Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean, Mamores
GLENCOE AND KINLOCHLEVEN
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View an OS map of the route
Open this walk in QUO 2
Open this walk in GPX format
Open this walk in Google Earth
1. If you don't mind paying a charge, you can save 210 metres of ascent by beginning the walk at Mamore Lodge Hotel (alternatively it is possible to start from Kinlochleven, using any of the paths that link the town with the track between Mamore Lodge and Loch Eilde Mor where the route as described is joined). Follow the vehicle track east from the hotel, passing another group of buildings. It is probably quicker to follow the track as it curves to the left, right around the valley of the Allt Coire na Ba rather than short-cutting downhill to the bridge. Further on, the track begins to climb uphill; there are some good views back down the length of Loch Leven to the Pap of Glencoe, particularly from a fine stone seat.
2. Before the track reaches its summit, a good stalkers path goes off to the left; turn along this, it crosses a stream and the gradient eases for a time before climbing around the southern flank of Sgurr Eilde Beag. Watch out for a sharp zig-zag to the left uphill, as there is a peaty path continuing directly ahead which peters out before Loch Eilde Mor. Above the zig-zag, ignore the path climbing off to the left, and follow the stalkers path that flattens off as it passes beneath its steep east face. Sgurr Eilde Mor looks uninvitingly steep across the irregular loch of Coire nan Lochan.
3. Continue north to reach a junction of paths; turn left here to follow a good stalkers route which crosses the north flank of Sgurr Eilde Beag before heading up to the ridge in a wide zig-zag. In good conditions it may be worth detouring left to this minor summit for its view of Sgurr Eilde Mor; otherwise, turn right up the broad ridge to the minor summit at 1062m. From here you can see the ridge running out to Binnein Mor to the north backed by Ben Nevis and the Grey Corries.
4. Follow this ridge northwards, dropping briefly to a bealach before ascending to reach the summit of Binnein Mor. At 1130 metres this Munro is the highest of all the Mamores, and is a wonderful airy perch with spectacular views. The peak of Binnein Beag far below looks so small in comparison that it is hard to believe it is a Munro. Return south to the 1062m minor summit.
5. This time, follow the narrowing ridge southwest down to a bealach and then the (not too arduous) reascent to Na Gruagaichean. At 1056m this is the second Munro of the day. The best part of the view is northwest, where the main Mamores ridge drops steeply and reascends even more dramatically to Na Gruagaichean's northwest Top, with Ben Nevis as backdrop.
6. Rather than heading over to this top, follow the easier south ridge which sweeps down to Leachd na h-Aire and gives great views down to Kinlochleven and Loch Leven. From the Leachd, descend southwest down rough, pathless ground to return to the Mamore Lodge – Loch Eilde Mor track. Turn right along this to return to Mamore Lodge.
Have you done this walk?
If so, why not be the first comment on it in our Forum. If you start a new topic in the walking discussion with the name of this walk as the topic, we will link the discussion to the walk so that others can read your comments here.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
Route profile
Accommodation links for this area:
Kinlochleven and Glencoe Hotels and Inns
Kinlochleven and Glencoe B&B (Bed and Breakfasts)
Self catering cottages in Kinlochleven and Glencoe
Fort William, Lochaber and Glencoe hostels
