Labour Day 2005.

Instead of attending a traditional union rally in one of Europe’s major cities like Mechernich, Saarbrücken, Nottingham or Berlin we had set our minds on a group of hills where workers’ rights and work conditions – important as they are – would be of less importance than rights of way and weather conditions.

From Luiblea on the Spean Bridge to Newtonmore road we started our hill-walk on a Sunday morning. The weather looked like there would be some rain and sleet on the hills. Twenty minutes into the walk we put on our raingear. It was to be put to good use, indeed, this day. After a little less than one hour of walking on a landrover track we reached Lochan na Earba whence we continued up a good stalkers path which contours around the foot of Sgurr an t-Saighdeir, which basically is some big crags on the lower slopes of Creag Pitridh. Steadily we climbed this path beside the Allt Coire Pitridh. Visibility became rather bad when we entered the cloud cover, the basis of which hung at around 600m.

After about 2 hours we reached the col between Geal Charn and Beinn a’Chlachair. There we turned left on a path which – as our map said – leads to the col between Creag Pitridh and Geal Charn. We got to this second col after fifteen minutes of walking. Here the cloud cover broke for the first time and we were lucky enough to get a few glimpses of the steep path up Creag Pitridh and the crags below its summit. After a short break used to refill our batteries with sandwiches, biscuits and tea we followed the path up the south-westerly face of the first Munro of the day.

At the summit the wind was blowing really hard. We met a pair of walkers up there and these two ladies gave us some directions for the continuation to Geal Charn from where they had just come. We retraced our steps to the col below Geal Charn and headed up … [Read More]

Labour Day 2005. Instead of attending a traditional union rally in one of Europe’s major cities like Mechernich, Saarbrücken, Nottingham or Berlin we had set our minds on a group of hills where workers’ rights and work conditions – important as they are – would be of less importance than rights of way and weather conditions.

From Luiblea on the Spean Bridge to Newtonmore road we started our hill-walk on a Sunday morning. The weather looked like there would be some rain and sleet on the hills. Twenty minutes into the walk we put on our raingear. It was to be put to good use, indeed, this day. After a little less than one hour of walking on a landrover track we reached Lochan na Earba whence we continued up a good stalkers path which contours around the foot of Sgurr an t-Saighdeir, which basically is some big crags on the lower slopes of Creag Pitridh. Steadily we climbed this path beside the Allt Coire Pitridh. Visibility became rather bad when we entered the cloud cover, the basis of which hung at around 600m.

After about 2 hours we reached the col between Geal Charn and Beinn a’Chlachair. There we turned left on a path which – as our map said – leads to the col between Creag Pitridh and Geal Charn. We got to this second col after fifteen minutes of walking. Here the cloud cover broke for the first time and we were lucky enough to get a few glimpses of the steep path up Creag Pitridh and the crags below its summit. After a short break used to refill our batteries with sandwiches, biscuits and tea we followed the path up the south-westerly face of the first Munro of the day.

At the summit the wind was blowing really hard. We met a pair of walkers up there and these two ladies gave us some directions for the continuation to Geal Charn from where they had just come. We retraced our steps to the col below Geal … [Read More]

On a sunny morning, half past nine, Frank and I reached the end of the road in Glen Nevis and parked our car. Putting on our gear we looked around, glimpsed views of the surrounding summits through the lifting clouds and finally started the tour, heading into Glen Nevis. We crossed the river by means of the wire bridge, then crossed the Allt Coire a’Mhail below the Steall Waterfall and picked up the path leading into the northern corrie of An Gearanach. This path heads up into the corrie over terrain characterized by gravel, grass and slabs. Higher up in the corrie it zigzags until after one final right turn the ridge is reached leading steeply onwards to An Gearanach. Here the view opened up.

