Stob Coir'an Albannaich and Meall nan Eun

Summary

Stob Coir'an Albannaich is a little visited mountain with fine northern corries. This route combines it with neighbouring Meall nan Eun to give an escape from the crowds in Glencoe to the north.

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Grade

Bog Factor

2.63158/5

Rating

Terrain

Very boggy terrain on the lower slopes; higher up the peaks have vast areas of rocky slabs. Steep, craggy terrain is encountered on the descents from both peaks, requiring care and good navigation skills.

Deer Stalking information

Deer management may be taking place throughout the year but walkers are welcome and there are no preferred routes or access restrictions.

Getting there

Start

Parking layby opposite start of Coiletir track.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NN136468

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18km / 11.25 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1327m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Stob Coir' an Albannaich
Munro: Meall nan Eun

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Walk Description

User reports (29)

Stage 1

The walk starts along the track leading down to Coiletir from the Glen Etive road; there is a good sized parking layby off the opposite side of the road. Head down this track and over the bridge over the picturesque River Etive. Beyond this a junction is reached - keep right here and follow the hydro track. At Coiletir stay on the hydro track that bypasses the buildings to the right. Eventually the track reaches the Allt Mheuran. Don't cross the bridge but head up the left side of the burn; this section is overgrown and tussocky but for a much shorter distance than the direct route to NN138457.

Stage 2

Soon you'll see a series of waterfalls above the confluence of the Allt Meirleach and the Allt Mheuran, and the going becomes slightly easier. The path eventually comes closer and then runs beside the Allt Mheuran above the gorges. Continue on the path up the valley; there are good views across to Ben Starav and the conical peak of Glas Bheinn Mhor, and waterslides and small falls in the stream add interest on the long ascent to the bealach between Glas Bheinn Mhòr and Stob Coir'an Albanaich.

Stage 3

Climb the steep slope of grass and stones to the north to reach a flat shoulder. Stob Coir'an Albannaich can now be seen as a gentle dome ahead across a shallow depression; the easiest ascent is to contour round to the left to avoid the dip before ascending the slope to the ridge. At the top of this slope the landscape changes completely as the hill collapses on its northern side into deep, slabby corries. Turn right along the rim of these cliffs to reach the summit. This is the first Munro of the day, at 1044metres; there is a large, old grassy-grown cairn topped by a smaller, newer one, and a grand view of the Glencoe hills.

Stage 4

The traverse to the next Munro involves some convoluted route-finding which would be tricky in mist. Descend the initially steep and well-defined eastern ridge to where it begins to level off. The route down to the bealach involves turning left down a rake through the cliffs. There are two such rakes; the first is just before a rocky knobble - do not turn down this one, but continue a little further along the ridge to a second rake. This may be marked by a cairn and has a fair path starting down it; initially the path descends some slabby rocks before bearing left slightly to the descend a grassy gulley to the bealach.

Stage 5

From the bealach, ascend the intervening peak of Meall Tarsuinn, which has large areas of flat rocky slabs. A path descends the far side of Beinn Tarsuinn, winding between steeper slabs, to reach a second bealach. From here, the ascent up onto the broad, grassy dome of Meall nan Eun is more straightforward in good visibility. The summit, which is over to the right, is at 928 metres making it the second Munro of the day; without this status this peak would be little visited. There is a good view towards Loch Tulla and the Bridge of Orchy mountains, though the sprawling plateau robs the view of any depth.

Stage 6

Head northwest back across the plateau and continue down the steep slopes of the hill into Coire Riabhach. This slope has many steep crags and finding a safe route down the grass between them requires great care. Further down, continue across the less steep but very rough, tussocky terrain to reach the Allt Ceitlin. After the rough going, a hydro track is reached. Follow this down to Glen Etive, through two gates. Turn left along this track to a junction with another track; turn right here to head back across the bridge over the River Etive and return to the start.

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