the Mamores
The Mamores were on the list of hills to climb in Scotland long before the idea of
climbing all the Munros crystallised. A total of 10 Munros completes the 15km traverse
of the ridge between Glen Nevis in the north and Loch Leven in the south. It was
hoped to do all 10 Munros in one trip but a late start in miserable weather held
up progress and so the Mamores were completed in 2 expeditions -
|
Mullach nan Coirean |
939m/3081ft |
| |
|
Stob Ban |
999m/3277ft | ||
|
Sgurr a'Mhain |
1099m/3606ft | ||
|
Am Bodach |
1032m/3386ft | ||
|
Stob Choire a' Chairn |
981m/3218ft | ||
|
An Gearanach |
982m/3222ft | ||
|
Na Gruagaichean |
1056m/3465ft | ||
|
Binnein Mor |
1130m/3707ft | ||
|
date climbed |
15/08/08 |
time taken |
13 hours |
|
distance |
34km |
ascent |
3100m |
|
OS Map |
Landranger 41 |
Weather |
Poor in morning then fair with generally good visibility in the afternoon |
|
Starting point : Glen Nevis - | |||
|
The walk started in a frustrating session of midge bitten rage whilst trying to organise my rucksack for the day. Low mist and driving rain did not help encourage enthusiasm so the ascent of the first peak, Mullach nan Coirean, was not approached with much energy or speed. Forgotten gaiters also resulted in sodden socks adding to the grim mood. Signs that the rain was lessening helped revive the spirits for the ascent of Stob Ban and by the time this summit was reached, gaps had started to appear in the mist and the view below unfolded. Finally you could see, 6 miles away, the broad wedge shaped mountain of Binnean Mor rising above the other Mamore summits. The day had finally started and the spirits soared as the scramble across the Devils Ridge was accomplished without any difficulties to claim Sgurr a'Mhain complete with fabulous views of the Ben, the gentle curve of the Carn Mor Dearg arete, the Aonachs and the Grey Corries. A series of fine narrow ridges connected Am Bodach to Stob Choire a'Chairn where the outlying ridge to An Gearanach was taken. This ridge is more sharp and dramatic than the Devils Ridge. After returning to the main ridge the twin peaks of Na Gruagaichean were next in line followed by the ascent to the impressively narrow summit of Binnein Mor. Time was now pressing so the decision to halt the collection of the Mamores Munros was taken and the descent to Glen Nevis started. This turned out to be a long and tiring drop. The river was finally crossed and the stalker path joined leading back past the Steall Hut and down the magnificent Nevis Gorge. A taxing but wonderful day with plenty of memories to cherish. |
|
Sgurr Eilde Mor |
1010m/3314ft |
| |
|
Binnein Beag |
943m/3094ft | ||
|
|
| ||
|
date climbed |
16/08/08 |
time taken |
8 hours |
|
distance |
20km |
ascent |
1500m |
|
OS Map |
Landranger 41 |
Weather |
Fair with generally good visibility strong winds in the afternoon |
|
A good path lead from the car park next to St Pauls Episcopal church and was followed
by a pleasant climb through woods then onto Loch Eilde Mor. Coire an Lochain was
the next landmark. This was followed by the easy climb of the south ridge of Sgurr
Eilde Mor and the now familar landscape of the Mamore ridge spread out to the West
became visible at the summit. A rocky decent down the west ridge was quickly accomplished
and the stalkers path taken to the col between Binnein Mor and Beag. The ascent of
Binnein Beag was rocky and bit tricky in places due to a very high wind needing four
points of contact in places. After a last glimpse at the wonders of the Ben and the
other nearby mountains it was time to descend and re- |
