Stob Ban is one of the finest peaks in the Mamores, its quartzite summit giving magnificent views. An enjoyable ridge traverse joins it to the lesser peak of Mullach nan Coirean, giving an excellent walk.
Summary
Scree and shattered rocky ridges on Stob Ban; gentler grassy going on Mullach nan Coirean, with some boggy ground on descent. This is a steep mountain walk but with paths throughout.
Terrain
NN145683
Grid ref
13km/8 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Bus service May to September runs up Glen Nevis to Polldubh car park.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park in the car park situated above the Glen Nevis road just before reaching the bridge at Polldubh. It is worth walking over to this bridge before starting the walk to have a good look at the Polldubh Falls (also known as the 'Lower Falls'), usually busy with coach parties. Don't take the path leading up beside the river itself, but instead take the track (soon becoming a path) heading south, keeping to the east side of the Allt Coire a'Mhusgain.
2. This old stalkers path climbs at a steady angle but fairly relentlessly, soon passing beneath the southwest ridge of Sgurr a Mhaim, and keeping a fair distance above the stream in its deep ravine. The path climbs through some attractively scattered deciduous woodland before reaching the entrance to the upper Coire Mhusgain and climbing high above on the slopes of the Devil's ridge.
Photo ©Toby Speight, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
3. Once well above the corrie floor the clear path traverses round once more and climbs again to reach a minor upper level in the corrie before finally reaching the bealach. To the left is Sgor an Iubhair (part of the Ring of Steall walk); our route turns right up the ridge towards the impressive peak of Stob Ban. The ridge is grassy at first before climbing more steeply with scree to reach the upper slopes of the mountain. It keeps a little to the left on the climb up the final ridge which curves round above the dramatic northeast face of the mountain.
Photo ©wfmillar shows Stob Ban from Sgor an Iubhair, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
4. The summit of Stob Ban is the first of the walk's two Munros at 999 metres. It has a spectacular view; Ben Nevis looks its full height above the glen, whilst looking east the other Mamores peaks in view look magnificent. To continue the walk, follow the ridge northwards from the summit.
Photo ©wfmillar, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
5. The ridge bends to the left as it descends; keep on it to the knoll at 914 metres. From here the north ridge of Stob Ban continues for some distance before a precipitous plunge to the glen; rather than following this, our route turns left and follows the straightforward ridge leading towards Mullach nan Coirean, with some crags to the north and scree slopes to the south. This crosses a wide bealach before traversing a narrow summit at 910 metres, and then a much wider plateau like rise at 917 metres.
Photo ©wfmillar, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
6. Beyond these rises is a second bealach and then a gentle ascent to the summit of Mullach nan Coirean at 939 metres. This flat-topped peak suffers in comparison with Stob Ban but the ridgewalk should have been enjoyed. Follow the ridge northwards at first before curving right onto the northeast ridge; keep the steep crags on your right. The crest of the ridge leads down towards the forestry. At the large fence, turn left and follow it steeply down to the stream. Turn right to descend to a forest track leading off to the right. Turn along this, forking left downhill when a junction is reached. At the sharp bend ahead, take the good path which descends more directly through the trees to return to Achriabhach.
Photo ©Bill Coplandr, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
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Route profile
