Mullach nan Coirean
939m
Fort William
“Summit of the Corries”
939mHeight
18.1kmRound trip
6.3–8.2hWalk time
HardDifficulty 4/5
Photo: GeographBot · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
About this Munro
Mullach nan Coirean is a 939m Munro in the Fort William region, its Gaelic name meaning “summit of the corries”. It stands 237th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Mullach nan Coirean and Stob Ban from Kinlochleven — is a 18.1km round trip taking 6.3–8.2 hours, rated hard (4/5).
Plan your day
Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Mullach nan Coirean, covering 18.1km.
Route preview
Mullach nan Coirean and Stob Ban from Kinlochleven
Hard6.3–8.2h round trip18.1km distance↑751m ascent
Bog ratingModerate
ParkingKinlochleven
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Mullach nan Coirean
Your ascent of Mullach nan Coirean from Kinlochleven presents a demanding day in the Mamores, with 18 kilometres of…
Climbing Mullach nan Coirean
Your ascent of Mullach nan Coirean from Kinlochleven presents a demanding day in the Mamores, with 18 kilometres of…
Your ascent of Mullach nan Coirean from Kinlochleven presents a demanding day in the Mamores, with 18 kilometres of challenging terrain to navigate. The route typically combines Mullach nan Coirean with neighbouring Stob Ban, creating a horseshoe circuit rated at difficulty 4 out of 5. You'll face sustained climbing from the village, gaining nearly 940 metres of elevation through varied terrain.
The initial approach involves navigating through forestry before breaking out onto more open hillside, where the gradient steepens considerably. Underfoot conditions on Mullach nan Coirean vary from good stalkers' paths to rougher, rockier sections higher up, with a bog level of 3 out of 5 in places. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky as you approach the 939-metre summit, requiring careful foot placement and some easy scrambling in sections.
Weather can change rapidly on Mullach nan Coirean, with cloud descending quickly to obscure the route. Allow between 6.3 and 8.2 hours for the full circuit, more in challenging conditions.
Best Time to Climb Mullach nan Coirean
The ideal window for climbing Mullach nan Coirean runs from May through September, when you'll benefit from longer…
Best Time to Climb Mullach nan Coirean
The ideal window for climbing Mullach nan Coirean runs from May through September, when you'll benefit from longer…
The ideal window for climbing Mullach nan Coirean runs from May through September, when you'll benefit from longer daylight hours and more stable weather patterns. Summer months offer the most comfortable conditions, though you should still prepare for the Fort William area's notorious rainfall, which can arrive suddenly even on promising days.
Mullach nan Coirean becomes a serious winter mountaineering proposition from November through March, with snow and ice transforming the upper slopes into technical terrain requiring crampons and ice axe. The ridge sections can be particularly exposed to wind in winter, creating significant wind chill. Spring and autumn offer quieter experiences on Mullach nan Coirean, with stunning light and fewer midges, though you'll need to be prepared for more variable conditions.
The west coast location means weather systems arrive frequently, so always check detailed mountain forecasts before attempting Mullach nan Coirean. Early starts are recommended to complete the circuit comfortably, giving you buffer time if navigation becomes complex in mist.
Getting to Mullach nan Coirean
Kinlochleven serves as your starting point for Mullach nan Coirean, a compact village at the head of Loch Leven with…
Getting to Mullach nan Coirean
Kinlochleven serves as your starting point for Mullach nan Coirean, a compact village at the head of Loch Leven with…
Kinlochleven serves as your starting point for Mullach nan Coirean, a compact village at the head of Loch Leven with good parking facilities. The main car park is clearly signposted in the village centre, with additional parking available near the ice wall facility. Kinlochleven is easily reached via the B863 from either Glencoe to the south or Fort William to the north, with the journey from Fort William taking approximately 30 minutes.
The village offers shops, cafes, and accommodation, making it an excellent base for tackling Mullach nan Coirean and other Mamores peaks. Public transport serves Kinlochleven via bus services from Fort William, though these are limited, so check timetables if planning to use them. The village has mobile phone signal and all necessary facilities, allowing you to stock up before heading into the hills.
For Mullach nan Coirean, you'll leave directly from the village, following well-signed paths initially through the woodland before emerging onto the open hillside.
