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  Gulvain and Braigh nan Uamhachan  

Click to view the route on zoomable OS 1:50000 maps and aerial photos

Munros

Gulvain (987m, Munro 161)

Corbetts

Braigh nan Uamhachan* (765m)
 *see Alternative Routes below

Ascent

1250m (4100ft)

Distance  

19km (12m)

Time

walking : 6:50hr*, running : 2:50hr
 *Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent


Main route summary


Gulvain is a long mountain standing on its own above Loch Eil to the south and Loch Arkaig to the north. It has two distinct summits with a narrow ridge between them and is linked to Braigh nan Uamhachan by a col at 500m above Gleann Fionnlighe. Views from Gulvain's tops and Braigh nan Uamhachan are excellent in all directions.

Access from the south is made easy by a track aiming in up Glen Fionnlighe. Access from the north is not particularly straightforward - you could cycle in along the track up Glen Mallie from the eastern end of Loch Arkaig, or kayak across Loch Arkaig from east of Murlaggan.

profile
location
start/finish Near Kinlocheil
(grid ref : NM959793)

maps/guides  OS Landranger 40 - click to buy from Amazon OS Landranger 41 - click to buy from Amazon OS Explorer 399 - click to buy from Amazon OS Explorer 398 - click to buy from Amazon Pocket Mountains - Classic Hill Runs and Races - click to buy from Amazon

GPX data download GPX file of this route

terrain
easy A small bit of boulderfield, otherwise grass covered slopes and ridges difficult
navigation
easy Fairly straightforward testing
effort
stroll Short day out long day
scenery
ok Excellent views in all directions ! stunning
 
meanings Gulvain :
    'filth or noise'
Braigh nan Uamhachan :
    'slope of the caves'
main route outlineprint route
Getting there
From Fort William, follow signs for Mallaig and drive along to the western end of Loch Eil. Opposite the junction with the A861, there is a row of houses, to the east of which, beyond the bridge over the Fionn Lighe, there is space for 3 or 4 cars - but be careful not to block the access to the farmer's field. Alternative parking is available on the A861 on either side of the railway bridge.

Gulvain
By the signpost, head through the barrier and cycle up the track. The track initially climbs steeply, then flattens and drops to a bridge over the Fionn Lighe, turns north and passes a house attached to a ruin and barn at Wauchan. Through a gate, the track comes to a junction - keep right towards the river. The track now becomes rougher, but persist cycling. Out and around the forest over a burn, cycle for another 1km more to where the track reaches the corner at the northern end of a walled field - leave bikes here. Aim down a good section of path to the Allt a'Choire Reidh and cross it using the wooden bridge. Just after this, a fairly new path heads north - ignore this and look for a fainter path crossing wet ground and aiming north-east. The path starts to zig-zag as it climbs up Gulvain's southern shoulder and becomes drier as height is gained. Just follow this path to the minor bump at 855m, drop slightly to some little lochans (not marked on the OS map) and haul yourself to the trig point on the south-top. From the trig point, find the worn path heading north-east and drop on mainly grassy ground to the flat bealach. North of this, the crest narrows to a ridge before the last pull up to Gulvain's summit with its large cairn.

Return
Return by the same route. Don't be tempted to drop south from the bealach to the Fionn Lighe, as it's tiring progress through tussocky grass covering undulating ground.




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