Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge up Gulvain: route map, distance and time
987 m · Highland · OS grid NN002875
Gulvain, or Gaor Bheinn, is a remote 987m Munro north of Glenfinnan, reached by a long walk up Gleann Fionnlighe.
A track runs up the glen. You then climb the steep grassy south ridge over the south top to the summit.
Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge at a glance
| Distance | 11.1 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 1,092 m |
| Time up | 4h 0m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 6h 15m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Drumsallie (Loch Eil) |
| Start grid reference | NM 958 791 |
| Summit grid reference | NN002875 |
Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long the Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 3h 20m | 5h 10m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 4h 0m | 6h 15m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 5h 0m | 7h 45m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:22, sunset 16:47. Start by 09:32 to be down before dark, allowing 6h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:24, sunset 16:44. Start by 09:29 to be down before dark, allowing 6h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Gulvain summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Gulvain right now. The main Gulvain page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Gulvain forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
About Gulvain
Gulvain, or Gaor Bheinn, is a remote 987m Munro north of Glenfinnan, reached by a long walk up Gleann Fionnlighe. More about Gulvain, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Gulvain South Top (961 m), 1.3 km south-west
- Braigh nan Uamhachan (765 m), 2.8 km west
Challenges that include Gulvain
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NM 958 791, the summit at NN002875), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge?
The Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge is 11.1 km one way to the summit of Gulvain, with 1,092 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 22.2 km.
How long does the Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge take?
About 4h 0m to the summit of Gulvain and 6h 15m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 7h 45m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge?
The Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge starts from Drumsallie (Loch Eil). The grid reference is NM 958 791.
Is the Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first.
What time should I start the Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge today?
By 09:32 at the latest. Sunset on Gulvain today is 16:47, The Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge takes about 6h 15m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Gleann Fionnlighe and the south ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).