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As a bit of a novice in the Highlands, I had not given much thought to the Mamores. This all changed when I set eyes on them from the top of the Pap of Glencoe one evening at the end of May and I did not have to wait long for an opportunity to get a bit closer. A few days later I set out from Kinlochleven in an easterly direction and views back along Loch Leven soon opened up.
- Loch Leven
A decent path took me around the flank of Sgurr Eilde Beag.
- Sgurr Eilde Beag
Some of the Glencoe giants were visible to the south.
- View south to Buachaille Etive Mor
The path levelled for a while as it passed Sgurr Eilde Mor.
- Sgurr Eilde Mor
Then striking cone of Binnein Beag appeared to the north.
- Binnein Beag
The sun was now starting to get the better of the shower clouds.
- View towards Grey Corries
At the head of Coire a' Bhinnein the path steepened for the climb to the ridge.
- Coire a' Bhinnein
From the ridge the Glencoe peaks were visible to the south again.
- View to Bidean nam Bian
I now had a bird's eye view of the route I had taken past Sgurr Eilde Mor.
- Sgurr Eilde Mor and Beag
On reaching the minor summit at 1062m I was suddenly rewarded with a fantastic view of Ben Nevis. I had not seen it from this close up before.
- First view of Ben Nevis
A superb ridge stretched out towards Binnein Mor.
- Binnein Mor
The ridge in the other direction looked pretty inviting too.
- Na Gruagaichean
And so did the rest of the Mamores range, now basking in the afternoon sunshine.
- View west across Mamores
The summit of Binnein Mor was achieved with no difficulties, thanks to the good paths and excellent visibility. I had only seen one other party of walkers all day and I had the summit entirely to myself.
- Ben Nevis from Binnein Mor
The top was quite narrow - definitely not recommended for vertigo sufferers. Binnein Beag now looked a long way down.
- Binnein Beag from Binnein Mor
The ridge walk from Binnein Mor to Na Gruagaichean was a rare delight.
- Ridge to Na Gruagaichean
Ben Nevis continued to catch the eye.
- Ben Nevis again
From Na Gruagaichean, the Ring of Steall summits looked superb. Another day, perhaps?
- Mamores from Na Gruagaichean
Loch Leven beckoned now to the south.
- Loch Leven from Na Gruagaichean
The south ridge of Na Gruagaichean looked quite benign from the summit and was clearly the most direct route back to Kinlochleven. However, I was a bit wary of the 'rough pathless ground' and deer fences mentioned in the Walkhighlands walk description. While I was wondering what to do, a friendly fellow from Inverness arrived and was kind enough to offer to accompany me down. This meant that I had the bonus of pleasant company for the rest of the walk too. In the event, the rough ground was steep but dry and not too difficult. There were great views across the coire.
- Am Bodach
And all the while Kinlochleven was drawing closer.
- Loch Leven
The deer fence was easily negotiated. Even by the deer had no problem with it - we saw a young one squeeze under the fence a little further along from where we crossed it. We were soon able to look back up at the route we had taken off the mountain.
- Na Gruagaichean from Kinlochleven
When we reached Kinlochleven I said goodbye to my helpful companion and enjoyed some time in the lovely evening sunshine.
- River at Kinlochleven
- Beinn na Caillich