A' Ghlas-bheinn

A' Ghlas-bheinn, at 918 metres, is a relatively small Munro that at first glance seems overshadowed by neighbouring Beinn Fhada, but on closer acquaintance reveals itself as a rocky mountain of great character. Its ascent is often combined with a visit to the Falls of Glomach, arguably the finest waterfall in Scotland.

The route starts from the National Trust for Scotland car park at Morvich. Crossing the bridge at Innis a' Chrotha, a signed path follows the Abhainn Chonaig before climbing via good stalkers' paths to the Bealach na Sroine, from where the path to the summit is rougher underfoot. Several false summits are encountered before the small summit cairn, perched atop slabby rocks, is finally reached, with stunning views especially towards the coast and Skye.

The easiest descent simply reverses the ascent, or follows the west ridge; a more rewarding option descends carefully northwards, avoiding broken crags via a grassy gully to the left, before traversing pathless moorland — navigation requires real care here, keeping steep ground to the right — down to the Bealach na Sroine, joining the clear path to the Falls of Glomach. A signed warning marks the point where the ground beyond becomes dangerous and exposed, but most visitors continue carefully down to a ledge with a terrific view of the falls, where the Allt a' Ghlomaich tumbles in two great leaps into an awesome gorge.

It's difficult to combine A' Ghlas-bheinn with neighbouring Beinn Fhada given the latter's forbiddingly steep slopes to the Bealach na Sgairne — if attempting both, the Coire an Sgairne stalkers' path is the recommended connection.

The round trip taking in the summit and the Falls of Glomach from Morvich is around 21 kilometres, typically a full day of seven to nine hours.

The descent route north of the summit is pathless and complex, demanding genuine navigation skill, and the path down to the Falls of Glomach viewpoint is severely exposed with dangerous drops — extreme care is needed on the wet, slippery ground near the falls themselves.

Parking at Morvich is free for National Trust for Scotland members; Citylink buses stop at Allt a' Chruinn, around 2 kilometres from Morvich.