Màm na Gualainn from the West Highland Way

West Highland Way by Lochan Lunn Da-Bhra

By the southern end of Fort William's town centre, there is a roundabout by the West End car-park. Taking the exit marked 'Upper Achintore', head uphill through the town's suburbs and out of the 30mph restricted area.

Now on a single-track road with passing places, follow it for 6km to where the road turns sharp right heading for Lochan Lunn Da-Bhra and where a rough gravel-track heads uphill ahead.

Parking is limited to the verge-side, without obstructing passing-places !

Crossing the Allt na Lairige Moire

Head up the rough gravel track, through a gate and meet with the West Highland Way. Follow this well-trodden section of the long-distance path for around 3km, passing through some forestry and around a sheep-pen .

Leave the West Highland Way where it begins to turn eastwards and drop over heather and soggy ground towards the Allt na Lairige Moire. A large deer-fence is clambered over (I couldn't see a gate anywhere near), followed by a relatively easy crossing of the river (though in spate this may be problematic or impossible).

Hiking up Màm na Gualainn's hillside ahead is straightforward, through heather for the first 250m of ascent, over grass for the remainder, on the way passing under a power-line and crossing a path traversing the hillside.

The gently rising grass-covered crest of Màm na Gualainn's western shoulder is reached and is followed eastwards. Upon meeting with a slightly tired fence-line , cross it onto its southern side and pick up a path to follow for the remaining short distance to Màm na Gualainn's summit .

On Màm na Gualainn's summit. Looking to Beinn a' Bheithir

On Màm na Gualainn's summit. Looking to Beinn a' Bheithir

Looking back to the West Highland Way

Return is by the same route, with most of the 3km section of West Highland Way track being on a gentle descent !