Mullach nan Coirean Summit
The summit of Mullach nan Coirean stands at 939 metres, marked by a substantial cairn that provides welcome shelter from…
Mullach nan Coirean Summit
The summit of Mullach nan Coirean stands at 939 metres, marked by a substantial cairn that provides welcome shelter from…
The summit of Mullach nan Coirean stands at 939 metres, marked by a substantial cairn that provides welcome shelter from the prevailing westerly winds. True to its name, 'Summit of the Corries', you'll find yourself surrounded by dramatic bowl-shaped valleys carved into the mountain's flanks.
From the top of Mullach nan Coirean, the views are spectacular on clear days, with the Grey Corries ridge stretching away to the northeast and the bulk of Ben Nevis dominating the northern horizon. To the south, Loch Leven glints far below, while the western outlook extends across to the mountains of Ardgour. The summit area of Mullach nan Coirean is relatively compact and rocky, with exposed quartzite adding a distinctive pale appearance to the upper slopes.
There's limited natural shelter beyond the cairn itself, so this isn't a place to linger in poor weather. The ridge continues onwards towards Stob Ban if you're completing the circuit, offering an airy traverse with fine views throughout.
Wildlife on Mullach nan Coirean
The varied altitude range of Mullach nan Coirean supports diverse Highland habitats, from birch and alder woodland in…
Wildlife on Mullach nan Coirean
The varied altitude range of Mullach nan Coirean supports diverse Highland habitats, from birch and alder woodland in…
The varied altitude range of Mullach nan Coirean supports diverse Highland habitats, from birch and alder woodland in the lower glens to exposed montane heath at the summit. Your ascent through the forested lower slopes may reveal roe deer, and you'll certainly hear the calls of common birds like wrens and chaffinches.
As you climb higher on Mullach nan Coirean, heather moorland dominates, interspersed with areas of bracken on the lower slopes that turn glorious bronze in autumn. Red grouse are common in this zone, their distinctive 'go-back, go-back' calls punctuating the silence. Above 700 metres, the vegetation becomes more sparse, with montane plants like alpine lady's mantle and starry saxifrage clinging to rocky crevices.
The Fort William region's high rainfall creates lush moss growth on boulders and outcrops throughout your route. Watch for ravens riding the updrafts around the summit of Mullach nan Coirean, their acrobatic displays impressive against the mountain backdrop. Golden eagles occasionally hunt across these hills, and you may spot their massive silhouettes soaring over the corries.
Mullach nan Coirean Tips
Sound navigation skills are essential for Mullach nan Coirean, particularly if you're completing the full circuit with…
Mullach nan Coirean Tips
Sound navigation skills are essential for Mullach nan Coirean, particularly if you're completing the full circuit with…
Sound navigation skills are essential for Mullach nan Coirean, particularly if you're completing the full circuit with Stob Ban. Carry a detailed map and compass, and know how to use them confidently in poor visibility, as mist can descend rapidly on these peaks. The route involves significant ascent, so pace yourself carefully and carry plenty of water and high-energy food.
Weather on Mullach nan Coirean can deteriorate quickly, with the west coast location meaning rain can arrive with little warning, so pack full waterproofs regardless of the morning forecast. In winter, this becomes a serious mountaineering expedition requiring ice axe, crampons, and winter skills. The terrain includes some rocky sections where a slip could have serious consequences, so watch your footing, particularly when tired on the descent.
Mobile phone signal is patchy once you leave Kinlochleven, so ensure someone knows your intended route and return time. Start early to give yourself ample time for the circuit, and don't be afraid to turn back if conditions on Mullach nan Coirean become challenging. The mountain rewards careful preparation and respect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Mullach nan Coirean.
How tall is Mullach nan Coirean?
Mullach nan Coirean stands at 939 metres (3,081 feet), making it the 237th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Mullach nan Coirean mean in Gaelic?
The name Mullach nan Coirean translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Summit of the Corries”.
How long does it take to climb Mullach nan Coirean?
Climbing Mullach nan Coirean typically takes between 6.3 and 8.2 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Mullach nan Coirean?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Mullach nan Coirean, in the Fort William area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Mullach nan Coirean to climb?
Mullach nan Coirean is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5).
What is the best route up Mullach nan Coirean?
The most popular route up Mullach nan Coirean covers 18.1km, 6.3–8.2 hours round trip.
Is Mullach nan Coirean good for beginners?
Mullach nan Coirean (difficulty 4/5 at 939m) is best suited to experienced hillwalkers in the Fort William area. Expect sustained steep terrain and the need for confident navigation in poor visibility.
What region is Mullach nan Coirean in?
Mullach nan Coirean is in the Fort William region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include Am Bodach, An Gearanach, Aonach Beag (Nevis Range).