Gulvain and Braigh nan Uamhachan

Gulvain and Braigh nan Uamhachan

Hiking route up Gulvain and Braigh nan Uamhachan from Gleann Fionnlighe

A hike on a track through Gleann Fionnlighe leads to Gulvain's towering southern shoulder and its summits separated by a fine crest. The route can be extended to include the nearby Corbett, Braigh nan Uamhachan.



Route outline


Munros

Gulvain

Corbetts

Braigh nan Uamhachan

Ascent 1250m (4100ft)
Distance 19km (12m)
Time 6:50hr
Start/finish Kinlocheil
Grid Ref : NM959793
Terrain
easy hard
Nav
easy hard
Effort
easy hard
Scenery
ok fab


West of the Great Glen, Gulvain, or Gaor Bheinn, is a long mountain standing on its own above the heads of Loch Eil and Loch Arkaig. It has two distinct summits connected by a narrow ridge and is linked to nearby Braigh nan Uamhachan by a col at 500m.

Most hillwalkers will reach the foot of Gulvain from the south, heading along the fine track that travels most of the length of Gleann Fionnlighe. A well-defined path climbs the mountain's southern shoulder up to Gulvain's southern top, then follows the crest of a wide ridge onto the mountain's summit.

A detour can be made from the lowest point on Gulvain's crest to bag the nearby Corbett of Braigh nan Uamhachan.



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Route description


1. Getting to Kinlocheil

Loch Eil

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.


2. Through Gleann Fionnlighe

On the track climbing through Gleann Fionnlighe

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 Braigh nan Uamhachan.

Forest edge further up the glen

Forest edge further up the glen

For Gulvain, continue along the track for another 1km or so until reaching the northern corner of a walled field - if you've cycled, best to leave your bike here.

Forest edge further up the glen

Forest edge further up the glen


3. Gulvain

Sunset from Gulvain's south top

Sunset from Gulvain's south top

On foot, follow a path, which can be a bit muddy, towards the Allt a' Choire Reidh. 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

For a return, the best option is to retrace your steps over the southern top and head down Gulvain's southern shoulder. I've descended southwards once from the bealach between Gulvain's summits - the uneven, tussocky ground with hidden divots makes for difficult and tiring progress !

Heading back from the north top to the south top

Heading back from the north top to the south top


4. Braigh nan Uamhachan

Start of wall on Sron Liath

Start of wall on Sron 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 Sron Liath and partway up Braigh nan Uamhachan. When the wall sharply turns northwest, leave it and follow a faint path over grassy and rocky ground to Braigh nan Uamhachan's summit , marked by a small cairn.

View south from Braigh nan Uamhachan

View south from Braigh nan Uamhachan

To continue to Gulvain, descend north from Braigh nan Uamhachan's summit for 500m, then turn east to drop down to Gualann nan Osna and the pass between the mountains. The terrain is surprisingly easy to navigate. Beyond the pass, ascend towards the bealach between Gulvain's two summits, where a bit of route-finding is needed to avoid rougher ground while climbing onto Gulvain's ridge .

View south from Braigh nan Uamhachan

View south from Braigh nan Uamhachan





Route profile »




Maps and GPX downloads »


The crest of Gulvain crosses OS Landranger 40 and 41 and OS Explorer 398 and 399

Information on maps and GPX files is on this page.

The map images above link to items on Amazon. A small commission is earned on any map purchased which helps fund the operating costs of this website.





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Alternative and nearby routes »


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