Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Stob Ban
Stob Bàn (999m) — "white peak" — is the south-westernmost Munro of the Mamores chain above Glen Nevis. The name comes from the distinctive pale quartzite scree that mantles the upper slopes, giving the summit a unique snowy appearance even in summer. The hill is usually paired with Mullach nan Coirean to the south on a short Mamores horseshoe, or extended over Sgurr a' Mhaim to its east. Not to be confused with the Grey Corries Stob Bàn (999m) some 15km to the east.
Gaelic: “pointed peak, fair” · Pronunciation: stob bahn
Quick facts
- Height
- 999.7m/ 3280ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 880 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN147654
- Parking
- NN145684
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Forest track 30% · Open hillside 35% · Rocky summit 35%
Park at the Lower Falls (Polldubh) car park in Glen Nevis. Cross the river footbridge and climb the steep east ridge of Mullach nan Coirean directly through the forestry plantation, then north-east along the broad summit ridge to Stob Bàn — the quartzite-capped pyramid is unmistakable. Most parties continue east to drop into Glen Nevis at Achriabhach. Around 12km with 1180m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The Polldubh forestry approach is wet and overgrown in places. The east ridge of Mullach nan Coirean is sustained heathery hillside through clear-felled forestry. Higher up the going turns to short grass and gravel, then onto the distinctive white quartzite scree near the Stob Bàn summit. The quartzite is slippery underfoot in the wet. The connecting ridge between Mullach nan Coirean and Stob Bàn is broad and easy.
In winter
A serious Mamores winter Munro. The quartzite scree glazes readily with verglas — even short stretches can be treacherous on the descent. Cornices form persistently along both the north and east edges of the summit crest. The Polldubh access path is reliably below the snow line; the upper ridge is fully exposed. SAIS Lochaber applies. Phone signal absent above 800m.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 20m
- Edinburgh3h 3m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Mobile signal: No signal above 800m. The Grey Corries approach from Corriechoille loses signal quickly. Download maps before leaving Spean Bridge.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:31
- Sunset
- 22:06
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:10
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Stob Ban.
On a long-distance route
Stob Ban sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Stob Ban on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Fort William station
Ben Nevis, Mamores, Aonachs, Knoydart ferry connection
9km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
10km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
11km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Stob Ban — common questions
- How hard is Stob Ban?
- Stob Ban is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 880m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Polldubh forestry approach is wet and overgrown in places.
- Where do I park for Stob Ban?
- Standard parking is at NN145684 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 Ban?
- The standard good-weather months for Stob Ban 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 Ban?
- 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 Ban?
- No signal above 800m. The Grey Corries approach from Corriechoille loses signal quickly. Download maps before leaving Spean Bridge.
- Is Stob Ban safe in winter?
- A serious Mamores winter Munro. The quartzite scree glazes readily with verglas — even short stretches can be treacherous on the descent. Cornices form persistently along both the north and east edges of the summit crest. The Polldubh access path is reliably below the snow line; the upper ridge is fully exposed. SAIS Lochaber applies. Phone signal absent above 800m.
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