Stob Ban

Stob Ban is a remote peak, far distant from any main road and hidden behind its higher neighbours. It lies at the east end of the Grey Corries ridge, separated from it by a bealach of 800m, and it is from viewpoints near the head of Glen Nevis or in the Lairig Leacach that one gets the best views of this solitary conical peak.

The shortest approach is from Corriechoillle farm in Glen Spean, as described above for Stob Coire Claurigh, by the track to the Lairig Leacach. Cross this pass and descend on its south side for 1 ½ km to a small bothy from where there is a good view of Stob Ban. Beyond, the track fords a burn and forks; take the right fork and after 100metres bear SW up the grassy hillside. At 650m the slope narrows to a ridge which at 750m levels to a flat shoulder before the final steep rocky rise to the summit. (9km; 790m; 3h 20min).

The return can be pleasantly varied by descending NW down a short slope of quartzite screes, then N to the 800m bealach where there is a small lochan. From there turn ENE and go down a giant s staircase of quartzite slabs which spills downwards for over 150m and gives an easy scramble when dry. Below, the burn leads back to the bothy and the short climb over the Lairig Leacach on the return to Glen Spean.

Stob Ban can be combined with some of the other peaks of The Grey Corries. From the 800m bealach, a broad ridge leads N and levels out to turn NW to the summit of Stob Choire Claurigh. If descending N from there back to Glen Spean, it is worth making the short diversion to Stob Coire na Ceannain. This is a very fine looking peak, rather detached from the main ridge of the Grey Corries. The short connecting ridge is narrow and rocky and gives a pleasant easy scramble.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)