Màm na Gualainn from Callert on Loch Leven
Hillwalking route up Màm na Gualainn from Callert on Loch Leven, through birch woodland then grassy slopes to a summit with wide views.
Route outline
| Corbetts | ||||
| Ascent | 800m (2620ft) | |||
| Distance | 6km (4m) | |||
| Time | 3:00hr* | |||
| Start/finish | Callert, Loch Leven Grid Ref : NN093603 | |||
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In Lochaber, north-east of Ballachulish, Màm na Gualainn rises as a broad grassy Corbett above the northern shores of Loch Leven, with the Mamores towering across the glen to the north. The West Highland Way passes around the hill's northern slopes.
The easiest and most direct route up Màm na Gualainn begins from the roadside above Loch Leven, around 4km east of North Ballachulish. From here a track climbs the hill's western shoulder, though much of the lower ground can be a wet and muddy trudge.
Higher up, the terrain improves and a delightful hike follows gentle grass-covered slopes to the summit, from where expansive views stretch across Lochaber and the surrounding mountains.
The easiest and most direct route up Màm na Gualainn begins from the roadside above Loch Leven, around 4km east of North Ballachulish. From here a track climbs the hill's western shoulder, though much of the lower ground can be a wet and muddy trudge.
Higher up, the terrain improves and a delightful hike follows gentle grass-covered slopes to the summit, from where expansive views stretch across Lochaber and the surrounding mountains.
Route map
Route description
1. Getting to Callert on Loch Leven
Right-of-way signs marking start point
The B863 travels around Loch Leven from North Ballachulish to Kinlochleven and Glencoe Village. On the northern shore of the loch, around 4km east of North Ballachuilish and just beyond the entrance to Callert House, a right-of-way sign aside a gate points towards Fort William and Kinlochleven and into some birchwood. The route to Màm na Gualainn begins from here.
There is no parking available next to the sign, though there is a small layby with room for around 4 vehicles around 500m the east. A rough track heads uphill into woodland by this layby.
There is no parking available next to the sign, though there is a small layby with room for around 4 vehicles around 500m the east. A rough track heads uphill into woodland by this layby.
2. Màm na Gualainn
Path crossing fence-line on the grassy slopes of Mam na Gualainn
The route to Màm na Gualainn can begin either from the track that begins from the lay-by or from the path by the right-of-way sign.
Both of these options head through woodland and converge some 500m after leaving the roadside. A rough and in places rather soggy path is followed uphill.
Just above the 300m contour, a concrete post is reached
- leave the path here and head north-east directly up the south-western shoulder of Màm na Gualainn bouding over heather as the ascent steepens. Gradually the gradient easies and heather is replaced by a more pleasant grass-covered slope.
Further on a path gradually forms, which is followed to reach an old iron gate in a rather tired fence-line
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Crossing the fence-line onto its southern side, the path continues to Màm na Gualainn's summit
with its small untidy cairn and trig point.
For such a relatively easy hike, the views are vast from Màm na Gualainn's summit - The Mamores, the Black Mount to Schiehallion, the Aonach Eagach, Bidean nam Bian, Beinn a' Bheithir and over Loch Linnhe to Argour, Morven and Sunart.
Both of these options head through woodland and converge some 500m after leaving the roadside. A rough and in places rather soggy path is followed uphill.
Just above the 300m contour, a concrete post is reached
- leave the path here and head north-east directly up the south-western shoulder of Màm na Gualainn bouding over heather as the ascent steepens. Gradually the gradient easies and heather is replaced by a more pleasant grass-covered slope.
Further on a path gradually forms, which is followed to reach an old iron gate in a rather tired fence-line
.
Crossing the fence-line onto its southern side, the path continues to Màm na Gualainn's summit
with its small untidy cairn and trig point.
Garbh Bheinn and view over the Black Mount from Màm na Gualainn
Garbh Bheinn and view over the Black Mount from Màm na Gualainn
3. Return to Callert
View from Màm na Gualainn's summit west over Morven
The most straightforward option is to return by the way up - it's a fabulous fast run down the grassy slopes !
GPX downloads and maps
Paper maps:
OS Landranger 41
OS Explorer 392
Harvey Mountain Map, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe
Route profile
Weather forecasts
| Regional | MWIS - Western Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Lochaber Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes
Màm na Gualainn from the West Highland Way | |
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Hillwalking route up Màm na Gualainn from the West Highland Way, climbing from a quiet glen over heather slopes to its grassy summit. Peaks : 1 Corbett
Ascent : 755m (2480ft) Distance : 11km (7m) Time : 4hr* | |
Western Mamores hiking route | |
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Hillwalking route up Mullach nan Coirean and Stob Bàn, a western Mamores horseshoe with rough ground and two fine Munro summits. Peaks : 2 Munros
Ascent : 1200m (3940ft) Distance : 12km (7m) Time : 5hr* | |
Ring of Steall hiking route | |
|
Hillwalking route on the Ring of Steall, bagging 4 Munros of Sgùrr a' Mhàim, Am Bodach, An Gearanach and Stob Coire a' Chairn with some enjoyable scrambling. Peaks : 4 Munros
Ascent : 1750m (5740ft) Distance : 15km (9m) Time : 6:45hr* | |
Garbh Bheinn from Loch Leven | |
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Hillwalking route up Garbh Bheinn from Loch Leven, following wet tracks then rough slopes and boulderfield to reach the Corbett summit. Peaks : 1 Corbett
Ascent : 840m (2760ft) Distance : 6km (4m) Time : 3hr* | |
Aonach Eagach traverse | |
|
Aonach Eagach traverse in Glencoe is a committing scramble over Meall Dearg and Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh with exposed rocky sections and superb views. Peaks : 2 Munros
Ascent : 1200m (3940ft) Distance : 8km (5m) Time : 6hr* | |
* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.