The weather conditions being as they were the Ring of Steall, Ben Nevis, Carn Mor Dearg, the Aonachs and the southern flank of the Grey Corries sprang into full view. Alas, the summit had to be gained and so we continued up the last 300m to the summit of An Gearanach. A snack replenished exhausted reserves of carbohydrates and then we headed on to An Garbanach. This section of the ring provided most of the fun as scrambling goes and was far more interesting than the Devil’s ridge. All too soon we reached the more spacious summit of Stob Coire a’Chairn from where our eyes explored the eastern part of the Mamores with Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean standing out as the major attractions.

And on we went over some bump in the ridge before we had to tackle the north-east ridge of Am Bodach which is really quite steep, rocky and has some sections strewn with scree. But steep terrain allows quick gain of height and in no time at all we banged into the summit of this third Munro of the day. No real rest here. On the way to Sgur an Iubhair we met a dozen elderly hikers who were doing the ring in the opposite direction and who seemed to be enjoying themselves … [Read More]

2004 On a sunny morning, half past nine, Frank and I reached the end of the road in Glen Nevis and parked our car. Putting on our gear we looked around, glimpsed views of the surrounding summits through the lifting clouds and finally started the tour, heading into Glen Nevis. We crossed the river by means of the wire bridge, then crossed the Allt Coire a’Mhail below the Steall Waterfall and picked up the path leading into the northern corrie of An Gearanach. This path heads up into the corrie over terrain characterized by gravel, grass and slabs. Higher up in the corrie it zigzags until after one final right turn the ridge is reached leading steeply onwards to An Gearanach. Here the view opened up.

The weather conditions being as they were the Ring of Steall, Ben Nevis, Carn Mor Dearg, the Aonachs and the southern flank of the Grey Corries sprang into full view. Alas, the summit had to be gained and so we continued up the last 300m to the summit of An Gearanach. A snack replenished exhausted reserves of carbohydrates and then we headed on to An Garbanach. This section of the ring provided most of the fun as scrambling goes and was far more interesting than the Devil’s ridge. All too soon we reached the more spacious summit of Stob Coire a’Chairn from where our eyes explored the eastern part of the Mamores with Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean standing out as the major attractions. And on we went over some bump in the ridge before we had to tackle the north-east ridge of Am Bodach which is really quite steep, rocky and has some sections strewn with scree. But steep terrain allows quick gain of height and in no time at all we banged into the summit of this third Munro of the day. No real rest here.

On the way to Sgur an Iubhair we met a dozen elderly hikers who were doing the ring in the opposite direction and who … [Read More]

On a sunny morning, half past nine, Frank and I reached the end of the road in Glen Nevis and parked our car. Putting on our gear we looked around, glimpsed views of the surrounding summits through the lifting clouds and finally started the tour, heading into Glen Nevis. We crossed the river by means of the wire bridge, then crossed the Allt Coire a’Mhail below the Steall Waterfall and picked up the path leading into the northern corrie of An Gearanach. This path heads up into the corrie over terrain characterized by gravel, grass and slabs. Higher up in the corrie it zigzags until after one final right turn the ridge is reached leading steeply onwards to An Gearanach. Here the view opened up.

The weather conditions being as they were the Ring of Steall, Ben Nevis, Carn Mor Dearg, the Aonachs and the southern flank of the Grey Corries sprang into full view. Alas, the summit had to be gained and so we continued up the last 300m to the summit of An Gearanach. A snack replenished exhausted reserves of carbohydrates and then we headed on to An Garbanach. This section of the ring provided most of the fun as scrambling goes and was far more interesting than the Devil’s ridge. All too soon we reached the more spacious summit of Stob Coire a’Chairn from where our eyes explored the eastern part of the Mamores with Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean standing out as the major attractions.

