Grey Corries

[soulminer]

This walk was supposed to be weather dependant, three choices.We passed the first choice on the road up, clear- but didn't stop Mags choice,Doogz, Nelson and I just played along. Headed into The Fort and the weather for the Grey Corries looked slightly less inviting - the clue is in the first part of Corries Across the horizon the third choice didn't look promising eithers.
The Grey Corries it was then. The drive up the 'track' to the parking spot at the junction out of the forest was in danger of ripping the exhaust off the car, certainly much worse than previous visits here. A few cars here already, and it was 0830. Readied ourselves quickly as the 'plague' had descended and was causing havoc.
Set off at a cracking pace, thanks to Mags being in a hurry I think she was trying to remove herself from the onslaught of hilarity, mostly at her expense Compass routes, Red October and Baywatch being a few Past the Minister and up and on through the gate, then taking a stop to delayer and refresh- might be a little cloudy ,but it was indeed warm. An occasional blast of sunshine poked through cheering us up as we strode along, at a more sedate pace due to the clamminess. Another stop for Mags to change a lace with the view ahead


IMGP1186 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The first view of Target 1


IMGP1188 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Kept the pace up still filling the air with hilarity- not just Mags as the victim Reached the Leacach Bothy and another refreshment.


IMGP1190 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

It was brightning up a bit above us ,but there were still clouds on the horizon, and the second target had a hat on.

The Innses and the bothy


IMGP1192 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The view of Stob Ban from the path


IMGP1193 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Some cloudier areas


IMGP1196 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

It was turning out to be an enjoyable day, not as bad as we thought when in the Fort. Still some lingering cloud about but we were confident of fine views all day
Nelson stopped us in our tracks as he spotted a family of Ptarmigan.


IMGP1199 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

This proved to be about the only wildlife spotted today, a part for a raven on the next Stob.

Stob Ban's final climb


IMGP1202 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Doogz and Mags


IMGP1203 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Ptarmigan spotter, Nelson


IMGP1204 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

At last the summit, with me to spoil it for you


IMGP1211 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A bit to eat,a drink and off to Stob Choire Claurigh, which was to clear for our arrival Mags doesn't like scree, so this part was not to be the best part of her day

Our descent route


IMGP1214 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We sat at the bottom watching her struggle, gentlemen we ain't But did shout some encouragement

A view from the bealach


IMGP1223 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We gathered forces and marched onward. Watching the cloud disappear as we gained the summit Doogz was delighted- another summit with a view ticked of his 'unseen whilst bagging' list Stopped to take some snaps, and was joined by Alan from Inverness- a member of this site, hello Alan
Another couple of intrepids joined us for a time, before we headed on to the Ridge proper.

The usual Ridge pic


IMGP1229 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A few more along the way


IMGP1236 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Doogz and Mags


IMGP1237 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP1240 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP1242 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

I thought this was one of the best pics I took on the day, personally- Stob Ban


IMGP1243 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP1246 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Sgurr Choinnich Mor, Aonach Beag and Nevis


IMGP1249 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We decided not to do SCMor as Mags could do this as a single from Glen Nevis. We headed of to the bealach and took the 'Goat track' across to cut out the top

Nelson on point


IMGP1252 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The last photos of the day


IMGP1254 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP1255 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Headed out towards the dam, and out the 'firm', forestry track back to the car. A very enjoyable day, a good day for Mags- 3 Munros, reaching 190
Cheers.

[dogplodder]

I'm with Mags not liking scree - and folk watching just makes it worse!

Looks a good route though with your usual excellent photos. How long did it take?

[soulminer]

Hi dp,
I think it took about 7/8 hrs, was not counting

[SMRussell]

Some rather nice pics there. Did these back in July but heading the other way. Can't say I'd have fancied heading down the scree on Stob Ban!

I've noticed you're using a Pentax X90 Digital Camera and getting good results. We've been carting DSLRs up into the hills and have been considering a smaller more practical piece of kit. The other half has sorted himself with a jazzy little Sony but I wondered how do you find the Pentax in terms of weight, size and ability to whip it out whenever something picture worthy comes into view? Also - can you shoot in RAW?

[soapy27]

Great report and fantastic photos .Nice one

[Stuart Angus]

Very nice sm, very nice indeed

[Johnny Corbett]

Good stuff, similar day to what i got. Wish i'd taken the firm track back to the car, that would be your best decision of the day