The westernmost of the Mamores make a striking pair, the dramatic sharp peak of Stob Ban contrasting nicely with sprawling, corrie-bitten Mullach nan Coirean. From Glen Nevis, the horseshoe of the two summits covers some enjoyable ridge walking ground. With a smattering of scrambling in summer and more than a hint of mountaineering in winter, this is a shorter, easier alternative to the neighbouring Ring of Steall - but no less worthwhile.
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Height Profile
metres / Distance
miles
Detailed description
1
NN1452168327 From the road in Glen Nevis a 4WD track (not marked on maps) climbs south towards Sron Dearg, the terminal nose of Stob Ban's north ridge. The track soon dwindles to a footpath, which bears a little right for the steep climb onto Sron Dearg. Once you've gained easier ground above the nose head south along the grassy ridge crest, with great views of the deep corries on either side, and back over Glen Nevis to The Ben.
2
NN1447366318 Beyond a broad and more or less level area rises the craggy buttress of the upper ridge. Follow the crest throughout, with some easy - if airy - scrambling at first. The initial steep buttress soon eases onto gentler ground (albeit still interesting, in winter), leading to a junction with the main Mamores ridge. A steady plod up the quartzite boulders that cap Stob Ban now brings you to the summit cairn on the edge of the mountain's precipitous east face (take care if the edge is corniced).
3
NN1477365440 Return to the top of the north ridge, then continue west along the main spine of the Mamores where some enjoyable ridge walking awaits. Follow the rocky rim of Coire Dearg up onto a long nameless top with a short scrambly descent at its far end. Soon reach the cairn at point 917m.
4
NN1307365459 The ridge now broadens considerably. Easier ground leads on along the edge of Coire Dearg, over another minor top, down into a little saddle and then up to the big cairn at the summit of Mullach nan Coirean.
5
NN1222766245 Head north, then stay with the cliff edge as it curves right to join the mountain's east-northeast ridge. This gives an excellent descent. Once on the lower ridge below Coire Riabhach bear northwest to descend a horribly eroded path beside a fence running down to the edge of the Glen Nevis forestry. Cross a stile into the woods and follow the obvious trail down to a junction with a forestry track. Turn right onto this, then stay left at the next track junction. At a hairpin bend turn onto a well-trodden path down beside a burn to the road in Glen Nevis.
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Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 7 miles (11.34 km)
Total ascent: 1,195m
Steepest Gradient: 65% (1 in 2)
Time: 6 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Car park south of the falls at Polldubh, NN145683
Nearest town:
Fort William
Terrain:
Clear paths most of the way, though it's rough and bouldery underfoot at times, particularly on Stob Ban. Also mildly scrambly, briefly, on the north ridge of Stob Ban.
Seasonal variations:
In winter conditions the north ridge of Stob Ban becomes a pretty airy grade I climb, with a steep scrambly lower buttress leading to the easier upper ridge, often a snow arete. The rest of the route is easier, but still at times on narrow ridges. Plenty of potential for cornices. Allow a couple more hours on top of the summer time estimate.
Weather and Hill Conditions: SAIS: Lochaber – mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
Bus from Ft William down Glen Nevis in summertime
Guidebooks:
The north ridge of Stob Ban is conspicuously absent from most of the Munro guides (they tend to favour Coire a' Mhusgain) though the rest of the route is well covered in any of them.
Maps:
OS Explorer 384 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 392 (1:25,000), Harvey/BMC Ben Nevis (1:40,000), OS Landranger 41 (1:50,000)
Accommodation:
Bunkhouse at Ben Nevis Inn 01397 701227 Glen Nevis YH 01396 702336
Find more Listings near this route
Tourist info:
Fort William (0845 22 55 121); Ballachulish (08452 255 121); Spean Bridge (0845 22 55 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
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- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023
- Loch Ossian round - Seven Munros by Train 15 Sep, 2023
- Beinn Dronaig - 30km of Solitude 23 Aug, 2023