Stob a' Choin, from Inverlochlarig

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Stob a' Choin may not reach the Munro status of its near neighbours, but it must rank amongst the steepest and most rugged peaks in this part of the Highlands. The ascent is very demanding although short in distance. The delightful summit is a very fine viewpoint. The terrain would be slightly easier if the descent route given here is used for both ascent and descent - although this involves more ups and downs.

Terrain

Pathless, very steep, rough and boggy terrain.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car park just short of Inverlochlarig. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a car park on the left at the end of the bumpy public road up past Loch Voil. Begin the walk by following the track which is the continuation of the road, passing Inverlochlarig - which was built on the site of Rob Roy's final home. The track turns left here, crosses a bridge, and then leaves the farm behind to continue up the empty glen. Stob a'Choin towers impressively on the left side of the glen.

Stage 2

Continue along the track until a footbridge over the river. Cross this to reach very boggy ground on the opposite side. Aim southwest, climbing diagonally across the hillside. The north ridge of Stob a' Choin is blocked by crags, so the aim is to reach it by crossing steep grassy ground above the difficulties - this is in full view in clear weather. A fence across the hillside at around 400m is crossed by means of a gate a couple of hundred metres each of the burn flowing down from the Bealach Coire an Laoigh. This burn is in a deep ravine at this point, so aim briefly left to get above some crags before returning to reach the burn at 470m where it is easy to cross between two sections of ravine. Beinn Tulaichean looks impressive across the glen.

Stage 3

On the far side climb steeply to gain the upper grassy rake originally seen on the approach. The going is steep and rough but there is no scrambling as the rake trends west, crossing an area of tumbled boulders - to eventually gain the grassy north ridge. Turn up this ridge towards the summit - again the steepness is unrelenting. There are stunning views back, especially looking along Loch Voil.

Stage 4

After a final very steep pull up grass the tiny cairn of the north summit is gained. This must be one of the most delightful summits in the Southern Highlands - an airy perch with superb views. The highest point, however, is the south summit, reached a short distance away across a dip.

Stage 5

From the south summit, a line of old fence posts help guide the route eastwards, down into the steep-sided Bealach Coire an Laoigh. The climb out of the far side - close by the fence posts - is particularly steep going. Continue across Meall Reamhar. The aim is to gain the Creag nam Saighead ridge; this is best done by climbing part way towards point 836m before cutting across to the ridge.

Stage 6

The Creag nan Saighead ridge descends northwards, crossing several minor bumps, and has the benefit of a faint path as well as fenceposts. Descend along it as far as the dip at 430m where a fence cuts right across the ridge. Follow this to the left, crossing another fence by an old gate, to begin the final section of the descent. On the open ground, ensure you keep to the west side of a ravine which forms parallel to the fence down the slope. Aim for the footbridge used earilier; cross this and then turn right along the track to retrace your steps back to the start.

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