Mam na Gualainn & Tom Meadhoin

Hill: Mam na Gualainn (796m) (Peak of the shoulder); Tom Meadhoin (621m)(Middle knoll)

Type: Corbett & Graham

There are various rambling routes around this area covering quite a few different hills covering all categories, take your pick. The combination of single or multiple hills is your choice. After some research I went for the scenic Loch Leven start combining the Corbett & Graham. The downside is missing a fine ridge walk in favour of a T junction approach. 

There has been extensive recent deforestation so the route at times does lack somewhat in the outstanding views department. It was also a muddy wet walk.

As I kitted up a stag roared either side of Loch Leven but there was an even better highlight. I saw a v wake trail on the water with the small head of an otter creating it. The body arced as it dived unmistakable. A lot of surface turbulence was created, I suspect a small shoal of fish were taking evasive action to avoid becoming otter breakfast. After that on the walk the wildlife was non existent despite it being a cracking clear air day.

Stunning views from both tops. Despite a beautiful Saturday only one other person on the hill. A hill runner who only briefly acknowledged me when I waved over, prat.

Start

Pap of Glencoe with Munro Sgorr nam Fiannaidh right & Corbett Garbh Bheinn back left.

1st view of Mam

Right of way marked by poles

Final effort to Mam

Magnificent Beinn a' Bheithir

Summit

The Mamores, Stob Bhan prominent. Ben Nevis top in cloud behind.

Back down the ridge to Beinn na Caillich and Kinlochleven

Plaque to a Royal Marine

Mullach nan Coirean on right. WHW just visible winding north to Fort William

Fox moth caterpillar

1st view of Tom Meadhoin, Morvern/Sunart beyond

Closer view of Tom Meadhoin plateau

Faint but very wet track

Tom summit looking back to Mam

Descent back down to Loch Leven.

Ascent: 979m

Distance: 11.0km

Time: 4.01

Wildlife: Otter; Roaring Stags; Chaffinch: Meadow Pipit; Fox Moth caterpillar,