Meall a' Phubuill from Fassfern
Biking and hiking route up the Corbett Meall a' Phubuill from Fassfern
Biking up forestry tracks in Gleann Suileag is a fine way to reach to the foot of Meall a' Phubuill, where a short direct hike up a grass-covered slope bags the summit.
Route outline
| Corbetts | ||||
| Walk ascent | 400m (1310ft) | |||
| distance | 3km (2m) | |||
| time | 1:25hr | |||
| Bike ascent | 380m (1240ft) | |||
| distance | 13km (8m) | |||
| time | 1:00hr | |||
| Start/finish | Fassfern Grid Ref : NN021790 | |||
| Terrain |
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| Nav |
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| Effort |
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| Scenery |
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A fine and cycleable estate track travels from Fassfern through the woodland and forestry of Gleann Suileag towards the watershed in Glen Loy. For those with strong thighs (or have the use of an e-bike), the route can be cycled to a height of just under 400m, leaving a short climb on foot of 400m up a grass-covered slope to bag Meall a' Phubuill's summit.
Show map
Route description
1. Getting to Fassfern
Car-park by Fassfern
The A830 travels from Fort William along the northern shore of Loch Eil to Glenfinnan and onwards to Mallaig.
Around halfway along Loch Eil, a section of the old road detours a short distance northwards up Gleann Suileag, passing the row of houses that make up Fassfern. The road crosses a bridge over the An t-Suileag, where by some old shielings, there is a large parking area with a tourist information board.
2. Meall a' Phubuill
Meall a' Phubuill comes into view
On bike and from the car-park, return to the bridge over the An t-Suileag. Once over, turn left and take the track marked by a right-of-way sign towards Glen Loy.
The track travels aside the east bank of the An t-Suileag, quite pretty, through woodland for around 2km.
Coming to a junction 
above a small hydro-generator building, turn right and head uphill and into forest plantation. A few metres on, another junction is marked by a wooden-post indicator - either direction will do, though the main track, which is on the right is easier (ie less steep) for a bike.
The track meets another forestry track approaching from the south - turn left onto this and follow it northwards. Through gate, out of forest into open moorland, the track meets with the An t-Suileag 
again.
Cross the burn using a rather temporary looking metal bridge. Beyond the bridge a rough old stalkers track heads uphill and it's perhaps a tad steep for cycling, so perhaps leave bikes by the bridge - I had an electric -mountain bike, so managed the track fine.
On foot or on bike, follow the stalkers track uphill to the wide bealach 
between Meall Onfhaidh and Meall a' Phubuill - if you've managed to cycle to here, this is the point to drop off your bike.
Dropping off bike, the final 400m of ascent up Meall a' Phubuill awaits
.Dropping off bike, the final 400m of ascent up Meall a' Phubuill awaits
3. Return to Fassfern
Anyone for a detour up Meall Onfhaidh ?
Return by the same route.
If not on bike, then a detour may be worthwhile to bag a couple of Graham hills as Meall Onfhaidh and Aodann Chleireig are close by.
Route profile »
Maps and GPX downloads »
 | OS Explorer 399 |
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Download GPX of route |
Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Western Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Lochaber Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
Beinn Bhan and Meall a' Phubuill from Glen Loy | |
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Starting in Glen Loy, two separate short hikes lead up grass-covered slopes onto Beinn Bhan and Meall a' Phubuill, the Corbett peaks that overlook the north side of the glen. Peaks : 2 Corbetts
Ascent : 1625m (5330ft) Distance : 22km (14m) Time : 8:10hr |
