Beinn Maol Chaluim is hidden from Glencoe by its great neighbour Bidean nam Bian but the steep slopes of the latter deter any walk linking the two. Instead the peak is best tackled from Glen Etive, giving a shorter day with excellent views and a welcome escape from the crowds on the more celebrated Munro peaks nearby.
Summary
Mostly pathless, with some wetter or overgrown ground lower down and steeper, rockier terrain higher up.
Terrain
NN149495
Grid ref
7.5km/4.5 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. Park just after leaving the first section of forestry on the road down Glen Etive. Rather than heading directly uphill beside the forest fence, the best place to start is around 70 metres further along the road. From here a faint path heads up the open hillside. This steep grassy slope leads up towards a gap between two low crags at about 230m. Above these, continue north of north-west and then north-west to reach the ill-defined ridge at about 360m. In Summer this part of the hill is covered with ferns and long grass that disguise the many small streams and rocks making this arduous going.
2. From here the going becomes easier with short grass and occasional rocks. The views down Loch Etive towards the sharp peaks of Ben Cruachan and north-east up Glen Etive to the hidden side of Buachaille Etive Mor improve with every step.
3. Continue across a couple of easy rises to reach a dip in the hillside just before the main part of the ascent. Cross a small stream here and cross some boggy, peat-hagged ground to begin up the much steeper slope. There are some steep rocky outcrops which can be avoided until a line of crags across the hill is reached at about 560m. The crags are best avoided via a faint path to the left; above them the ground is steep but without further obstacles until the gradient eases by some lochans.
4. To left left can be seen the the very extensive ridge of Beinn Fhionnlaidh. The route now follows the main ridge, dipping and weaving along the edge of some crags on the northeast side. This section has spectacular views, both of the ridge and of the massive southwestern flank of Bidean nam Bian high above; a keen eye may pick out walkers on the crest. Eventually this fine traverse ends at the summit cairn, at 907 metres just seven metres short of Munro status.
5. Beinn Maol Chaluim may be overlooked by greater heights but it is an excellent viewpoint. At the last moment a view northwest down into Glencoe is suddenly revealed, with Loch Leven beyond. A ridge leads north to a bealach below Bidean nam Bian but the slopes of the latter beyond deter making the link, whilst the ground leading southwest to Sgor na h-Ulaidh is soon barred by crags. The usual option, then, is to retrace your steps to Glen Etive.
This final photo is © trevor willis under CCSA
This route was researched and the other photographs taken by A Milne
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