Stob Bàn (Mamores)

Stob Bàn, at 999 metres, is one of the finest peaks in the Mamores, its sharply peaked quartzite summit well seen from many points in lower Glen Nevis and giving magnificent views once reached.

The route starts from the Polldubh car park above the Glen Nevis road, walking to the nearby Lower Falls before taking the right-hand track through a gate towards Coire a' Mhusgain — a beautiful, glacially-scoured hanging valley. A good path climbs steadily up the coire with flatter sections to recover breath between steeper pulls, reaching a bealach before the final ascent tackles increasingly rocky, quartzite terrain — steep but easily walked with only a little use of hands — to the summit, which comes as something of a surprise, reached quicker than expected, with tremendous views to Ben Nevis, Sgùrr a' Mhaim, and the Devil's Ridge beyond.

An alternative and popular variation ascends via the mountain's north ridge and the terminal nose of Sròn Dearg — narrow with some brief, enjoyable scrambling, and notably absent from many guidebooks despite being well regarded by regular visitors. Most walkers continue west along the very fine ridge traverse linking Stob Bàn to its westerly neighbour, Mullach nan Coirean, descending over scree and boulders before the ridge broadens onto solid granite.

The combined circuit taking in both Munros from Polldubh is around six to seven hours, covering varied and rewarding terrain throughout.

Stob Bàn's quartzite summit slopes are notably loose and scree-covered on the descent towards Mullach nan Coirean, and the north ridge alternative, while enjoyable in summer, becomes a serious grade I winter climb when snow is present — full navigation and appropriate equipment should be carried regardless of route chosen.

The Polldubh car park is chargeable; a seasonal bus runs up Glen Nevis from Fort William between May and September.