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
- Prominence
- 768 m
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 1225 m
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH039053
- Parking
- NH030027
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 32km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
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 14km with 1225m of ascent for the pair with Spidean Mialach.
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: Signal gone above 700m at Loch Quoich. The A87 at Loch Garry has occasional signal. Save your maps before you leave Invergarry.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:02
- Sunset
- 21:53
- Civil dawn
- 04:06
- Civil dusk
- 22:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 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?
- We grade Gleouraich at 4/5, which puts it in challenging territory. The usual route is around 14km with 1225m of climbing; allow 5-7 hours. Ground conditions: The lochside stalkers' path is restored stone pitching in excellent condition — possibly the finest path approach to any Munro in Scotland.
- How much drop does Gleouraich have?
- The drop is 768m: measured from the summit of Gleouraich down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Gleouraich?
- Park at NH030027. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Gleouraich?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on Gleouraich. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Gleouraich?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Gleouraich?
- Signal gone above 700m at Loch Quoich. The A87 at Loch Garry has occasional signal. Save your maps before you leave 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.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.