Stob Bàn (Grey Corries)

Stob Bàn, at 977 metres, is the fourth Munro of the Grey Corries — not to be confused with the more famous Stob Bàn in the Mamores — a distinctively pale, quartzite-capped peak that stands somewhat apart from the main ridge, usually added as an extension for those with energy to spare.

The route starts from Corriechoille, following forestry tracks past the Wee Minister sculpture and through the Lairig Leacach pass to the small bothy below the mountain. From here, Stob Bàn's north-east spur climbs on wet, boggy ground initially, giving way to a path that climbs peaty terrain and then grass to a flat area around 750 metres, before zig-zagging through a boulderfield onto the summit — a striking white cap of quartzite scree visible from some distance.

Most parties tackle Stob Bàn either as the first peak of the day, descending steeply and loosely north-west to rejoin the ridge below Stob Choire Claurigh's south ridge, or as a final addition after the main three-Munro traverse, requiring a return via the bothy. The alternative approach ascending Stob Bàn's south ridge first, then climbing directly onto Stob Choire Claurigh, is a popular variant that adds the extra Munro to the traverse without significant extra effort in terms of route-finding, though it does add distance and height gain.

The full Grey Corries traverse taking in all four Munros — Stob Choire Claurigh, Stob Coire an Laoigh, Sgùrr Chòinnich Mòr, and Stob Bàn — from Corriechoille is a long, demanding day, typically ten to twelve hours or more given the additional distance and reascent involved.

The descent from Stob Bàn towards the main ridge is steep and loose, demanding care, and the approach through Lairig Leacach involves genuinely boggy, pathless ground in places — full navigation and considerable stamina are essential for this extended version of an already serious ridge traverse.

Parking at Corriechoille is free but limited; there is no public transport directly to the start, though Spean Bridge has both rail and bus connections.