Gulvain, near Kinlocheil

Summary

Gulvain (more correctly known as Gaor Bheinn) is the highest mountain in this area but is little known and remains hidden from the roads. A long approach walk (or mountain bike ride) and sustained ascent is repaid with great views from the fine ridge linking the summits.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

A long hillwalk into a remote region; the ascent is grassy but steep. The approach is on a track, suitable for a mountain bike.

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.

Getting there

Start

Parking in layby on A861 just off the A830.

Public Transport

Bus service along the A830(T).

Start Grid Ref

NM960794

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 21km / 13 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1228m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Gulvain

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Walk Description

User reports (38)

Stage 1

Turn off the A830(T) Road to the Isles onto the A861 to find a parking layby on the right. Begin the walk by returning to and crossing the A830, turning right and then immediately left onto a track heading towards some houses. Turning right at the junction by the houses and cross the bridge over the Fionn Lighe. A Rights of Way sign for Strathan now indicates a left turn onto a track through a gate. This track will be followed for much of the approach, which could be shortened by cycling with mountain bikes. The track continues up the east side of the glen for over two kilometres, passing through the fine birchwoods of Coille Cala.

Stage 2

The track then descends back to the floor of the glen, crossing a bridge back to the west side of the Fionn Lighe. Continue up the west side of the glen, passing below a stone cottage and a ruinous metal shed.

Stage 3

Soon the deserted building at Dail nan Uamhachan is reached; from this point the track deteriorates, becoming much rougher. Keep on the track close to the river; when it forks, turn right, again keeping near the river bank. A couple of kilometres beyond Dail nan Uamhachan the forest is left behind and the track continues up the now open Gleann Fionnlighe. Continue for almost another couple of kilometres to reach and cross the Allt a choire Reidh. The steep, featureless southern slopes of Gulvain now tower ahead.

Stage 4

Shortly after crossing the burn a small cairn marks a fork - bear right here. The track soon becomes boggy; after around half a kilometre further a hill path heads left to begin the ascent. This is a steep grind of over 700m, though a worn path helps with zig-zags on the steepest parts. There is compensation in the ever improving view back down Gleann Fionnlighe.

Stage 5

The slope eases to a minor top at 855m, before a very slight descent to a couple of tiny lochans. Continue up a rockier ridge to reach the trig point on the south summit of Gulvain.

Stage 6

In misty conditions, it's easy to mistake the trig point for the summit - especially if using the Landranger Map which shows this trig point but has the main summit on an adjacent sheet. In clear conditions it is obvious that there is a higher summit over a kilometre further. The connecting ridge narrows and gives a very fine traverse with no difficulties.

Stage 7

A final ascent leads to the true summit of Gulvain, marked by a large cairn.Gulvain's isolated position makes it a superb viewpoint for the whole region of West Lochaber, with lochs and mountains in every direction as far as the eye can see.

Stage 8

Unless you are intent on a walk ending many miles from where you started, the return is to retrace your route of ascent.

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