The Drumochter hills west of the A9
Four rounded Munros above the Pass of Drumochter: Geal-chàrn, A' Mharconaich, Beinn Udlamain and Sgairneach Mhòr.
- Distance
- 24 km
- Ascent
- 1160 m
- Time
- 7.5–10 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 1010 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Drumochter hills west of the A9 is a hard 24 km circular walk with 1,160 m of ascent, taking 7.5 to 10 hours. It starts at Balsporran Cottages, A9 (grid reference NN 626 791). It climbs 4 listed hills, the highest Beinn Udlamain at 1,010 m.
The Drumochter Munros start high, at over 400 m on the A9, which makes them some of the easiest to reach. This route climbs Geal-chàrn from Balsporran, then follows the broad, grassy ridges over A' Mharconaich and Beinn Udlamain to Sgairneach Mhòr.
The ground is easy in clear weather but featureless in mist. The route returns north along the A9 cycle path.
Route
-
1
Geal-chàrn
Cross the railway and climb the track and path onto Geal-chàrn.
-
2
The ridges
Follow the broad ridges south over A' Mharconaich and Beinn Udlamain.
-
3
Sgairneach Mhòr
Continue to Sgairneach Mhòr, then descend to the A9 and follow the cycle path back.
Summits
917 m
973 m
1010 m
991 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Drumochter hills west of the A9 take?
- Most walkers take 7.5–10 hours for the 24 km route, which has 1,160 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Balsporran Cottages, A9 (grid reference NN 626 791). Lay-by parking near Balsporran on the A9.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Dalwhinnie station is about 7 km north. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Broad, grassy and mossy ridges; boggy cols; cycle path to finish.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Beinn Udlamain (1010 m, Munro); Sgairneach Mhor (991 m, Munro); A' Mharconaich (973 m, Munro); Geal-charn (917 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Deer stalking takes place on these hills from mid-August to October. Stick to the main paths and check Heading for the Scottish Hills before you go. Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).
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