Corbett · Glen Coe
Mam na Gualainn
Mam na Gualainn — 'the pass of the shoulder' — is the broad ridge-summit rising above Kinlochleven on the south shore of Loch Leven, opposite the Mamores. The 796m top sits at the highest point of a long undulating ridge running roughly east–west between Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven, and is reached most directly from the West Highland Way as it climbs out of Kinlochleven. The summit gives a clean front-row vantage across Loch Leven to the Mamores and east into Glen Coe.
Quick facts
- Height
- 796.5m/ 2613ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 750 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN115625
- Parking
- NN187621
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
WHW path 20% · heather hillside 45% · grassy upper slopes 25% · summit area 10%
From Kinlochleven, follow the West Highland Way signs up Wades Road to the WHW path itself (NN187621). Walk west on the WHW for around 2km, then leave the trail and climb steeply north onto the broad east ridge of Mam na Gualainn. The route follows the ridge west to the summit cairn. Reverse the line to descend, or continue west along the ridge to Beinn na Caillich (a separate Corbett at the far west end) for a longer day. Allow 5–6 hours.
Terrain
WHW section on the inward approach — pitched stone for most of it, good walking. Above the trail the ridge is grass and heather with a few small rocky steps. The summit area is broad with a clear cairn. The long ridge east-west has subtle undulations; in cloud, a compass keeps the line.
In winter
A reliable winter Corbett by Glen Coe standards — the broad ridge holds snow well but the standard line carries no avalanche concerns. The Kinlochleven access stays open year-round. Loch Leven views in low winter light are exceptional. Cold easterlies funneling down the loch can be brutal on the open ridge.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 18m
- Edinburgh3h 4m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Mobile signal: No signal near Kinlochleven area
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:39
- Sunset
- 21:57
- Civil dawn
- 03:39
- Civil dusk
- 22:57
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Mam na Gualainn.
Around Mam na Gualainn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Fort William station
Ben Nevis, Mamores, Aonachs, Knoydart ferry connection
11km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
12km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
14km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Mam na Gualainn — common questions
- How hard is Mam na Gualainn?
- Mam na Gualainn is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 750m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: WHW section on the inward approach — pitched stone for most of it, good walking.
- Where do I park for Mam na Gualainn?
- Standard parking is at NN187621 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Mam na Gualainn?
- The standard good-weather months for Mam na Gualainn are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Mam na Gualainn?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Mam na Gualainn?
- No signal near Kinlochleven area
- Is Mam na Gualainn safe in winter?
- A reliable winter Corbett by Glen Coe standards — the broad ridge holds snow well but the standard line carries no avalanche concerns. The Kinlochleven access stays open year-round. Loch Leven views in low winter light are exceptional. Cold easterlies funneling down the loch can be brutal on the open ridge.