And on we went over some bump in the ridge before we had to tackle the north-east ridge of Am Bodach which is really quite steep, rocky and has some sections strewn with scree. But steep terrain allows quick gain of height and in no time at all we banged into the summit of this third Munro of the day. No real rest here. On the way to Sgur an Iubhair we met a dozen elderly hikers who were doing the ring in the opposite direction and who seemed to be enjoying themselves … [Read More]

On a sunny morning, half past nine, Frank and I reached the end of the road in Glen Nevis and parked our car. Putting on our gear we looked around, glimpsed views of the surrounding summits through the lifting clouds and finally started the tour, heading into Glen Nevis. We crossed the river by means of the wire bridge, then crossed the Allt Coire a’Mhail below the Steall Waterfall and picked up the path leading into the northern corrie of An Gearanach. This path heads up into the corrie over terrain characterized by gravel, grass and slabs. Higher up in the corrie it zigzags until after one final right turn the ridge is reached leading steeply onwards to An Gearanach. Here the view opened up.

The weather conditions being as they were the Ring of Steal, Ben Nevis, Carn Mor Dearg, the Aonachs and the southern flank of the Grey Corries sprang into full view. Alas, the summit had to be gained and so we continued up the last 300m to the summit of An Gearanach. A snack replenished exhausted reserves of carbohydrates and then we headed on to An Garbanach. This section of the ring provided most of the fun as scrambling goes and was far more interesting than the Devil’s ridge. All too soon we reached the more spacious summit of Stob Coire a’Chairn from where our eyes explored the eastern part of the Mamores with Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean standing out as the major attractions. And on we went over some bump in the ridge before we had to tackle the north-east ridge of Am Bodach which is really quite steep, rocky and has some sections strewn with scree. But steep terrain allows quick gain of height and in no time at all we banged into the summit of this third Munro of the day. No real rest here.

On the way to Sgur an Iubhair we met a dozen elderly hikers who were doing the ring in the opposite direction and who seemed to be … [Read More]

The Easains. Another day with a weather forecast that did not exactly extend an invitation to eager hillwalkers wanting to do a high-level tramp over exposed terrain. We set off from Fersit in the middle of the morning in glorious sunshine. We passed the dam of Loch Treig and looked at the western slopes of Stob Coire Sgriodain with water tumbling down the burns on the hillside. In no time we reached the spot where today’s path branched off and headed up the slope to reach the shoulder of the hill below Meall Cian Dearg. First glimpses of the Grey Corries in sunshine. On we pressed over Meall Cian Dearg only to discover that on the hill the weather was about to turn foul.

We trodded on over the very broad ridge and before the second stepening of the ridge was reached we put on our rain gear – only to discover here that Frank had forgotten to bring along his waterproof jacket. Oh my! Through strong winds bringing along a considerable amount of drizzle we reached the summit of Stob a’ Choire Mheadhoin fighting against the breeze which was getting stronger. In the lee of the summit cairn we rested for a short while and ate some sandwiches and drank hot tea from the flask before we continued to the col between the first munro and Stob Coire Eassin. On the descent to the col the wind got really strong and for a second I considered heading straight down NW to Coire Laire. But looking each other in the face we realized that the weather would not stop us this day. So soon we climbed up the steep slopes to the summit of Stob Coire Eassin. The summit was gained and again we rested behind the cairn. The views were not too extensive but we were content with being sheltered from the wind. So after some more tea we headed down the north-west rige of Stob Coire Eassin which was quite steep, eroded and in places composed of a … [Read More]

The Grey Corries. On a day with uncertain weather forecast we drove to Corriechoille. Sunny spells and rain showers were the BBC’s guess and this proved to be correct during the first two hours of the walk – later there was only sunshine and clouds but hardly any water from above. We parked the car at the junction where the private road to Corriechoille branches off south. We walked on this right of way past Corriechoille Farm into the direction of the forrest plantations north of the Grey Corries range. Continuing on the forrest road which roughly runs parallel to the bed of the Allt Leachdach we soon left the forrest behinds us and headed towards the highest point of this track below the craggy west face of Cruach Innse. A few hundred metres before the col we left the track and headed in a south-westerly direction up the steep lower slopes of Stob Coire na Ceannain. We paused where the steep slopes ease off and give way to the higher plateau-like grassy terrain. From there we walked to the end of the steep south east ridge, contoured around it and picked up a path heading first north than west which took us to the summit of Stob Coire na Ceannain. From this top the connecting ridge to the first Munro of the day looked interesting and entertaining indeed.

