Creach Bheinn and Fuar Bheinn: Galmadale round

The finest walk on the Morvern peninsula, this classic horseshoe follows the ridges enclosing Glen Galmadale, including the two Corbetts, Fuar Bheinn and Creach Bheinn and the Graham Beinn na Cille. A good deal of ascent and descent it involved, making this a more strenuous outing than might be imagined.

TERRAIN

Rough ridgewalking on mostly grassy ridges. The route is pathless and the initial climb is steep and often impeded by vegetation.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

None.

START

Glengalmadale farm .

Walk Description

STAGE 1

There is a good sized area for parking just east of the bridge at Glengalmadale farm. From here begin the walk by crossing the bridge and following the road southwest. It is possible to ascend beside the plantation to reach the south ridge of Beinn na Cille - but this slope is extremely steep and tough going. Instead continue along the road - with views down over the picturesque church by the loch - until beside the telecoms building above Ceana Mor.

STAGE 2

From here head north towards Beinn na Cille - the route is very rough initially and overgrown with bracken in late summer, but still easier than the plantation route. Slowly the going improves and the undergrowth is thankfully left behind; there are stunning views looking back over Loch Linnhe. Continue past rocky outcrops to reach Beinn na Cille's summit - a Graham. There is a great outlook over the low lying but fertle Isle of Lismore; the keen eye can pick out Castle Stalker.

STAGE 3

There follows a fairly steep descent down to Bealach Coire Mhic Gugain, a substantial loss of height. Climb NNE up to the shoulder of Meall Corie Mhic Gugain, then continue towards Fuar Bheinn, at first across grassy slopes but becoming steeper and rockier as the summit draws near. From this, the first of the two Corbetts, the views are superb, now taking in Creach Bheinn, Garbh Bheinn and distant Sgurr Dhonuill inland as well as the spectacular sea view.

STAGE 4

Descend NW from Fuar Bheinn at first, to avoid steep rocky ground, until it becomes straightforward to aim for the wide boggy bealach of Cul Mhaim - another considerable loss of height. Continue across boggy ground to begin the more gradual ascent of Creach Bheinn's west ridge. The ridge becomes stony and gives good going, continuing up to the summit. This is the highest mountain in Morven and a fine viewpoint.

STAGE 5

Head briefly NW and then descend NE down to a sharp dip in the ridge, marked as camp' on OS maps. The substantial wall and remains here were a 'Colby Camp' - used by map-makers as part of the Ordnance Survey in the nineteenth century. Go up onto the rocky knoll beyond and continue for 400m until the ridge splits; take the right branch, which is more well defined as it descends steeply to a bealach. From here climb to the domed summit of Maol Odhar. Next head down over broadening grassy slopes, initially southeast but following the ridge as it curves SSW.

STAGE 6

A very short climb beyond a bealach leads up to Meall nan Each. Once again, the views over Loch Linnhe are simply fantastic, whilst Ben Nevis is well seen at the head of the loch. Continue along the bumpy ridge, passing over several knolls. Look out for wild goats in this area. Eventually rough grassy slopes lead down to reach the B8043 at the bend just east of the car park.