Gulvain (more correctly known as Gaor Bheinn) is the highest mountain in this area but is little known and remains hidden from the roads. A long approach walk is repaid with fine views from the summit.
Summary
A long hillwalk into a remote region; the ascent is grassy but steep and lacking a clear path.
Terrain
NM960794
Grid ref
21km/13 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Bus service along the A830(T)
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Turn off the A830(T) Road to the Isles immediately opposite the turning for the A861. There is room to park carefully at several points beside the track, which is a signed right of way. Walk up the track, turning right at the junction which is reached almost immediately, crossing the bridge over the Fionn Lighe. On the far bank, continue up the track, which will be followed for much of the approach; this section could be shortened by cycling with mountain bikes. The track continues up the east side of the glen for over two kilometres, passing through the fine birchwoods of Coille Cala. The path then heads back across the Fionn Lighe on another bridge (recently rebuilt) and continues up the west side of the glen.
Photo ©Richard Webb, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
2. Soon the deserted building at Wauchan is reached; from this point the track deteriorates, becoming much rougher. Keep on the track close to the river; when it forks, turn right, again keeping near the river bank. A couple of kilometres beyond Wauchan the forest is left behind and the track continues up the now open Gleann Fionnlighe. Continue for almost another couple of kilometres to reach and cross the Allt a choire Reidh. The steep, featureless southern slopes of Gulvain now tower ahead. Look for a good place from which to start the ascent; about half a kilometre after the Allt a choire Reidh is best. The ascent is continuously steep for about seven hundred metres of ascent; there is no clear path and it is best to zigzag your way up the slope. There is compensation in the ever improving view back down Gleann Fionnlighe.
3. The slope eases at the minor bump at 855 metres, and the walk from there along the ridge to the trig point on the south summit of Gulvain (961 metres) is much more pleasant. In misty conditions, many walkers mistake this trig point for the summit of the mountain - especially if they are using the Landranger Map which shows this trig point but where the main summit is on the next sheet. In clear conditions it is obvious that there is a higher summit over a kilometre further along the fine ridge to the NNW.
4. The ridge dips gently to a bealach before the final ascent to the true summit of Gulvain. The cairn of this Munro is at a height of 987 metres. Gulvain's isolated position makes it a superb viewpoint for the whole region of West Lochaber, with lochs and mountains in every direction as far as the eye can see. Unless you are intent on a walk ending many miles from where you started, the return is to retrace your route of ascent.
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Route profile
