Mamores

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The Mamores

The Mamores are a group of high mountains in the Lochaber region of Inverness-shire. They contain several of the highest mountains in the British Isles and form a fitting companion to the neighbouring Nevis Range, from which they are separated by Glen Nevis.

This is one of the most popular parts of the Highlands for hikers in search of a challenge, though inevitably overshadowed by nearby Ben Nevis across the glen.

The Marores form an east-west ridge approximately eight miles in length lying between Glen Nevis to the north and Loch Leven to the south, which latter loch forms the boundary with Argyllshire.

Ten mountains of the Mamores range are classified as Munros. From west to east these are:

Mullach nan Coirean 3,081 feet
Stob Bàn 3,278 feet
Sgurr a' Mhàim 3,606 feet
Am Bodach 3,386 feet
Stob Coire a' Chàirn 3,218 feet
An Gearanach 3,222 feet
Na Gruagaichean 3,465 feet
Binnein Mòr 3,707 feet
Binnein Beag 3,094 feet
Sgùrr Eilde Mòr 3,314 feet

The main backbone of the Mamores stretches from Meall a' Chaorainn, a subsidiary top of Mullach nan Coirean, at the western end of the ridge, to Sgòr Eilde Beag, a top of Binnein Mòr some 7 miles to the east. Three narrow arêtes run north from the main ridge connecting to the summits of Sgurr a' Mhàim, An Gearanach and Binnein Mòr. Beyond the eastern end of the ridge are two steep outlying peaks: Binnein Beag and Sgurr Eilde Mòr. Sandwiched between the remote upper section of Glen Nevis, and Lochs Eilde Mòr and Eilde Beag, these two peaks are the remotest in the Mamores.

For hillwalkers, the Mamores are accessible from either side - the village of Kinlochleven lies on the southern side, whilst upper Glen Nevis gives access from the north. The full traverse is challenging, either as a long day for fit walkers or as a multi-day trip. Given the relative ease of access, several peaks can be combined to give a number of shorter day's walking.

Probably the best known shorter route is the Ring of Steall, a circuit of the corrie above Steall Falls. This route takes in four Munro peaks: Sgurr a' Mhàim, Am Bodach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn and An Gearanach.

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