A Claggy Corbett, but Superb

[The English Alpinist]

This walk is preceded by 'Dispirited in the Mamores: Na Gruagiachean'.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=110904&p=463108#p463108

Beinn na Caillich (764m) above Loch Leven.

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On day 3 of a week's holiday to the Mamores, and cool on the heels of a Munro fail on Na Gruagaichean, I chose to do this lesser but excellently-formed mountain. Conditions were cloudy on top with light rain and snow showers, cold and breezy; nothing too fearful but enough of a test of nerve and stamina for the solo walker to bring pride and satisfaction. Route-finding was very straightforward, using the West Highland Way to start and as a long run-out through the glen at the back of said Corbett. Really two mountains in one; beginning with the striking 'pike' (as it would be called in Cumbria) of Beinn na Cailich, Corbett height itself. Indeed this was the most dramattic part of the mission, really, with its steep and exposed top, covered with just enough snow to demand the caution of crampons. Thereafter they were never used, and probably could have managed without anyway as the snow was in very melty condition, fit only for trudging through unlike the stuff on Na Grua the day before where you could skid off to your death in a heartbeat.

The route zig-zags up Beinn na Caillich.

It goes up steeply this way...

...then that (Loch Leven below).

Into the clag towards Beinn na Caillich.

The summit knobble was quite exposed.

Preliminary objective, Beinn na Caillich, done.

A terrific little path guides one up Beinn na Caillich, but evaporates in tangle of dodgy alternatives near the snowy domed summit, lending a real little mountaineering experience for the climax. For quarter of an hour I was truly an Alpinist on this micro Matterhorn, and it even has the decency to have a good cairn at the end of the steep slog. However, the Corbett proper came after an extended, airy ridge walk in the mist and ice-showers, just enough of the stirring views either side breaking through the grey to give one a real sense of place but 'nowhereness' at the same time. For just one moment, I wondered where on earth was my Corbett, as the visibility brought that confusion of perspective and distance blanketing the main mountain from view and teasing with glimpses of humps and ridges that would have led one astray. A bit of basic compass-work ensured I didn't veer from the nearly ever-present trail for too long. Then there it was, a bulky and snow-patched Mam na Gualain ahead. It was cold and damp up there, and there was no view, but I was a satisfied little Alpinist today. What's more it was all mine - I had seen not a soul up there (and did not the rest of the day either).

Then came a really good ridge walk.

The bulk of Mam na Gualainn itself comes moodily into view.

Nearly there; cold breeze, icy little showers, but fun.

Mam na Gualainn - my very own Corbett - all mine, all day! 2,612 feet (796m).

I had contemplated adding Tom Meadhoin, the Graham across the valley.

A view down to Ballachulish.

I had set out with half a notion of adding the neighbouring Graham of Tom Meadhoin, but decided I'd done well enough and why not just enjoy myself! Besides, I'd started luxuriously late at 11:45 am, and wanted to finish in time for a relaxing meal in Kinlochleven. After getting down from my Corbett, it was a matter of rounding the stony little path that lead into the glen at the back of my Corbett and beneath the Mamore Munro range. They were imposing, austere sights, with plunging ridges that in mist could lead a disorientated walker to their doom. My walk would have been perfection itself if not for making a premature decision to cross the burn onto the West Higland Way; from a distance it looked easily fordable, but wasn't. I spent a good 20 minutes dithering and finally, like a human beaver, constructing a little dam out of rocks to narrow a gap so I could leap across. i just about managed it without taking a dip. From there, a walk of sheer peace and beauty in evening sun, past old ruins and between majestic mountains took me full circle to the Mamore Lodge lane, with a 20 minute descent through the woods by headtorch.

The Mamore Munros come into view as I round the corner towards the West Highland Way.

The ruin of Lairigmore with 'my' Corbett behind.

Great rear view of my entire Corbett ridge walk (left to right).

Tigh-na-sleubhaich ruin. Note: beautiful evening sun now.

What history it must have. Stob Ban behind.

I stride out smoothly along the West Highland Way at dusk.

[BlackPanther]

This Corbett is a cracker - one of the best traverses in the area. Shame you didn't see the full extent of the views but always worth the effort even in misty conditions.

Loch Leven from Mam na Gualainn

As for Na Gru, I hated it! We followed the WH route when we did it, and descended via Leachd na h-Aire, an absolute knee killer. My knees have never forgiven me...

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Definitely one to add to my list when I next visit this area.

Tigh-na-sleubhaich looks an atmospheric spot too.

Tim

[gaffr]

Having read this report I feel that I have not really been up Mam na Gualainn. At the time when I was tracking down the 'wee ronnies' I visited this hill, from a path starting at the roadside, on my way home after getting to Garbh Bheinn on the other side of the Loch.

[The English Alpinist]

Having read this report I feel that I have not really been up Mam na Gualainn. At the time when I was tracking down the 'wee ronnies' I visited this hill, from a path starting at the roadside, on my way home after getting to Garbh Bheinn on the other side of the Loch.

I did intend to go up via the path you describe, because it wld be more direct and would give me plenty of time to fit in the Graham too - but I failed to find the access point after driving up and down the road! (hence starting from Mamore Lodge which I already knew from the day before). A blessing in disguise for me, because it really is a classic (and pretty safe) ridge walk, and the West Higland Way at the back is a stroll not to be missed.

'Tigh-na-sleubhaich' - apparently is the name of the area, and the road was built by General Wade's British tropps in the 1700s, but unfortunately can't find any information on who lived at the cottage itself.