Gully Route Mam na Gualainn
Mam na Gualainn (796m) rises from the north shore of Loch Leven, across from Glen Coe. This route was discovered after some exploration and there is a large chance it hasn't been ascended before. It is best done after a dry spell (you WILL get wet) but be warned that trees and vegetation infringe upon the water course so it is probably best done before Summer.
The lower section offers walking with small waterfalls to be climbed (grade 1). At this point escape is easy. Higher up the stream enters a steep sided gorge where escape is only possible at certain points. The scrambling becomes more sustained and difficult (grade 2), on doubtful rock in places (loose, slippy and vegetated), and some may like the comfort of a rope for some obstacles. Nevertheless, it's an adventurous route and the views when you exit the gully are worth the effort. Begin on the road on the north side of Loch Leven at the Loch Leven Chalets.
The stream crosses the road at grid reference
Climb a fence by the cottage and walk beside the stream into the woods. Follow this until a stream comes in from the left from the hillside; this is the water course the scramble follows. How you begin is your choice, you can enter the stream straight away and climb the small waterfalls; some of them offer good sport however trees infringe upon the channel and chances are you will get scratched! Higher up you leave the woods and the channel opens out. A narrow waterfall several meters high presents the first problem - holds are absent and the rock is slippy.
It is best to walk round this fall. Above this a pleasant slabby section leads to a deer fence. Climb this causing as little damage as possible. Beyond the fence trees infringe again and it may be best to walk round this point to where the banks steepen and a gorge forms. From this point the route becomes harder and escape difficult; ensure you are adequately prepared to continue. Walk into the narrow gorge to be confronted by another narrow waterfall. The fun begins! The first step looks tricky but is straightforward provided you accept you will get very wet.
Once overcome you're standing in an alcove with another smaller step above. This looks like it should be easy but isn't somehow. The best ascent is on the right side and requires some thought; make use of any small collapsing holds and move quickly up this. Continue up the channel again; it opens out before closing in. Another series of waterfalls are presented. Climb these but beware of loose and slippy rock; the steps here are more sustained making the consequences of a slip more serious. Follow the channel up.
There are occasional opportunities to escape by climbing up the steep grassy sides. Higher up dead trees block the stream. Avoid them cautiously! The gully can be followed until it opens out onto slopes but the scrambling becomes less interesting and when to leave the channel is entirely up to you! From here you have sever