Gulvain and Bràigh nan Uamhachan from Gleann Fionnlighe

Loch Eil

Heading westwards from Fort William along the A830, through Caol and Corpach towards Mallaig, the northern shore of Loch Eil is driven along.

At the western end of the loch there is a junction in the road with the A861 heading south then aiming along the southern shore of Loch Eil. Opposite the junction are a few houses - this is where the route starts, however parking here is rather intrusive to the locals, so instead drive down the A861 and immediately after heading under a rail bridge, park in a layby . There is room for around 4 vehicles.

On the track climbing through Gleann Fionnlighe

By the houses, the remains of the old road head eastward, crossing the Fionn Lighe via a small humpback bridge before ending abruptly at a field entrance.

To the left, a well-maintained estate track leads north. Over a distance of 2km, it climbs, levels out, and then turns west to descend to a bridge over the Fionn Lighe, entering mixed woodland and forestry.

After crossing the river and turning north, the track reaches a clearing, passing the house and ruin of Uachan , followed by a large barn. From here, the track becomes rougher as it re-enters forestry, passes through a gate in a deer fence, and reaches a junction.

By keeping right at the junction, the track continues, growing rougher, as it follows the Fionn Lighe upstream.

Once it reaches open land, the track skirts the forest's edge, gradually pulling away from the Fionn Lighe. About 500m beyond the forest, a wall heads left - this is the point to leave the track if heading up Bràigh nan Uamhachan.

Forest edge further up the glen

Forest edge further up the glen

Sunset from Gulvain's south top

On foot, follow a path, which can be a bit muddy, towards the Allt a' Choire Rèidh. Cross the river via a rickety wooden bridge .

Beyond the bridge, ignore the ATV tracks heading north and continue on the fainter path, crossing wet ground while aiming northeast. The path zigzags here and there as it climbs Gulvain's grassy southern shoulder, rising steadily for 600m, becoming drier as height is gained.

As the climb eases, a minor bump at 855m is reached. Beyond this, descend slightly to pass small lochans (unmarked on the OS map), followed by a gentler 100m rise to the trig point on Gulvain's southern top .

From Gulvain's southern top, follow a worn path twisting its way northeast, to drop onto grassy ground toward a wide bealach between Gulvain's summits. North of the bealach, the ridge narrows significantly, leading to the final climb to Gulvain's summit , crowned by a large cairn with impressive views in all directions.

Heading back from the north top to the south top

Heading back from the north top to the south top

Start of wall on Sròn Liath

From the northern corner of the walled field , head northwest and uphill along the wall's edge. The terrain becomes heathery but is likely to be drier than expected. As the wall is left behind, occasional fence posts guide the way uphill.

Upon reaching the broad, undulating crest of Na h-Uamhachan , follow the fence posts northeast. The posts merge into a well-built wall, which leads over Sròn Liath and partway up Bràigh nan Uamhachan. When the wall sharply turns northwest, leave it and follow a faint path over grassy and rocky ground to Bràigh nan Uamhachan's summit , marked by a small cairn.

View south from Bràigh nan Uamhachan

View south from Bràigh nan Uamhachan