Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean from Loch Arkaig
Hillwalking route up Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean from Loch Arkaig
A scenic cycle along the track above the shores of Loch Arkaig leads to the foot of Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean. From there, a steep heathery ascent rewards with a delightful ridge walk along a grassy crest to the summit, offering superb panoramic views.
Route outline
| Fionas | ||||
| Walk ascent | 600m (1960ft) | |||
| distance | 9km (6m) | |||
| time | 3:15hr | |||
| Bike ascent | 320m (1040ft) | |||
| distance | 23km (14m) | |||
| time | 1:15hr | |||
| Start/finish | Loch Arkaig Grid Ref : NN172888 | |||
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Beginning near the picturesque Eas Chia-aig waterfall, this route features an enjoyable cycle along a good track that follows the shores of Loch Arkaig and winds through Glen Mallie. At the base of Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean, a steep, heather-covered slope leads to the hill's eastern shoulder. From here, a fine walk unfolds along a grassy crest, passing little lochans en route to the summit, where magnificent 360-degree views await.
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Route description
1. Getting to Loch Arkaig
The Eas Chia-aig waterfall
Nestled in the Great Glen, Gairlochy - with its locks on the Caledonian Canal - sits just a few miles west of the Commando Memorial above Spean Bridge.
From Gairlochy, the narrow B8005 climbs towards the southern tip of Loch Lochy before swinging west through the mossy corridor of the Mile Dorcha to reach Loch Arkaig. Just before the loch, you'll encounter the beautiful Eas Chia-aig waterfall, with a small car park nearby.
The route begins about 300m further on, from the head of Loch Arkaig. Note that there is no parking available at the start itself - if the Eas Chia-aig car park is full, some limited verge parking can be found about 200m beyond.
2. Cycle up Glen Mallie
Looking up Loch Arkaig from the gate by the start
From the Eas Chia-aig car park, cycle west along the road until you reach a locked gated side road 
heading south. Pass through the pedestrian gate to the side of the main gate and follow the road across a bridge, where you'll enjoy a lovely view up Loch Arkaig towards Meall Blair, Sgurr Mhurlagain, and Fraoch Bheinn.
At the next junction 
, turn right onto a well-made estate track that meanders through forest and along the lochside. You may notice some constructed side paths heading up the hillside on your left - these lead to installations on the Loch Arkaig Art Trail.
Not long after exiting the forest, the track veers away from the loch and reaches a fork 
. Take the right-hand track, which briefly heads north before crossing the River Mallie then follows its northern bank upstream.
Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean above the ruins of the house of Glenmallie
with a lean-to shelter on its eastern facade. The track becomes rougher still beyond this point, and around 500m past the ruins, I chose to give up cycling and leave my bike by a wooden bridge 
over the River Mallie.Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean above the ruins of the house of Glenmallie
3. Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean
Gulvain and Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean from the crest of Druim na Giuthsaich
From the bridge, I took a direct line up to Druim na Giuthsaich, the eastern shoulder of Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean. The climb begins gently on grass and through bog-myrtle, but soon steepens, and with dense heather taking over and becoming increasingly deep with height gained. Only occasional grassy patches offering brief respite. It's a tough 300m ascent, but once the gradient eases with the crest of Druim na Giuthsaich 
approaching, the heather fades and is replaced by a grassy expanse.
From here, it's a beautiful 3km walk along the crest to Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean, passing several small lochans along the way. As the summit is approached and the northern edge of the hill's crest becomes steep, expansive views open up to the west.
Looking to the Loch Lochy hills from the crest of Druim na Giuthsaich
, and thanks to the hill's isolated position, the surrounding vistas are truly outstanding in all directions.Looking to the Loch Lochy hills from the crest of Druim na Giuthsaich
4. Return
Gulvain from the summit of Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean
Rather than retrace my steps, I continued westward along the grassy crest of Mullach Coire nan Geur-oirean with Gulvain in view ahead. The ridge leads to this Munro - at just 5km away and with only about 200m of descent, I contemplated heading towards it !
Instead, I began to turn and descended toward Glen Mallie via the western flank of Coire nam Fuaran. The upper slopes are grassy and easy-going, although lower down in the glen the terrain gives way to bracken, bog myrtle, and patches of heather.
Beinn Bhan from the sheiling in Glen Mallie
, the glen's main track is met and followed for 2.5km back to the wooden bridge, from where a rewarding cycle returns to Loch Arkaig and the Eas Chia-aig - accompanied by fine views of the Loch Lochy hills straight ahead.Beinn Bhan from the sheiling in Glen Mallie
Route profile »
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Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Western Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Lochaber Midge forecast |
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