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
NG977222
Grid ref
16km/10 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Forestry commission car park, Dorusduain
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
There is a reasonable bus service along the A87, served by Citilink buses from Glasgow
and Inverness. Dorusduain forestry car park is about four kilometres from this bus route.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Turn off the A87 at Morvich, and just north of the Croe bridge take the private minor road up Strath Croe. The road passes Lienassie Farm and has a height restriction before reaching the forestry commission car park at the end of the road. Continue along the track along the valley floor for a short distance until taking a footpath off to the right which soon crosses the river via a footbridge. Across the bridge the path doglegs briefly to the right where it joins the old footpath up Gleann Choinneachain; turn left and head up the glen on this path.
2. The path is now clear of the trees and as the glen is ascended it takes on an increasingly wild character. For the most part the route keeps well above the river. 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
- Nigel Brown 
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. Further on the track forks; the main route is right but both variants lead back to Dorusdain car park.
Photo: Paul Stevenson
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