First snow of the season on Stob Binnein

Hill: Stob Binnein
Category: Munro
Height: 1165m
After yesterdays low cloud this morning was the brightest blue sky you could wish to see. Along with the red-orange-brown hill colourings it was absolutely stupendous.
The temperature gauge was zero and the steam was gently rising off Loch Voil as I negotiated the very narrow twisting single track road to Inverlochlarig. Trying to keep my eyes on the road was so difficult, as this was as impressive a drive to start a walk as I have had this year. The snow topped Corbett of Stob a’ Choin dominates at the end of the water, just wow.

Start or finish stile

Today the destination was Stob Binnein, normally doubled up with Ben More from the other side. But on this shorter winters day our route was a circular from Inverlochlarig. Most walk descriptions go straight up from the car park but we left that for our descent. Two cars here already but walkers gone.
Instead we walked through the farm, presumably the site where Rob Roy Macgregor spent his latter years. If you continue along the glen this was the Macgregor coffin route to Balquidder.

Inverlochlarig glen

We crossed the river and headed up Inverlochlarig glen, the burn noisily running on the right and the Munro of Beinn Tulaichean on your left. Just enjoy the views, Scotland at its best.

Steep ascent up the right side of the burn

We continued until the track ended where we had good views across to the slopes of our target. From here we would be climbing the grassy slopes almost to the top. The sun was shining, cracking views but the summit was snow covered and currently in cloud.
A double burn crossing, deep marshy grass, follow the deer trails as much as we could then onwards and upwards.

First crag line almost reached

We were angling towards the crags of Coire Dhaidh but for now taking our time slowly ascending the slopes.

Snow capped ridge of the twins

A welcome coffee break to take in the views opposite of Tulaichean (left) and its usually conquered partner Munro of Cruach Adrain.
This is a constantly steep ascent with minimal relief and it was good to get level with the crags, a long way to go but an objective reached. A red deer hind appeared and ran away the only one seen on the hill today.

Heading for the low point of the ridge right the slope looks benign from here!!

We decided to take the ‘easier’ looking route up a grassy rake which would being out closer to Stob Coire an Lochain, but that was fine. As it turned out this was probably the steepest ascent and was a real effort. Not helped by the wet grass and soft snow patches which meant great care required to avoid a big slip.
Finally we met up with the normal track. We had been sheltered on the ascent so now got the full force of the cold wind. 

Got to the ridge as the clouds dropped

A look back at the ridge we were going to descend, some say one of the best cornice ridges when in full snow covering, still impressive today.

Snapped the ridge in case I didn't see it again

Suddenly the clouds dropped and we made our way to the summit with nae views. 

Impressive patterns near the summit

The snow was so dry making great patterns but also knee deep drifts in places. Snow cornices forming so be wary. Finally after the short zig zag the summit was reached. At that point two walkers emerged out of the gloom having come over from Ben More. A quick chat then off the top to find some shelter for lunch.

Lochain

The descent followed the attractive ridge which was fab with great views all round but particularly into Coire an Lochain.

Cornice and a big drop

 Just take your time to enjoy the views on this early winter day.

Heading down

Looking along Loch Voil the Munros of Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’ Chroin stand out. Also clear views of Ben Each and the unmistakable shape of Ben Ledi.

Lochs Voil and Doine

It is a good descent for the most part until you reach Stob Invercarnaig. From here you get a glimpse of the road and it is a long, long way below.

Just about to take the big drop Stob a' Choin ahead

Well, it is a drop of 700 metres. Take your pick it is either a steep and relentless ascent or descent.
At least the track does wind its way down but there is a lot of erosion and it is very steep so takes longer than you first think.
My knees were complaining by the time it was all over.
A fantastic day out, brilliant weather for the most part and my first meeting up with snow this winter.

Wildlife: Red deer; 
Time: 6.02
Ascent: 1162m
Distance: 12.5km