IBEX in Banavie: Munros and a Few Home Comforts (October 2026)
Saturday – Tuesday
Undeterred by a less than promising weather forecast, nine Ibexers assembled in Banavie
near Fort William for a week’s Highland walking. On our first evening, the hot tub was,
disappointingly, not quite hot enough for a soak but we consoled ourselves with venison
burgers from the very lovely House of Bruar.
As feared, Sunday dawned wet and windy and the hills had disappeared into the mist. Most
of us set off along the nearby Caledonian Canal to the “pepperpot” lighthouse at Gairlochy,
proving that you don’t need a view to enjoy a walk in the Highlands, but you do need a good
drying room!
Dave Wi had planned to re-do 2 Munros on Monday but didn’t feel up to it, so Patrick and
Patricia headed off to bag the two-for-one (Stob Choire Sgriodain and Chno Dearg).
Sadly, Dave Wi turned out to have Covid and headed back to London; he drove 1200 miles
for a workout in a Motherwell gym, and a 10-mile canal walk in the pouring rain!
Maria bagged her first Munro on Monday when she, David, Susan, Jo-Loraine and Linda
climbed Creag Pitridh. Congratulations Maria! Sadly, she hurt her ankle and then
succumbed to Covid so avoided any further hills after that.
On Tuesday, those left standing climbed a Lochy Munro (Sron a Choire Ghairbh), enjoying
fantastic views as far as Loch Ness and accompanied by the choir of rutting deer.
Wednesday - Saturday
The closing days of IBEX’s stay in Banavie, Scotland, combined satisfying Munro bagging
with some very welcome creature comforts. Hearty breakfasts fuelled our outings, while
post-hike chill time in the hot tub and great evening meals made an appealing reward for our efforts.
Wednesday brought a chance to settle some unfinished business. After remembering the all-
important parking charge, most of us tackled the challenging Stob Ban (999 m), the one that
had “got away” last time. This time it was firmly in the bag: a particularly satisfying summit to
tick off.
Thursday offered two rather different experiences. Two of us unwittingly chose a challenging
scrambling approach to the otherwise innocuous Beinn a’ Chaorainn (1,052 m). The main
takeaway was clear: do more research beforehand! Three enjoyed a more conventional
Munro day and climbed Geal Charn (next to Creag Pitridh), with a pleasant lochside beach
providing an inviting spot for lunch.
Friday was a rest day for everyone, rounded off with a celebratory meal at the nearby
Moorings Hotel. It was a fitting finale to a very satisfactory week of Munro bagging.
By Patricia and Patrick
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