Stob Ghabhar and Stob a'Choire Odhair 30 Aug 2010

30 Aug - A fantastic walk in perfect weather on part 2 of my Scottish bank holiday. From Victoria Bridge west of Bridge of Orchy, the Glen Etive path heads west, then a branch goes N into the corrie between the 2 Black Mount Munros. A stalker's path leads up to the summit of Stob a'Choire Odhair at 3,094', and excellent views across Rannoch Moor the the E, S to Ben More and Stob Binnein and the Crianlarich Munros, round to Ben Cruachan and Glencoe. Then down to the bealach and a steep pull up slopes to the Aonach Eagach ridge (not the famous one) and the slopes up to the summit of Stob Ghabhar (3,566') and a really amazing view from this high peak - rows of jagged peaks from Glencoe, to Ben Nevis and the Aonachs towering behind, then the Mamores and Glen Shiel - all in clear sunny conditions. A pleasant walk down the SE ridge and a truly memorable route. Only 4 other people seen all day, a bank holiday in England (but not in Scotland). Munro total = 45.

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin 26 August 2010

26 Aug - Bright and clear conditions, with a build up of shower cloud in the afternoon and a brief shower when almost off the mountain. The route from Ardvorlich took me to the summit of Ben Vorlich (3,232') in an hour and 40 mins - with views across the Perthshire hills and north and west to the southern West Highlands. Then a descent and scramble up scree slopes to Stuc a'Chroin (3,199') where the patchy cloud rolled in just after a got to the top and took a few hurried photos. Munro total = 43.

An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chroin 13 August 2010

13 Aug - a 24-hr trip to take advantage of the current fine weather (though cloud and a passing shower swept through at the start) and 2 of the 5 Crianlarich Munros completed in an enjoyable 6 hours. An initial climb up Sron Garbh led to the ridge of Twistin Hill, and a scramble up onto the summit of An Caisteal at a height of 3,264' and views south to Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps; west to Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui; and east to Ben Lawers and Perthshire. A rocky descent and re-ascent led to the second summit of the day, Beinn a'Chroin at 3,084', and good views especially of Ben More and Stob Binnean towering up to the north. Then down a long and boggy path alongside the River Falloch. Munro total=41.