Over The Hill

A couple of weeks ago, Lawrie and Lindsay headed off for Stob Ghabhar only to find that the Allt Toaig was in spate, making the river crossing impossible, and so for the third time Lindsay had been denied ticking 0ff this Munro, her two previous attempts having been thwarted by snow and wind conditions. Today there was a determination to get this one done, with the additional incentive that Janet was in tow and this was also one of her "to do" mountains; and, the weather forecast was promising.

Therefore, it was heads down and off along the good track from Victoria Bridge following the Abhainn Shira to the Clashgour Hut before turning onto the stalkers path on the ascent into Coire Toaig. There were no problems today as we dropped down off the path to cross a rather sedate Allt Toaig and head up the rough grassy hillside to the short rocky scramble up the east side of the waterfall and onto the flatter area above Creag an Steallaire.

Since leaving Victoria Bridge the weather had been a mixture of light drizzle and cloudy skies, with the top of Stob a'Choire Odhair drifting in and out of cloud while our objective, Stob Ghabhar remained stubbornly encased in a thick grey mass which brought with it more persistent and prolonged rain necessitating full waterproofs, not quite as forecast, and adding a little to the effort required on the steep ascent to the Aonach Eagach ridge which forms the south east spur from Stob Ghabhar.

Cloud and drizzle came and passed by, with fleeting views in clear visibility as we transited the ridge and crossed the narrow arete section to gain the 991m minor top at the head of the southern spur, Stob Moal; at which point the entire ridge onwards to the summit of Stob Ghabhar was clear of cloud and mist, presenting wonderful views of the rocky east face of the mountain as it dropped dramatically for almost 400 metres to Coirein Lochain below.

We made the short, but steep final ascent up the rocky path to the large square cairn that marks this 1090m summit, allowing Lindsay and Janet to lead the way onto the summit and add yet one more Munro to their every growing total; well done one more completed. This rocky summit also boasts a small walled arc of stones which provides a cosy shelter into which we huddled for a well earned break, and from which to watch the weather turn yet once again to cloud accompanied by a fairly cool breeze, certainly not what we would like for an August day in the mountains.

The recognised descent route from Stob Ghabhar is to return southeast to the 991m top and descend the long rocky spur of Stob Maol and back to the waterfall at Creag an Steallaire. However, today we decided to explore the route west, towards the 990m top of Sron a'Ghearrain and south down the western rim of Coire Ghabhar to the bealach between Sron a'Ghearrain and Meall an Araich where we could then take the stalkers track which runs from the bealach, down the grassy glen and through the forest to the remote Clashgour Farm.

This proved to be a viable alternative which offered fantastic views from Sron a'Ghearrain of the steep and narrow glen on the southern side of the long spur of Aonach Mor reaching outwards towards Glen Etive. The descent itself was over tussock grass, albeit at times a bit wet underfoot, but in complete contrast to the rocky Stob Maol, and the path through the forest and onwards to Clashgour Farm, thence through a second forest to Clashgour Hut makes for a reasonably easy return walk at the end of a fine day in the mountains.

Great day, wonderful mountain and brilliant company - Thanks All.