Walkhighlands

Hi,

After camping at Glen Nevis every year for the last 5 or 6 years it's fair to say I had grown an obsession with Sgurr a'Mhaim and Stob Ban. The curved peaks, usually covered in snow had an affect on me that I can't really explain. A couple of the years we had opted to summit Ben Nevis as it higher but being unable to actually see the summit from the site it never really had the same draw, i like to be able look up and think "Ive been up there".

So we (myself and my better half) planned our annual trip upto Ft. William for the August bank holiday, plan was for two days camping and then 4-5 days in a chalet near Lochinver (there are one or two peaks up there i have a similar relationship with )

The initial plan was to do a small section of the Ring o'Steall taking Sgurr a'Mhaim, Stob Ban and finally Mullach nan Coirean. So bags were packed, maps were loaded and lunches were made Sunday was the day!

Woke up on Sunday and the weather was glorious, this was definitely the day. Had a good breakfast and set off to the car park at 9am. Found the path and off we went.

P1010810 by Steevie79, on Flickr

We made slow but noticeable progress up the lower slope, i was finding it pretty tough going especially due to the temperature, however the scenery was keeping me going.


P1010803 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010795 by Steevie79, on Flickr

I think between the gradient and the temperature i have managed to forget the pain i felt on our way up to the scree slope, all i can remember is a never ending zig-zig path

Once up at the base of the scree slope we took a break and savored more stunning views


P1010766 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010772 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010613 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010789 by Steevie79, on Flickr

Once past the scree the last bit was relatively straightforward and seeing the summit made me forget my aching legs.

We sat at the summit for over an hour which we had all to ourselves just admiring the views and decided that carrying on to Stob Ban wasn't the really a great idea, neither of us had much water left and I didn't have the legs, the ridge up to Stob Ban also looked pretty daunting. So we decided to just retrace our steps and save Stob Ban for another day.

Some more pics


P1010764 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010736 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010727 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010758 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010760 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010767 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010710 by Steevie79, on Flickr


P1010716 by Steevie79, on Flickr
Ben Nevis Summit


P1010708 by Steevie79, on Flickr
Back at the campsite, beer and BBQ time


Sgurr a'Mhaim by Steevie79, on Flickr

The rest of the break wasn't quite so good, we got drenched on Canisp, weather was so bad that we didnt take any pictures. The following day while trying to get our boots dry was a decent day for Suilven but we missed out, the day after wasn't so good so we only made it to Fion Loch before we called it a day . We definitely have a reason to go back again!