It lived up to this expectation and proved to be the most entertaining scramble of the day. Finally we got to the summit of Stob Choire Claurigh. We took a longish break there, had a snack and some tea and above all enjoyed the views. With more fun to come we then pressed on over the twisting ridge of the Grey Corries with its gentle drops in height, beautifully steep northern corries and succession of rocky tops ligned up on the way to the day’s Munro No. 2, Stob Coire an Laoigh. After about one hour of walking we reached it and sat down to have tea inside the circular shelter … [Read More]

The Easains. Another day with a weather forecast that did not exactly extend an invitation to eager hillwalkers wanting to do a high-level tramp over exposed terrain. We set off from Fersit in the middle of the morning in glorious sunshine. We passed the dam of Loch Treig and looked at the western slopes of Stob Coire Sgriodain with water tumbling down the burns on the hillside. In no time we reached the spot where today’s path branched off and headed up the slope to reach the shoulder of the hill below Meall Cian Dearg. First glimpses of the Grey Corries in sunshine. On we pressed over Meall Cian Dearg only to discover that on the hill the weather was about to turn foul. We trodded on over the very broad ridge and before the second stepening of the ridge was reached we put on our rain gear – only to discover here that Frank had forgotten to bring along his waterproof jacket. Oh my!

Through strong winds bringing along a considerable amount of drizzle we reached the summit of Stob a’ Choire Mheadhoin fighting against the breeze which was getting stronger. In the lee of the summit cairn we rested for a short while and ate some sandwiches and drank hot tea from the flask before we continued to the col between the first munro and Stob Coire Eassin. On the descent to the col the wind got really strong and for a second I considered heading straight down NW to Coire Laire. But looking each other in the face we realized that the weather would not stop us this day. So soon we climbed up the steep slopes to the summit of Stob Coire Eassin. The summit was gained and again we rested behind the cairn. The views were not too extensive but we were content with being sheltered from the wind. So after some more tea we headed down the north-west rige of Stob Coire Eassin which was quite steep, eroded and in places composed of a … [Read More]

On 3 May 2012 Frank and I wanted to walk on tracks we had done nine years before together with Alex. To complete the Grey Corries we still needed to visit Stob Ban and Sgurr Choinnich Mhor, the two outliers of the Grey Corries ridge.

As before we approached the mountains by way of the single-track road on the south bank of the River Spean. At Corriechoille we passed the farm and continued on the dirt road for another mile or so. Then we parked our car at a signpost and continued on foot beside the Allt Leachglach first trough some fir plantations and then through the open glen. On the right side of the glen the steep flanks of Stob Choire Gaibhre and Stob Coir nan Ceannain looked inviting indeed. Cruach Innse and Ston Innse on the left side were also very interesting Corbetts. But we had set our compass on climbing Stob Ban. After maybe 90 minutes we reached the bothy which lies at the foot of the north-east ridge of Stob Ban. There we rested for a short while and then continued up Stob Ban’s north-east ridge.

First there is a steep section of the path that surmounts a rocky hump and then continues through a grassy depression. At the top of this section of the climb a nice and airy path runs a couple of dozens of metres below the skyline above and provides for an airy continuation with great views of Stob Choire Claurigh, the Grey Corries and the Giant’s Staircase below. Then the path reaches the ridge at a grassy saddle before, after another rise in the ridge, the final steep section of the climb starts. This is the summit pyramid of Stob Ban which consists of quartzite. White stones everywhere, loads of loose quartzite scree but the path is always clear albeit sometimes very steep and scree-strewn.

At the summit we paused and drank some water. The weather was very good and sun was shining brightly. I decided that after two days of major … [Read More]