Gulvain

Gulvain, at 987 metres — more correctly known as Gaor Bheinn — is the highest mountain in the wild area between Loch Eil and Loch Arkaig, a fine, remote peak with two summits, little known and remaining largely hidden from the roads despite its comparative proximity to Fort William.

The route starts from a parking layby on the A861 just off the A830. A long approach track leads past the deserted building at Dail nan Uamhachan, deteriorating into rougher going, following the river through forest and into the open Gleann Fionnlighe. Beyond a crossing of the Allt a' Choire Rèidh, the steep, featureless southern slopes of Gulvain tower ahead; a small cairn marks a fork to bear right before the track becomes boggy and a hill path branches left for the ascent proper — a steep grind of over 700 metres, though a worn, zig-zagging path eases the steepest sections, with ever-improving views back down the glen.

The slope eases to a minor top at 855 metres, then a slight descent to a couple of tiny lochans before a rockier ridge leads to the trig point on Gulvain's south summit — easily mistaken for the true summit in mist, especially on older maps where the two summits appear on separate sheets. In clear conditions, it's obvious a higher summit lies over a kilometre further on; the connecting ridge narrows into a very fine traverse with no real difficulties, leading to the true summit, marked by a large cairn.

Gulvain's isolated position makes it a superb viewpoint for the whole of West Lochaber, with lochs and mountains visible in every direction, including striking views across to Ben Nevis. Most walkers retrace the ascent route rather than attempting the much longer alternative approach from Loch Arkaig via Invermallie bothy and Glen Mallie.

The out-and-back route from the A861 layby is typically seven to nine hours, or less if partly cycled — the approach track is well suited to a mountain bike.

Despite its straightforward nature and reasonable proximity to Fort William, Gulvain remains one of the less frequently climbed Munros, likely owing to the long approach walk lacking the drawing power of more celebrated remote groups — full navigation skills remain sensible on the connecting ridge in poor visibility, given how easily the wrong summit could be mistaken for the true top.

The A861 layby is free; a bus service runs along the nearby A830.