Stob Coire Easain and Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin

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This fine pair of Munros - commonly known as the Easains - give a fairly long ridgewalk high above the glacial trough of Loch Treig. Stob Coire Easain in particular is a fine peak and offers superb views; it is quite hidden away behind other summits from most roads which perhaps explains why it isn't better known.

Terrain

Track, then very muddy path up to the ridge. Steep climb up to Meall Cian Dearg, then stony ridgewalking.

Public Transport

No buses to Fersit.

Start

Parking just north of An Dubh Lochan on Fersit road. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the end of the public road which leads to Fersit, where there is a very large turning area; park carefully to avoid obstructing any turning vehicles. Begin the walk by heading along the track from the far end of the turning area, signed as a private road - works vehicles only. The track soon leads through a gate and continues through attractive birch woodland towards the Loch Treig dam. When it forks - with the dam visible in the distance - stay on the main right hand branch. Soon the track forks again - stay on the main left hand branch keeping close to the dam and loch.

Stage 2

Almost a kilometre beyond the dam two tracks branch off to the right in quick succession. The first is the track which climbed off earlier coming back down to the track; ignore this and take the second track, which climbs uphill and soon becomes grassy as it leads up to a sheepfold. Beyond the sheepfold very muddy ATV tracks lead on up the moorland, keeping to the right of a burn before crossing it and swinging left below where a small waterfall is shaded by birch trees. The very muddy and rough tyre tracks emerge up on the moor just to the left of a concrete hydro pillar. From here Meall Cian Dearg rises as an impressively steep cone guarding the ridge ahead.

Stage 3

A very muddy path - briefly indistinct - leads directly towards Meall Cian Dearg, soon steepening to begin the ascent. Higher up the path zig-zags to and fro to pass steeply up through the crags near the top. Above Meall Cian Dearg the character of the ridge changes, becoming broad and somewhat featureless if visibility is poor. Continue across fairly level ground at first until the ridge begins to climb once more towards point 978m.

Stage 4

The tiny cairn heralds the start of another more level section of ridge, curving gently above the steep slopes of Coire Aluinn which sweep down to Loch Treig. Eventually the ground steepens once more for the final climb up to the first Munro summit, Stob a' Choire Mheadhoin.

Stage 5

The top takes the form of a small plateau, with the summit windshelter cairn at 1105m enjoying a spectacular view of the Grey Corries. Continue across the pathless summit area to reach the start of the descent down to the bealach to the southwest.

Stage 6

The slopes soon become stony but a path helps progress. Stob Coire Easain looks very impressive ahead, its fine peaked form towering over Coire Easain Beag. From the bealach the ascent begins gradually but steepens and becomes rocky towards the summit, which is spectacularly located on the rim of the northern crags. The views are very fine, extending across Rannoch Moor as well as the Nevis ranges.

Stage 7

The best descent is to retrace your steps back to the bealach and up over Stob a' Choire Mheadhoin (the alternative descent northwards from the bealach is steep initially and leads to a very long and boggy walk out - not recommended).

Stage 8

After Stob a' Choire Mheadhoin, continue reversing the outward route all the way back along the ridge. There are very extensive views across the glen towards the Creag Meagaidh ranges. Take care on the steep descent from Meall Cian Dearg, and bear just right of the hydro pillar to continue back to the start.

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