NN0299 : Grassy summit area of Gairich

Gairich

919m Elevation
552m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN0299 : Grassy summit area of Gairich

Steven Brown Photo source

Explore routes near Gairich

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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Route planning notes

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

Gairich from the West

A popular route starting from the western approach, this path provides a steady incline with a well-marked trail, leading to stunning views as you ascend.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

919m

3,015 ft

Prominence

552m

Coordinates

57.0449, -5.2558

NN025995

OS Map

33

Explorer: 399

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a splendid stone cairn that offers a perfect selfie opportunity alongside breathtaking vistas.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassy slopes transitioning to some boggy sections especially after rainfall.

Gairich is primarily composed of metamorphic schists, which are the result of intense pressure and heat over geological time. This gives the mountain its rugged appearance and impressive cliffs.

Views & Scenery

The summit offers impressive views of Loch Arkaig to the south and the faint outlines of the Great Glen to the north. On a clear day, the Nevis range can also be seen.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Gairich' is derived from the Gaelic 'Gaothair,' meaning 'the windy place', a fitting tribute to the breezy summit.

Historical Significance

Gairich's prominence makes it a beloved target for Munro-baggers, while its striking beauty has inspired many artists over the decades.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a small layby on the A861, around 4 km from the start of the trail. Park with care, as this road can be busy with local traffic.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service runs from Fort William to Kinlochailort. From there, it's about a 4 km walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are limited on the mountain itself, but Fort William offers numerous cafes, toilets, and shops to stock up before your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for loose rocks, especially in wet conditions; the terrain can be slippery. Also, beware of sudden changes in weather, typical in the Highlands.

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 Gairich?

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

Are there other walkers around Gairich?

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 Gairich search or of course create your own walk for Gairich

Can I organise a walk to Gairich?

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 Gairich.

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 Gairich?

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 Gairich 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: NN025995

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