A Ghlas Bheinn is a small Munro rather overshadowed by neighbouring Beinn Fhada; it is however a rocky mountain with some character and the ascent can be combined with a visit to the Falls of Glomach.
Summary
Good paths to the Bealach an Sgairne; the upper slopes of the mountain are craggy but not too difficult, and there is a good return path from the Falls.
Terrain
NG961211
Grid ref
21.5km/13.25 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
There is a reasonable bus service along the A87, served by Citilink buses from Glasgow
and Inverness. Ask to get off at Allt a'chruinn, which is two kilometres from Morvich.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Turn off the A87 at Morvich, and park at the National Trust for Scotland Morvich countryside centre, opposite Morvich Caravan Club site. Start by walking along the continuation of the road, keeping left at two forks and crossing the bridge at Innichro. Keep straight ahead on the track on the far side before looking out for a path which heads off to the right after 300m. The path crosses rough ground but soon becomes very clear and comes close to the Abhainn Chonaig. After a couple of kilometres keep right at a fork.
2. For the most part the path keeps well above the river as it heads up the increasingly wild glen. The Allt a Choire Chaoil can usually be crossed on boulders, though it may be difficult or dangerous in spate. The stalkers path then climbs several zigzags en route for the Bealach an Sgairne. Ignore the path off to the right (which leads to Beinn Fhada), and continue on the main path which cuts dramatically across the steep hillside before continuing the climb up to the pass.
Photo: Paul Parker
3. The Bealach na Sgairne is marked by a large cairn and has a great view back down Gleann Choinneachain. The narrow path continuing onto A'Ghlas-bheinn heads north from here; it keeps left to avoid the crags just above the pass before cutting back up to the ridge. The ill-defined ridge climbs steeply at first, before heading past a small lochan and over a series of rocky undulations on the two kilometre climb to the summit.
Photo
- Bill
Copland 
4. There are several false summits before the small summit cairn is reached, perched atop some slabby rocks. A Ghlas-bheinn is a Munro at 918 metres high. The shortest descent route is to return the same way, but the Falls of Glomach can be visited without too much extra effort, and are recommended if you have not visited them previously. Continue north from the summit, heading steeply down to a saddle below Creag na Soabhie. From here, bear left down the easy slopes, keeping the steep ground rising up on your right hand side. You'll soon cross several small streams en route to the summit of the Bealach na Sroine, where a large path to the Falls of Glomach is joined.
Photo: Doogz
5. Turn right along the path which undulates a little before beginning a descent towards the unseen gorge of the Falls of Glomach ahead. A sign indicates that it is dangerous to proceed further, but most visitors will continue very carefully down to a ledge which has a terrific view of the great falls, where the Allt a'Ghlomaich tumbles in two great leaps down into an awesome gorge.
Photo © Richard Smith
6. Return back up the path to the Bealach na Sroine. This time continue on the main path which descends the right hand side of the valley to reach the top of the forestry plantations. Cross the bridge and follow the track down the east side of the river. At the next fork, keep right and the track crosses back over the river. Another track soon joins in from the right. Keep left at the next fork and then right to reach an open area. As the track comes near the river turn left to drop down and cross a footbridge; a path then climbs up to rejoin the outward route on the far side. Turn right and retrace your steps back to Morvich.
Photo: Paul Stevenson
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