Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean, Mamores

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Binnein Mor is a graceful peak and the highest of the Mamores; its combination with Na Gruagaichean gives a superb ridgewalk.

Terrain

Steep, narrow ridges - predominantly grassy but rocky in places. There are paths underfoot for most of the route (not on the descent from Na Gruagaichean).

Public Transport

Bus service to Kinlochleven.

Start

Kinlochleven. Map and directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1259m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN187622

Summits Climbed

Munro: Binnein Mor
Munro: Na Gruagaichean

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the car park adjacent to St Paul's Church in Kinlochleven; it is signed 'Grey Mare's Tail' from the main road (it is no longer possible to start from the former Mamore Lodge Hotel). From the Kinlochleven car park follow the path from the edge of the car park into the woods; it is signed for 'Spean Bridge' and 'Corrour Station', and waymarked in several colours. Almost at once the path reaches a t-junction; turn left here. After a short distance on the surfaced path, keep right as signed for Loch Eilde Mor. When the path forks, keep left, crossing a small burn. The route climbs up through the deciduous woodland and gives increasingly good views back over Kinlochleven and Loch Leven behind. As the path climbs the original zig-zagging stalkers path has been short-cutted by a variety of eroded, direct routes; it is best to keep to the original route to avoid worsening the erosion. Soon the trees are left behind and more open moorland is reached.

Photo: Doogz

Stage 2

Continue on the clear path across the moor until it eventually reaches a vehicle track. Turn left here very briefly before turning right again to continue in the original direction on another stalkers path. The path crosses a stream and the gradient eases for a time before climbing around the southern flank of Sgurr Eilde Beag. Watch out for a sharp zig-zag to the left uphill, as there is a peaty path continuing directly ahead which peters out before Loch Eilde Mor. Above the zig-zag, ignore the path climbing off to the left, and follow the stalkers path that flattens off as it passes beneath its steep east face. Sgurr Eilde Mor looks uninvitingly steep across the irregular loch of Coire nan Lochan. Continue north to reach a junction of paths; turn left here to follow a good stalkers route which crosses the north flank of Sgurr Eilde Beag before heading up to the ridge in a wide zig-zag.

Stage 3

In good conditions it may be worth detouring left to this minor summit for its view of Sgurr Eilde Mor; otherwise, turn right up the broad ridge to the minor summit at 1062m. From here you can see the ridge running out to Binnein Mor to the north backed by Ben Nevis and the Grey Corries.

Stage 4

Follow this ridge northwards, dropping briefly to a bealach before ascending to reach the summit of Binnein Mor. At 1130 metres this Munro is the highest of all the Mamores, and is a wonderful airy perch with spectacular views. The peak of Binnein Beag far below looks so small in comparison that it is hard to believe it is a Munro. Return south to the 1062m minor summit.

Stage 5

This time, follow the narrowing ridge southwest down to a bealach and then the (not too arduous) reascent to Na Gruagaichean. At 1056m this is the second Munro of the day. The best part of the view is northwest, where the main Mamores ridge drops steeply and reascends even more dramatically to Na Gruagaichean's northwest Top, with Ben Nevis as backdrop.

Stage 6

Rather than heading over to this top, follow the easier south ridge which sweeps down to Leachd na h-Aire and gives great views down to Kinlochleven and Loch Leven. From the Leachd, descend WSW down rough, pathless ground. There is a deer fence before the Mamore Lodge - Loch Eilde Mor track is reached; this can be avoided by detouring further NW towards the sheep pens. Take the path that cuts down from the track and leads back down to the woods around the Grey Mare's Tail, and Kinlochleven.

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