This southern pair of the four Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass are heathery hills rather than true mountains; few would ascend them if they did not top 3000 feet. The views, however, are good on a clear day.
Summary
Mostly straightforward hillwalking; the descent from Beinn Udlamain is very steep in parts.
Terrain
NN632755
Grid ref
14.5km/9 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Layby on A9 at entrance to Coire Dhomhain
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. Park at the layby on the west side of the A9 near Drumochter Summit. Follow the service track to the south; you can avoid the need to cross the railway by keeping along the track and then forking right, passing under it through a small tunnel. On the far side head right to eventually join the good track leading up into Coire Dhomhain. The steep dome-shaped hill on your left is the Sow of Atholl (a Corbett); unless including this in the day, continue along the track for 2km. It used to be necessary to cross the stream at a small cairn before following a peaty path towards Sgairneach Mhor; if the river is low take this route, otherwise continue along the track unitl a branch left leads down to a new bridge at NN608748. STOP PRESS: We have a user report that a second new bridge has now been built at the original river crossing point. Once across, head up the heather slopes to the south to join the ill-defined east ridge of Sgairneach Mhor to the west of the knoll at 758 metres.
Photo: Jim Fox
2. Continue the ascent towards Sgairneach Mhor; as height is gained the ridge becomes well-defined with the broken crags of Coire Creagach on the right. At the apex above this corrie is the trig point marking the summit at 991 metres; the first Munro of the day. There is a first glimpse of Ben Alder but this view improves as the walk continues. Descend gentle slopes southwest, then northwest and down to the bealach at the head of Coire Dhomhain.
Photo: Jim Fox
3. From the bealach, ascend west a short distance to gain the broad south ridge of Beinn Udlamain; turn right up this to continue directly to the large cairn on the summit. At 1010 metres this is the highest of the Drumochter Munros, and has a magnificent view of Ben Alder behind Loch Ericht. Continue northeast from the summit to a minor bump where the ridge then descends more steeply to the east. It is possible to continue the walk onto A' Mharconaich; otherwise continue almost to the 860m bealach before striking off steeply downhill on awkward heather.
Photo: Jim Fox
4. The descent is a trial. Aim for the bottom of the stream flowing down from the bealach between Beinn Udlamain and A'Mharconaich - but keep well right of the stream as it has carved a ravine. The floor of Coire Dhomhain will be reached with some relief. Turn left down the track to return to the railway and the start beside the A9 beyond.
Photo: Jim Fox
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