Munro · kintail
Gleouraich
Gleouraich (1035m) is the highest summit on the long ridge that runs along the northern shore of Loch Quoich. Together with its eastern neighbour Spidean Mialach it forms a classic two-Munro round above one of the wildest sea-lochs in Scotland. The hill is famous for one of the very best stalkers' paths in the country — a beautifully-engineered zigzag track that climbs from the lochside almost to the summit ridge.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1035.1m/ 3396ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 911 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH039053
- Parking
- NH030027
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Roadside start 15% · Steep hillside 40% · Rocky ridge 45%
Park at the small lay-by on the north side of the Loch Quoich road, about 1km east of the bridge over the loch. Pick up the stalkers' path that switchbacks impressively up the south ridge of Gleouraich — one of the finest hill paths in Scotland. The path tops out close to the summit cairn. Continue east along the broad ridge over the Bealach a' Mhaim to Spidean Mialach, then descend its east ridge back to the road. Around 13km with 1300m of ascent.
Terrain
The lochside stalkers' path is restored stone pitching in excellent condition — possibly the finest path approach to any Munro in Scotland. The summit ridge is short turf and gravel with one short rocky scramble between the cairn and the connecting ridge to Spidean Mialach. The Bealach a' Mhaim is broad and damp. The descent off Spidean Mialach is rough heathery hillside with no path back to the road.
In winter
A serious west-coast winter Munro. The Loch Quoich road can be drifted closed; in past winters the road has been blocked for weeks. The north-facing corries become serious avalanche terrain after south-westerly storms. Both summits develop persistent cornicing along their north flanks across the season. Phone signal absent throughout the day. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 53m
- Edinburgh3h 26m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m at Loch Quoich. The A87 at Loch Garry has occasional signal. Download maps before leaving Invergarry.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:10
- Civil dawn
- 03:24
- Civil dusk
- 23:15
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Gleouraich.
Around Gleouraich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Gleouraich — common questions
- How hard is Gleouraich?
- Gleouraich is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 911m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The lochside stalkers' path is restored stone pitching in excellent condition — possibly the finest path approach to any Munro in Scotland.
- Where do I park for Gleouraich?
- Standard parking is at NH030027 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 Gleouraich?
- The standard good-weather months for Gleouraich are 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 Gleouraich?
- 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 Gleouraich?
- No signal above 700m at Loch Quoich. The A87 at Loch Garry has occasional signal. Download maps before leaving Invergarry.
- Is Gleouraich safe in winter?
- A serious west-coast winter Munro. The Loch Quoich road can be drifted closed; in past winters the road has been blocked for weeks. The north-facing corries become serious avalanche terrain after south-westerly storms. Both summits develop persistent cornicing along their north flanks across the season. Phone signal absent throughout the day. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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