248. Gulvain (161, P600 54). 21/09/2022

Forecast was for cloud everywhere across western Scotland, so we chose this hill so as to at least stay below it for the long walk in. The weather turned out better than predicted, with the cloud base around 850m, but we were certainly still in mist at the top.

The 6km yomp along the valley floor to the foot of the mountain was perfectly pleasant, although we were air-bombed by dozens of deer keds along the way.

The climb of the hill itself was described as relentless in the book, but there was a good firm path the whole way, so this passed relatively easily. Lots of mist and a chilly breeze meant that the ridge between the north and south tops didn't live up to its potential, but we got an impression of what it could be like.

Apart from one other couple we met on the ascent, we had the place to ourselves and the 22km walk with 1400m of ascent took us a shade under 6h - an hour less than suggested by the guide. 

Looking back along the glen of our approach.

Celebrating the views at the top

A moment almost without cloud when we returned to the track