On a perfect day for walking, it was surprising that only 3 stalwarts set off for the Grey Corries: David BD, Fiona C and Malcolm C. Could it be that the Ashes Cricket, the final day of the Tour de France and the Open Golf at Muirfield had conspired to transform most MMC Club members into couch potatoes for the day?

Wisely, the group left Inverness just after 0700 and by 0920 they were walking up the track to the bothy at the base of Stob Ban, aiming to bag the 4 Munros on the ridge. All day, there was not a cloud in the sky, unlimited visibility, dry ground underfoot from the lack of rain over several weeks and a fresh wind on the ridge to cool sweating brows: couch potatoes – you missed out big time!

Without the usual pressure of a bus deadline to meet, the group was able to take a relaxed approach, stopping at each of the 4 tops: Stob Ban, Stob Choire Claurigh, Stob Coire an Laoigh and Sgurr Choinnich Mor to absorb the views, quench their thirst and refuel. Indeed, they were so relaxed, it was almost 7 PM before they reached the the final top and almost 10PM before they returned to the car.

A long day, but a thoroughly enjoyable one . As a sampler of what others missed, this is the view from the summit of Stob Choire Claurigh looking west along the Grey Corries ridge towards the Ben dominating the western skyline.

Author: Malcolm Campbell