Mam na Gualainn circuit, Kinlochleven

Summary

Mam na Gualainn is the western termination of a grand grassy ridgewalk high above Loch Leven with magnificent views. Although it can be more quickly reached from Callert, it would be a shame to miss the superb ridge via Beinn na Caillich on this excellent circuit.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Stalkers' paths on the hill for much of the route; some pathless and indistinct sections. Burn crossing and approach/return on West Highland Way.

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

Kinlochleven.

Public Transport

Regular buses to Kinlochleven from Fort William.

Start Grid Ref

NN187622

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 19.5km / 12 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1084m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Mam na Gualainn

Mapping and GPS

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

There is a car park beside St Paul's church on Wade's Road in Kinlochleven. Begin by turning right along Wade's Road from the car park, with good views to the conical peak of Beinn na Caillich - the first objective. When the main B863 is reached, turn right along it, then turn right again opposite the football pitches onto the West Highland Way path, soon climbing into the birchwoods. Keep left (WHW sign) at a fork, then go straight across at a tarmac lane.

Stage 2

Keep right as the path joins another, continuing the ascent and passing a great viewpoint looking back over Kinlochleven. Higher up the path eventually reaches a track; turn left along this. Beinn na Caillich dominates the view ahead, with some great vistas along Loch Leven towards the Pap of Glencoe.

Stage 3

Look out for a narrow path which forks off left at NN161633 - a little further along the track than OS maps show. This leads downhill to a gate in a deer fence and then over a footbridge, before beginning a zig-zag ascent towards Beinn na Caillich. Grand views open up over the Mamores as height is gained, and the gradient eases temporarily at around 460m.

Stage 4

The path steepens again as it climbs to the right of the peak ahead, eventually reaching the ridge just beyond the first cairn. From here a wonderful ridgewalk extends west, with stunning views down to Loch Leven on the left side and to the mountains all around, with Beinn a' Bheithir particularly dominant ahead.

Stage 5

The path fades over the broader section past an intermediate summit 755m - ensure you take a glance back for a great view of the ridge. Continue down to a second dip before the final ascent to the highest point, a Corbett.

Stage 6

The summit is marked by a cairn and a cylindrical trig point, and enjoys spectacular views all around. For the descent, continue down the ridge, keeping left of the fence. Soon a path leads through a gate; from here, aim just to the right of a dip at the head of a burn leading off the ridge.

Stage 7

Further down traces of an old stalkers' path can be picked up; these lead eventually to a much clearer path - the right of way over the ridge from Callert. Turn right down this, which makes a descending traverse across the slopes with stunning views of the Mamores ahead.

Stage 8

There are some boggy sections before the Allt na Lairge Moire is reached opposite the tumbledown walls at Lairigmor. There is no bridge, but the burn is straightforward to cross except in heavy spate (when you may have to follow the east bank for 1km (rough going) to pick up the West Highland Way near Tigh na-sleubhaich). Turn right along the track beyond, following the West Highland Way past Tigh na-sleubhaich and eventually rejoining the outward route back to Kinlochleven.

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