Beinn Maol Chaluim, from Glen Etive

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Summary

Beinn Maol Chaluim lies behind its great neighbour Bidean nam Bian and is thus hidden from Glencoe except for a glimpse from the village. The steep slopes of Bidean deter any walk linking the two mountains - instead Beinn Maol Chaluim is almost invariably climbed from Glen Etive. It gives a fairly short hillwalk, with rugged going lower down but crowned by the final ridge traverse with excellent views.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pathless; wet and rough lower down but drier, rockier terrain higher up.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Glen Etive road above Lochan Urr. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 844m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN148493

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Maol Chaluim

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Walk Description

User reports (11)

Stage 1

There is a gravelly layby on the north side of the Glen Etive road at NN148493, on the opposite side from a passing place. From here head back north along the road for 150m, before taking a very faint path on the left, heading across the open grassy slope before curving more directly up the steep and wet hillside, doing your best to avoid the patches of bracken which impede parts of the slope in high summer. This first slope leading up to the ridge is rough going, with only faint traces of a path to help.

Stage 2

The unpleasant start improves once the broad, ill-defined ridge is reached. There are good views both towards Loch Etive and Ben Starav, and to the peaks of Buachaille Etive Mòr and Beag which appear as twins when seen from this side.

Stage 3

Continue north across the broad, moorland ridge which undulates over several minor rises. Beyond this the route steepens once more and the ascent proper begins up a rockier slope. Any outcrops are easily avoided - the most prominent low crag being passed on the left side.

Stage 4

Above these crags the ascent continues, finally the gradient relents by some small lochans. Continue up to point 848m. From here much of the hard work is done and the main ridge of the mountain is seen ahead, beginning with a short descent.

Stage 5

Continue along the ridge which gives excellent views, with a particularly steep drop on the right overlooking the massive flank of Bidean nam Bian, whilst to the left the mountains around Glen Creran are well seen, with Loch Etive to their left.

Stage 6

The traverse ends at a pair of summit cairns, with a sudden view down to Glencoe village and Loch Leven between the peaks. . A ridge leads north to a bealach below Bidean nam Bian but the slopes of the latter beyond deter making the link, whilst the ground leading towards to Sgòr na h-Ulaidh has crags.

Stage 7

The usual option, then, is to retrace the outward route back to Glen Etive.