The walk
A Mamores classic and one of Robert's favourites: a genuinely good path all the way up through forest and glen with Stob Bàn's white quartzite cone filling the view, a spur with just enough exposure to keep you honest, a steep punt onto a summit with Ben Nevis, the Mamores and the Grey Corries laid out in front of you — then a lovely, easy ridge to Mullach nan Coirean and a boggy, less-loved walk off. The shorter, easier neighbour of the Ring of Steall, and no less worthwhile.
Really good path for the whole ascent. Loose ground and a creeping sense of exposure on the spur to Stob Bàn; loose rock off its summit with a clear washed-rock line; a lovely easy ridge weaving round rocks to Mullach nan Coirean; then loose rock and a poorly draining grassy slope off Mullach — really boggy and slippery when wet — before a forestry track back to the car.
Physical HardNavigation EasyTechnical EasyExposure ModerateTerrain Ridge, path, bog
1Polldubh through the forest to the bealach
0 to 4.04 km · 641 m upFrom the car park take the right-hand track through the gate — not the left-hand path beside the River Nevis — and follow a really good trail up through the lower forest and out into the glen of the Allt Coire a' Mhusgain, keeping to its east side, with Stob Bàn looking magnificent ahead on your right. You cross a side-burn or two. It's a genuinely good path, and it keeps working steadily upward to the bealach at the head of the glen.
The spur to Stob Bàn
4.04 to 5.22 km · 260 m upAt the bealach (NN 157 654) the path forks. Left heads east to Sgòr an Iubhair and the rest of the Mamores — the Ring of Steall. Our route goes RIGHT, west, along the spur to Stob Bàn. The ground gets a bit loose and the feeling of exposure begins to creep in, but it's nothing major — just that objective 'yup, don't fall here' awareness. The path keeps winding, then a steep punt brings you onto the summit of Stob Bàn (999 m, NN 147 654).
Loose ground and a feeling of exposure on the spur — nothing major, just an honest 'don't fall here'.
Stob Bàn summit
The views are so worth it: across to Ben Nevis, along the rest of the Mamores, and the Grey Corries behind. One of the best summits in the range for the money.
Down off Stob Bàn and along the ridge to Mullach nan Coirean
5.22 to 8.68 km · 241 m upThe ground off the summit is quite loose, so go carefully — but you can see the washed rock where everyone has walked and a path is generally clear. Drop to the col, then a short ridge over the Mullach's East and South Tops, the path weaving around rocks along its crest with good views down to the West Highland Way. This bit is lovely: not steep, not difficult, just a real mountain with a real Scottish view. Then the final rise onto Mullach nan Coirean (939 m, NN 122 662) — and the view back the way you came is stunning.
Loose rock coming off Stob Bàn's summit — go carefully; follow the washed-rock line.
The walk off to the forestry track and Polldubh
8.68 to 13.33 km · 24 m upThe least enjoyable part of the day, honestly: a bit of loose rock off the summit, then a long grassy slope that doesn't drain well — after rain it's really boggy and slippery, and that's pretty much the story for most of the way down. Eventually you pick up a 4x4 / forestry track that takes you back through the trees to the car park.
Loose rock, then a grassy slope that doesn't drain — really boggy and slippery when it's been wet.
Before you go
- The spur to Stob Bàn has loose ground and some exposure — steady feet, nothing technical.
- Loose rock off both summits; follow the washed-rock line off Stob Bàn.
- The walk-off is boggy and slippery when wet — poles help.
- Car park has a charge; Achriabhach layby is the free alternative.
If you need to turn back: From the bealach, the ascent path is a quick retreat. Once committed to the spur and ridge there is no short way off until the Mullach descent.
One of my favourites. A real mountain with a real Scottish view. — Robert