3,238 ft · Western Highlands, Scotland
Gulvain
Gulvain is a 3,238 ft peak in the Western Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Gleann Fionnlighe and South Ridge: 13 mi, 4,030 ft of gain, Class 1.
Gulvain at a glance
- Elevation3,238 ft986 m
- RouteGleann Fionnlighe and South RidgeClass 1
- Distance13 mi4,030 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeWestern HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Gleann Fionnlighe and South Ridge
From Fort William, take the A830 west past Kinlocheil and turn onto the A861 at Drumsallie. Start from the A861 layby at Drumsallie, cross the A830 and follow the right of way for Strathan up Gleann Fionnlighe, a long track suited to a mountain bike. Beyond the Allt a' Choire Reidh, a worn path climbs the relentless grassy south slopes to the south top and trig point, then a narrower ridge leads north to the summit (Class 1). The trig point is not the summit, and the ridge is easy to misjudge in mist. The track grows boggy higher up.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Boggy terrain
- Low visibility
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
Quests with Gulvain
MunrosPeaks near Gulvain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Gulvain?
Gulvain is 3,238 feet (986 m) tall. It is in the Western Highlands, Scotland. It is also known as Gaor Bheinn.
How does Gulvain rank among the Munros?
At 3,238 feet, Gulvain is the 159th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Gulvain?
The Gleann Fionnlighe and South Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 13 miles with 4,030 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Gulvain?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Gleann Fionnlighe and South Ridge, covering 13 miles with 4,030 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Gulvain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Gleann Fionnlighe and South Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 9 – 11 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Gulvain?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Gulvain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list