The Grey Corries
FORT WILLIAM, GLEN NEVIS AND SPEAN BRIDGE
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1. The Grey Corries is the long chain of mountains to the east of the Nevis Range. Well seen from the popular viewpoint of the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge (as in this photograph), their summits are covered with the quartzite scree that gives these mountains their name. The walk begins from Corriechoille which is accessed via a narrow road from Spean Bridge on the south side of the River Spean. There is limited parking close to the river by Cour Bridge. Alternatively there is usually no objection to driving up the private road past Corriechoille Lodge and continuing to the track junction a couple of kilometres beyond – the track is very rough going for cars however and requires great care. Continue up the track, which is part of the ancient right of way over the Lairig Leacach, on foot.
2. The track passes the remains of the old narrow gauge railway that dates from the construction of the old aluminium works tunnel which linked Fort William to Loch Treig, before heading into a section of forestry (under felling). Once beyond this area of felled forestry, with the Allt Leachdach in sight ahead, turn left (no path) up the grassy hillside, keeping to the right of the fence. The way steepens a litte before curving south onto the open slopes leading up to Stob Coire Gaibhre, a long and unremitting ascent. From here, the walk improves dramatically, with views across the corrie on the left with its tiny lake to the outlying top of Stob Coire na Ceannain.
3. Continue along the ridge, which is fairly broad at first, keeping the cliffs and corrie on the left. After a very short descent this ridge climbs up to a curious knobbly summit from where the side ridge to Stob Coire na Ceannain goes off to the left. Don' take this ridge (unless you wish to detour to include the extra peak), instead continuing past the knobble to reach a steeper ridge just beyond. Follow the crest to the right to reach Stob Coire Claurigh. This Munro is the fourteenth highest mountain in Britain and enjoys a fine panaroma. Most eyes will be on the snaking Grey Corries ridge leading away to the west.
Photo ©Steven Craven, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
4. The ridge heads south of west at first as it descends before climbing slightly to the Top of Stob a 'Choire Leith. The crest of the ridge is mostly covered with quartzite scree but there is a worn path that helps to ease the going. The ridge now curves gracefully to the left as it descends on grass before a stony pull onto the rocky top just before the summit of Stob Coire Cath na Sine, which has a sharp drop on the left. Follow the ridge west onto the next top, Caisteal.
5. From Caisteal the ridge drops only briefly before the stony climb to Stob Coire an Laoigh, the second Munro of the day at 1115 metres. From here, continue along the crest of the ridge to the next summit, the Top of Stob Coire Easain at 1080 metres. Now, a decision must be made. If you have enough energy, it is well worth continuing along the ridge to take in a third Munro, Sgurr Choinnich Mhor – the most shapely of the Grey Corries, before returning to this point. Those who are already tired will want to omit this part of the walk and continue at paragraph 6.
Photo ©Steven Craven, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
6. To include the extra peak, head down the well defined ridge to the south southwest to reach the wide Bealach Coire Easain. The next section of ascent is very steep, followed by a fine ridge leading to the summit of the pyramidal peak of Sgurr Choinnich Mor. This is the third Munro of the day at 1095m. Return to the bealach and back up to Stop Coire Easain.
7. Descend the initially wide slopes to the north northeast. These soon become a better defined ridge over the minor peak of Beinn na Socaich. Continue down the ridge for some distance; the slopes become increasingly open and grassy. Once the edge of the forestry draws close, descend northeast down the very steep grassy slopes to the Allt Coire Chiomhlidh, crossing this stream when possible.
Photo ©Paul Birrell, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
8. Continue down the east side of the stream, passing a small lochan with a dam to reach a forest road. Continue along this for around 500 metres to reach a wide clearing along the line of the former narrow gauge railway mentioned earlier.
9. Turn right along the line of this railway. The walking is easy in some parts, but in others is tough and tiring – much of the route has become boggy and overgrown. There are also various former bridges missing , necessitating steep descents and re-ascents to cross the gaps, which can be very trying at such a late stage in the day. After two and a half kilometres the Corriecoille – Lairig Leacach track from earlier in the day is reached. Turn left down this to return to the start.
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