A Ghlas Bheinn and the Falls of Glomach

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A Ghlas Bheinn is a relatively small Munro, seeming at first glance to be rather overshadowed by neighbouring Beinn Fhada. On closer aquintance it is revealed as a rocky mountain of great character. The ascent here is combed with a visit to the Falls of Glomach - the finest in Scotland.

Terrain

Good stalker paths to the Bealach an Sgairne; from the pass to the summit is a rougher hill path. Descent route described is much rougher and steeper with pathless going before the Bealach na Sroine route is reached.

Public Transport

None to start. Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness stop at Allt a'chruinn, 2km from Morvich.

Start

Morvich. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Turn off the A87 at Morvich, and park at the National Trust for Scotland Morvich countryside centre, opposite Morvich Caravan Club site. Start by walking along the continuation of the road, then crossing the bridge at Innichro at its end. Keep ahead on the track on the far side before looking out for a signed path which heads off right after 60m. The path passes through a couple of gates and eventually continues up the glen above the Abhainn Chonaig.

Stage 2

After a couple of kilometres keep right at a fork. For the most part the path keeps well above the river as it heads up the increasingly wild glen. The Allt a Choire Chaoil can usually be crossed on boulders, though it may be difficult or dangerous in spate.

Stage 3

The stalkers path then climbs several zigzags en route for the Bealach an Sgairne. Ignore the path off to the right (which leads to Beinn Fhada), and continue on the main path which cuts dramatically across the steep hillside before continuing the climb up to the pass.

Stage 4

The Bealach na Sgairne is marked by a large cairn and has a great view back down Gleann Choinneachain. The narrow hill path continuing onto A'Ghlas-bheinn climbs north from here; it keeps left to avoid the crags just above the pass before cutting back up to the ridge. The ill-defined ridge climbs steeply at first, soon giving great views back towards Beinn Fhada. It continues past a small lochan and over a series of rocky undulations.

Stage 5

There are several false summits before the small summit cairn finally is reached, perched atop some slabby rocks. A Ghlas-bheinn is a Munro at 918m, and has stunning views, especially towards the coast and Skye.

Stage 6

The easiest descent route is to retrace steps, or you could descend via the west ridge, but the route described here enables a visit to the made to the Falls of Glomach - recommended if you have the energy and have not visited them previously. Descend with care northwards from the summit, taking care to avoid broken crags (there's a grassy gully to the left).

Stage 7

Once down the steep section the easiest going is to traverse the moorland to the left of the ridgeline, rather than climbing over the knobbly peaks. The going is pathless and navigation requires care, keeping the steep ground rising up on your right. Once flatter ground is reached west of Meall Dubh, another steeper descent leads down to the Bealach na Sroine, where the clear path to the Falls of Glomach is joined.

Stage 8

To visit the falls turn right along the path, which undulates a little before beginning a descent towards the unseen gorge of the Falls of Glomach ahead. A sign indicates that it is dangerous to proceed further, but most visitors will continue very carefully down to a ledge which has a terrific view of the great falls, where the Allt a'Ghlomaich tumbles in two great leaps down into an awesome gorge. Return back up the path to the Bealach na Sroine.

Stage 9

This time continue on the main path which descends the right hand side of the valley to reach the top of the forestry plantations. Cross the bridge and follow the track down the east side of the river. At the next fork, keep right and the track crosses back over the river. Another track soon joins in from the right. Keep left at the next fork and then turn right through a gate into an open area, crossed by a path. As you comes near the river turn left to another gate - pass through and then descend a path left to reach and cross a footbridge. On the far side the path climbs up to rejoin the outward route. Turn right and retrace your steps back to Morvich.

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