Scotland
Gulvain South Top
961M
3153FT
About Gulvain South Top
Standing as the secondary summit of the massive Gulvain, this Munro Top offers a rugged, steep-sided ascent from the Glen Mallie track. Its position at the head of Gleann Fionnlighe provides a commanding view over the Loch Eil hills and across to the distinctively jagged peaks of Knoydart.
Key Statistics
Rank
24th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
98m
Nearest Town
Glendessary
Geology
As you climb, you are walking on hardened sandstone and mudstone, interspersed with fine-grained crystalline rock that forms the mountain's rugged spine.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NM996864
Latitude
56.9254°N
Longitude
5.2946°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Scottish Gaelic Gadhail Bheinn, meaning 'mountain of the hunting dogs' (gadhar), though some suggest Gaothail Bheinn, which translates as 'windy mountain'—a fitting description given its exposed position above the surrounding glens.
- •The standard ascent follows a track from the A830 through Gleann Fionnlighe, but walkers should be wary of the south ridge path; it often functions more as a stream bed than a walkway, making for a very damp experience in typical Lochaber weather.
- •Although the South Top is high enough to be a Munro in its own right, it is classified as a Munro Top because it is separated from the higher 968m North Top by a narrow col that drops only about 30 metres.
- •From the summit cairn, the view south is dominated by the massive bulk of Ben Nevis and the long, pale ridge of the Grey Corries, while to the west, the distinctive profile of Sgùrr na Cìche in Knoydart is clearly visible.
- •Reaching this summit provides a brief moment of triumph that is immediately tempered by the sight of the true Munro summit sitting nearly a kilometre further along the ridge.