Gaor Bheinn (Gulvain) and Braigh nan Uamhachan

Gaor Bheinn, best known by the anglicised Gulvain, is the most easterly of the three Munros in the Morar to Loch Arkaig group of hills. Braigh nan Uamhachan is a Corbett just to the west of Gaor Bheinn, linked by a bealach at 500 metres. Glenfinnan or Fort William are probably the best bases for exploring the area, you can search for accommodation here.

The summit of Braigh nan Uamhachan from the north on a late November afternoon, Morar to Morvern — Gaor Bheinn (Gulvain) from the eastern shoulder of Braigh nan Uamhachan – Gualann nan Osna

Gaor Bheinn (Gulvain)

Gaor Bheinn has two tops linked by a high 1.3 kilometre ridge that becomes quite fine on the climb up to the summit (north top) at 987m. The south top (961m) is usually climbed first, the easiest approach to the mountain being from the south from the west end of Loch Eil via Gleann Fionnlighe. There is a track and then path, becoming rougher and wetter up the glen, to the foot of Gaor Bheinn and then a rough hill path up the south ridge.

Meall a' Phubuill (left), a Corbett, and Gulvain (Gaor Bheinn) from the western end of the Beinn Bhan ridge, Fort William and Glencoe — Meall a’ Phubuill (left), a Corbett, and Gulvain (Gaor Bheinn) from the western end of the Beinn Bhan ridge

Gaor Bheinn (Gulvain) from the south west up Gleann Fionnlighe, Morar to Morvern — Meall a’ Phubuill (left), a Corbett, and Gulvain (Gaor Bheinn) from the western end of the Beinn Bhan ridge

Braigh nan Uamhachan

Braigh nan Uamhachan is the highest point on a long ridge between Gleann Dubh Lighe to the west – that separates the hill from Streap – and Gleann Fionnlighe. The Braigh is also most easily reached from the track up Gleann Fionnlighe and can be climbed on its own or, more satisfyingly, combined with Gaor Bheinn to make a grand day out. If combining with Gaor Bheinn, care is needed to safely negotiate the steep west side of Gaor Bheinn. The bealach and the rough shoulder of Gualann nan Osna provide a clear line. Alternatively, the hill can be climbed from Gleann Dubh Lighe where the south ridge can be gained near the north end of the forestry, north of Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy.

The summit of Braigh nan Uamhachan from the north, Morar to Morvern — The eastern aspect of Braigh nan Uamhachan from Gualann nan Osna

Views from Gaor Bheinn and Braigh nan Uamhachan

Gaor Bheinn and Braigh nan Uamhachan are fine view points, in good visibility views can extend across Knoydart to the Cuillin of Skye, east to Creag Meagaidh and the Loch Laggan hills and south east to Ben Nevis, the Glen Coe and Glen Etive hills. Closer are Sgurr na Ciche, Garbh Chioch Mhor and Sgurr nan Coireachan above Glen Dessarry, Streap and Sgurr Thuilm above Glenfinnan, and the Ardgour hills to the south and south west.