down from their to Coire Lair. These routes are quite soggy and steep on the descent.
Photo ©Charlie Kennedy, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
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Route profile
