Corbett · Central Highlands
Stob an Aonaich Mhoir
Stob an Aonaich Mhoir is a quiet 855m Corbett on the east side of Loch Ericht, deep in the Ben Alder Forest. It sits across the loch from Ben Alder itself and is rarely visited compared to its Munro neighbours; most parties tackle it as a bike-and-walk expedition rather than a single day on foot. The summit is a small rocky outcrop on a long heathery ridge, with a striking view west across Loch Ericht to the cliffs of Ben Alder's east face.
Quick facts
- Height
- 855.6m/ 2807ft
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 752 m
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN537694
- Parking
- NN634849
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
estate road 50% · open heather 25% · broad ridge 20% · summit rocks 5%
The most direct line uses the locked estate road south from Dalwhinnie along the east shore of Loch Ericht for around 12km — a long flat bike ride to the foot of the hill at Ben Alder Cottage area. From there a track climbs east before peeling off onto open heather and grass to the summit. Around 15km/752m of ascent for the hill alone; total bike-and-walk day is 35–40km. Alternative approach from the south via Bridge of Gaur is similar in length.
Terrain
The Loch Ericht estate road is a well-graded gravel surface — ideal for bikes. Off the road the hillside is open heather and grass with no path; the climb to the ridge is gentle but slow over peat hag. The summit ridge is broad with the rocky outcrop at the high point hard to spot in mist among the surrounding bumps. No exposure or technical ground.
In winter
A surprisingly committing winter day because of the distance. The estate road is exposed to easterly winds funnelled down Loch Ericht. Bikes are not feasible under snow. The hillside itself is benign — no avalanche concerns or cornices — but the long return in fading light is a real consideration. Dalwhinnie is reliably accessible by car and train.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 13m
- Edinburgh3h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 42
Mobile signal: Intermittent at Dalwhinnie; no signal down Loch Ericht
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 21:55
- Civil dawn
- 03:35
- Civil dusk
- 22:55
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Stob an Aonaich Mhoir on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Rannoch station
Rannoch Moor — remote West Highland Line stop; Schiehallion approach via bus
17km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Aberfeldy
Loch Tay base — Ben Lawers, Tarmachan ridge, Birks of Aberfeldy
38km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Dalwhinnie
Dalwhinnie — Scotland's highest distillery on the Drumochter pass
19km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Stob an Aonaich Mhoir — common questions
- How hard is Stob an Aonaich Mhoir?
- Stob an Aonaich Mhoir is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 15km with 752m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-7 hours. Terrain: The Loch Ericht estate road is a well-graded gravel surface — ideal for bikes.
- Where do I park for Stob an Aonaich Mhoir?
- Standard parking is at NN634849 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Stob an Aonaich Mhoir?
- The standard good-weather months for Stob an Aonaich Mhoir are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Stob an Aonaich Mhoir?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Stob an Aonaich Mhoir?
- Intermittent at Dalwhinnie; no signal down Loch Ericht
- Is Stob an Aonaich Mhoir safe in winter?
- A surprisingly committing winter day because of the distance. The estate road is exposed to easterly winds funnelled down Loch Ericht. Bikes are not feasible under snow. The hillside itself is benign — no avalanche concerns or cornices — but the long return in fading light is a real consideration. Dalwhinnie is reliably accessible by car and train.
