NN1867 : Upper Glen Nevis, Scottish Highlands

An Gearanach

982m Elevation
152m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN1867 : Upper Glen Nevis, Scottish Highlands

Andrew Tryon Photo source

Explore routes near An Gearanach

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ben Nevis via Mountain Path

15.6 km ~7h Hard

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Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km ~7h Hard

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The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km ~6h Hard

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Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ring of Steall Circuit

This classic route begins at the car park near the Lower Falls in Glen Nevis. Follow the path along the Water of Nevis towards Steall Meadows and the famous wire bridge. From here, ascend steeply to reach the summit of An Gearanach, the first Munro of the day. Continue along the airy ridge to Stob Coire a' Chairn and Am Bodach, completing the circuit over Sgurr a' Mhaim before descending back to Glen Nevis.

15 km ~8 hours Hard

An Gearanach via Steall Meadows

This out-and-back route starts at the Glen Nevis car park and follows the scenic path to Steall Meadows, crossing the wire bridge for an adventurous touch. From there, ascend directly to An Gearanach, enjoying stunning views of Glen Nevis and the surrounding peaks. Retrace your steps for the return journey.

12 km ~6 hours Moderate

An Gearanach and Stob Coire a' Chairn Traverse

Begin at the Glen Nevis car park and hike into Steall Meadows. After crossing the wire bridge, ascend An Gearanach as the first Munro of the route. Continue along the ridge to Stob Coire a' Chairn before descending via the path leading back to Glen Nevis, making this a slightly shorter alternative to the full Ring of Steall.

13 km ~7 hours Hard

An Gearanach and Na Gruagaichean Loop

This circular route starts from Kinlochleven and heads up through Coire na Ba. Ascend An Gearanach first, then follow the ridge southwards to Na Gruagaichean. Descend via Coire na Ba for a quieter but rewarding day in the Mamores.

14 km ~7.5 hours Hard

An Gearanach Short Ascent

For those seeking a shorter day, start at Glen Nevis and focus solely on summiting An Gearanach. Follow the path to Steall Meadows, cross the wire bridge, and make a direct ascent. This route avoids the ridge traverses, making it more manageable while still offering superb views.

10 km ~5.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

982m

3,220 ft

Prominence

152m

Coordinates

56.7592, -4.9662

NN187669

OS Map

41

Explorer: 392

At the Summit

The summit boasts a majestic cairn and breathtaking panoramic views that could make even the most hardened urbanite shed a tear.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with patches of scree and heather the terrain can be both rewarding and a little challenging underfoot. A true delight for those who appreciate a good leg workout!

The mountain is primarily composed of metamorphic rock, specifically schist, which contributes to its rugged terrain. Its rocky outcrops and crags boast a mix of quartzite, adding to the drama of the landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Mamores and the Nevis Range, with the distant glimmer of Loch Leven on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name An Gearanach translates from Gaelic as 'the snowy one', possibly referring to its snow-capped peaks in winter.

Historical Significance

An Gearanach is part of the historic Mamores Range, which has long been a favourite among climbers and hikers, celebrated for its natural beauty and ruggedness.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is available at the end of Glen Nevis, where a car park accommodates hikers. Arrive early, as it can fill up quickly, especially in summer.

Public Transport

Buses from Fort William provide easy access to Glen Nevis. Remember to check the schedule for return times!

Nearby Facilities

Nearby facilities include public toilets at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and various cafés in Fort William to refuel after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of loose rocks, particularly on the ascent and descent. Weather can change rapidly in the Highlands, so ensure you're prepared for wind and rain at any time!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up An Gearanach?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around An Gearanach through the maps

Are there other walkers around An Gearanach?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for An Gearanach search or of course create your own walk for An Gearanach

Can I organise a walk to An Gearanach?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to An Gearanach.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up An Gearanach?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to An Gearanach here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NN187669

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Nearby Hills

Sgurr a' Mhaim

1,099m

Aonach Beag

1,234m

Carn Mor Dearg

1,220m

 Ben Nevis [Beinn Nibheis]

Ben Nevis [Beinn Nibheis]

1,345m

Aonach Mor

1,220m
See 5 more nearby hills