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Ben More and Stob Binnein from InverlochlarigI vividly remember reaching the top of Ben More from Crianlarich on a very cold March day and thinking "I never want to tackle that ascent again!" This left a slight problem - how to climb Stob Binnein? Having read a few reports on Walkhighlands, I decided to give it a go from Inverlochlarig.
With the promise of fine weather all day, I left Edinburgh early. The journey was suprisingly quick without the usual procession of lorries and coaches through the Trossachs! I quickly had my boots on and was ready to go.
I'd heard the start of this route was punishingly steep, and can confirm the reports weren't exaggerated. The photo doesn't really do the gradient justice. Although as you gain height, fantastic views open up over Loch Voil, and across to the Arrochar Hills.
- The Steep Start!
- View over Loch Voil to Ben Vorlich and Stuc A'Chroin
It's a huge relief when the top of the steep section is reached and the route ahead becomes clear.
- The Route Ahead
- First proper view of the summit
From here, a gentle ridge walk leads to the top of Stob Coire and Lochan. A slight dip and a fairly steep ascent and I was stood on top of Stob Binnein. As promised, despite a strong wind, the weather was absolutely beautiful. Clear blue skies and views across much of the Southern Highlands.
- Cruach Ardrain from Stob Binnein
Now it was decision time - to go across to Ben More or not? With the weather as good as this and with plenty of daylight left, how could I refuse?! I set off quickly to the bealach-eadhar-dha-bheinn and began the long ascent up Ben More. Although steep, there's a good path that leads all the way up. Despite the lack of snow, there was some fantastic neve around the short scrambling step - a chance to get the ice axe out!
The views back to Stob Binnein were stunningly beautiful
- Weather starting to turn
- Obligatory Summit Shot
Unfortunately, I could see clouds beginning to roll in from the west covering the distant hills. I made a swift retreat down to the bealach and cursed the fact i needed to retrace my steps over Stob Binnein to reach the car park! As I started reascending the clouds came in and the snow started. With the strong wind, I was blasted by horizontal hail for the entire journey back up Stob Binnein. I met the only other walker that day on the summit of Stob Binnein and through the wind and snow chatted about the appalling weather we'd had this year.
With no more ascent, all that was left was to retrace my steps to the car park - a welcome sight at the end of a long day.
- Very different weather to earlier!
Despite the longer route and having to retrace your steps over Stob Binnein, this route was definitely preferable to the long slog up Ben More from Crianlarich.