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I had looked at these two on numerous occasions and fancied doing them from Glen Etive, taking in the Munros from Ben Starav to Stob a'Choire Odhair.
With events seeming to conspire against that, I decided to climb just the two, using the WH route from Victoria Bridge.
- Abhainn Shira.
- Clashgour Hut & Stob a'Choire Odhair.
I followed the Abhainn Shira to the Clashgour Hut, before heading north on a really soggy path that follows Allt Toaig, aiming for a fork in the path before Coire Toaig.
- West towards Starav group of Munros.
Once at the fork, the track improves greatly, leading up alongside Allt Caolain Duibh, before veering away and continuing on to the summit of Stob a'Choire Odhair. The views opened up in all directions as I gained height, which I was relieved by, as the cloud was dropping a bit, but this would work in my favour later
.
- Waterfall coming from Coire na Muic.
- Route up Stob a'Choire Odhair.
- Aonach Eagach on Stob Ghabhar.
- Distant Ben Cruachan.
- Towards the Crianlarich hills.
- Loch Ba and Rannoch Moor through the clouds.
- Stob a'Choire Odhair summit.
I spent a while here taking in the extensive views.
- Creise & Meall a'Bhuiridh.
- Bidean nam Bian.
Next stop, Stob Ghabhar was looking inviting too, so I headed down to the bealach, before following a faint path onto Couloir Buttress.
- Stob Ghabhar ahead.
This ascent was made much easier by being shrouded in cloud all the way up
and in no time at all, I was on the ridge and above the cloud
.
- Looking back to Stob a'Choire Odhair.
- Faint brocken spectre.
A nice rocky ridge awaits, leading on up to Stob Ghabhar summit.
- Route up to Stob Ghabhar.
- Stob Ghabhar summit.
- Stob Ghabhar's Munro Tops.
- The Bookil.
From the summit, I followed the fence line down Stob Maol, eventually arriving back at the track out.
- Dorain group.
It was a lovely warm afternoon, making for a pleasant walk back to the car.
Even the local Robin was enjoying the conditions.
- Taking liberties!!