Beinn Maol Chaluim - Scotland's Hills

I climbed this Corbett from Glen Etive, accessed from the A82 in Glen Coe, parking on an area of rough ground at the west side of the road north of Invercharnan at a gap between forests. (Grid Ref. NN148493). From there I ascended steeply north-west through rough vegetation onto the south ridge of the Beinn Maol Chaluim.

Glen Etive, Buachaille Etive Beag and Mor

The going here was easier as the vegetation was shorter and it was less steep. Later the gradient increased and there were several rocks and boulders to avoid. Higher up I came to the crags which I bypassed to the right before climbing onto Beinn Maol Chaluim South Top, a Sub Simm, with views across Gleann Fhaolain to Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire Sgreamhach.

There was then a short descent north-west followed by an easy climb to the summit of Beinn Maol Chaluim which was marked by two cairns. I visited both but the northerly one was probably the highest.

Beinn a' Bheithir beyond Aonach Dubh a'Ghlinne — Beinn a’ Bheithir beyond Aonach Dubh a’Ghlinne

Stob na Fhuarain, Sgor na h-Ulaidh and Beinn Fhionnlaidh

Meall a' Bhuiridh and Loch Etive — Meall a’ Bhuiridh and Loch Etive

After a break here I returned by the upward route. Lower down I came across a faint path through the long vegetation although at times it wasn’t easy to follow, but it led to the road in Glen Etive just north of my starting point.

Time taken – 4.75 hours.
Distance – 8.5 kilometres.
Height climbed – 940 metres.