Summary of Summer Part III

Once again another Tarantino moment when I flip the past to the present and write about outings that took place earlier in the year.

Monday 3rd May 2010 - Stob Coire nan Lochan

Pronunciation/Translation: Stob Coire nan Lochan - stop kora nan lockan (peak of the corrie of lochs)

Plans were made to take advantage of the bank holiday, so we were hoping that the weather would be kind to us. It didn't dissapoint, in fact the further north we headed, the clearer the skies became.
Driving down into Glen Coe we were greeted with some of the finest views I've seen of the glen. It would have been a crime not to stop and climb here today.
We pulled in at the parking area overlooking the Three Sisters, and debated over taking the Lost Valley trail or the Coire nan Lochan to the west of Gearr Aonach. The second option was chosen and we started down into the glen to cross the River Coe.

The setting was beautiful and serene, until a couple of snap happy tourists sent some red deer running from their lenses. Continuing over the bridge, we met with the path that would pull us steadily up the coire.
After zig-zagging up from the river the path soon began to veer west closer to the steeper side of the deep cut running down from the towering Stob Coire nan Lochan.
The path here is clear but steep, crossing over the stream several times as it winds it's way up the coire. As we approached the waterfall the path spread out and some scrambling was required to get us up and over the falling spray that drains the little lochans that are dotted around the plateau.

Once at the plateau, we stopped to catch our breath and take on some food. We had some terrific views northwards to the Aonach Eagach and beyond to Ben Nevis and the Mamores. To the south were the much closer snow covered peaks of the Stob and Bidean nam Bian lurking behind.

From the plateau we headed east then south east up onto the ridge that would take us to the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan. Again here the 360 degree views were fantastic.
Looking across to the Stob Coire Sgreamhach we agreed that a descent into the Alt Coire Gabhail would be difficult, especially with the snow still remaining as barriers to the ridge. Taking our still novice, four-legged climber Alfie into consideration, we thought it best to retrace our ascent route. At least this way we knew there would be no surprises in store.

Once past the waterfall, descending became a joy. With a clearly marked path and gravity driving us along we bounded downwards to the base of the coire and into the glen once more.

Back at the car we were all feeling quite hungry, so decided to take Alfie for his first visit to the Clachaig Inn. As we munched happily through our meals, Alfie lay outstretched at our feet, lifting his head only now and then to enjoy some affection from surrounding admirers.
On the way home, we headed via Inveraray stopping at the front to give Alfie his dinner. Then again stopping at the grassy area in Tarbet for Alfie to relieve himself (he's still a youngster after all).