Gulvain (987m) 4th June 2009

Gulvain from the head of Gleann Fionnlighe

I had trouble finding somewhere to park the car and ended up parking in a lay-by on the A830 about a mile from where the track up Gleann Fionnlighe started. I didn't realise that there is space to park a few cars by the entrance to the track. I started walking at 9.30 am, reaching the start of the track 20 minutes later. It was a long walk up Gleann Fionnlighe but the forest was nice, with plenty of bluebells in flower and with glimpses of Gulvain and Braigh nan Uamhachan. As I got nearer to Gulvain there were also good views of Meall Onfhaidh and Meall a' Phubuill, and I saw that there was a path climbing the steep flanks of Gulvain, which had been created by the passage of many boots. The climb was a steep slog but I just put my head down and went for it. I gained height quickly and views soon opened up. Although it was warm and sunny every so often the sun would go behind a cloud and a freezing wind would spring up. The steep angle relented a little at the 855 metre shoulder, and from there the 961m trip point was soon reached. From the trig there was a superb view of the narrow ridge arcing gracefully towards the summit. Traversing this ridge was brilliant and I enjoyed looking down the steep flanks on either side. I reached the summit at 1.15 pm, just in time for lunch. The view was fantastic, taking in South Uist, Skye, Rum, Ben Nevis, the Grey Corries, Mamores, the Glencoe hills, Ardgour, Moidart, Sgurr Thuilm, Streap, Glen Dessary, Sgurr na Ciche, the Knoydart hills, the Loch Lochy hills and the Monadhliath. I couldn't tear myself away and I stayed for 45 minutes before descending. It was a knee grinding descent down the steep flanks and it seemed like a long trudge out along the track. I reached the end of the track at 4.50 pm and then had another 20 minute walk back to the car. I thought that Gulvain was a fine hill and had given me a great day out with views to remember.

Glen Dessary from Gulvain

The graceful ridge leading to the summit

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