NB2613 : Guaineamol Summit

Guaineamol

405m Elevation
167m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NB2613 : Guaineamol Summit

Rude Health Photo source

Explore routes near Guaineamol

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

Route planning notes

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

East Guaineamol Route

A popular route starting from the parking area, leading up to the summit, with scenic views along the way.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

West Ridge Approach

This route offers a steeper ascent but rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views.

7 km ~3 hours Challenging
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

405m

1,329 ft

Prominence

167m

Coordinates

58.0249, -6.6417

NB260133

OS Map

13 14

Explorer: 457

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and a well-constructed stone cairn, perfect for those Instagram moments.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged and rocky interspersed with patches of heather and grassy slopes.

Guaineamol is predominantly composed of metamorphic rocks, particularly schists and gneisses, which tell a tale of immense heat and pressure over millions of years. These ancient formations create a rugged landscape, as if the earth decided to throw a geological tantrum.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of surrounding mountains and the shimmering waters of Loch Nevis. On a clear day, the Isle of Skye is a spectacular sight.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Guaineamol' is derived from the Gaelic words meaning 'the peak of the rough ground.'

Historical Significance

This area is rich in local heritage, with tales of ancient clans and battles echoing through the valleys.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at the start of the trail on the A861, but parking can get busy, so arrive early! Spaces should be treated like gold dust.

Public Transport

Buses from Fort William run to the nearest village of Mallaig, from where you can taxi to the parking area.

Nearby Facilities

There are public toilets in Mallaig, as well as a few local cafes for some before-hike caffeine.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks on steep sections can be treacherous. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared with appropriate gear.

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 Guaineamol?

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

Are there other walkers around Guaineamol?

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 Guaineamol search or of course create your own walk for Guaineamol

Can I organise a walk to Guaineamol?

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 Guaineamol.

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 Guaineamol?

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 Guaineamol 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