I done a lot of research on the route up the curved ridge online. Watched a number of GoPro videos and consulted people who had climbed it before.
I was surprised how easy it was to negotiate up the mountain on this side. Plenty of others climbing on the same day ensured we were in the right place. As long as you can identify Rannoch wall and stick the the crest of the ridge just to the left of it you'll be fine.
The scratch marks left by crampons are also a good indicator you are on the right track.
Absolutely loved this climb which is pretty much a vertical scramble more than anything else. The holds are good and there are a few sections that level off to catch a rest from clinging to the rock.
There are two noteworthy sections which required a bit of extra focus. A semi narrow ledge you shuffle along before you can ascend higher and the section I've heard referred to as the corner. This is a climbing of probably 3 metres straight up before levelling off again.
Crowberry tower must definitely be included if you do curved ridge. It's a straightforward climb round and up to the top and is a 5 minute diversion from the main route.
I got to the top of Stob Dearg to the sight of about 50 other walkers which being a sunny day in Scotland is probably why everyone and their granny had decided to reinforce this mountains popularity. But the views from this summit are phenomenal. Rannoch Moor stretches for miles in one direction and the expanse of munros fills the other directions. Truly stunning on a clear day!
The walk from Stob Dearg to the second Munro Stob na Broige took about 1.5hrs. It's longer than you think because the Munro top Stob na Doire stands in your way. The views from the second Munro give you a good look down toward Loch Etive.
We returned via Lairig Gartain all the way back to the car.
18426110_10154928165528122_2013610642_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18452000_10154928165508122_911169408_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18379646_10154928165418122_1818600215_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18379490_10154928165363122_1887676477_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18426843_10154928165378122_1369280612_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18426982_10154928165703122_1342921294_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405347_10154928165808122_1816652780_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18426085_10154928165863122_1149056605_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405686_10154928165653122_347099092_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18451945_10154928165718122_483889962_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405512_10154928165593122_715744498_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405400_10154928165588122_717211742_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18427066_10154928165518122_1598945750_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405742_10154928165428122_1557999494_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405520_10154928165458122_1322839829_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405691_10154928165423122_1540687889_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18406156_10154928165373122_949887167_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18406166_10154928165368122_1614839318_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405343_10154928165868122_1791213561_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18471791_10154928165818122_1228218771_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
18405426_10154928165733122_1366360978_o by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
I was enjoying my well earned fish supper in the real food cafe after bagging Stob Coir an Albannaich and Meall nan Eun with my husband. (recognised you from your photos) Awesome pictures and you certainly picked the right day for that route!
