The east side of Drumochter pass is bounded by a steeply rising moor, riven by gullies. Suprisingly given its unimpressive appearance, there are two Munros on the plateau above. The hills themselves lack interest but this walk gives a real feeling of space. The tops are the haunt of dotterel and ptarmigan.
Summary
Vehicle track up to the plateau, then faint boggy paths; tricky navigation in bad weather.
Terrain
NN639820
Grid ref
19km/11.75 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, 0.75km south of Dalwhinne junction
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
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Public transport
1. Park in the layby on the west side of the A9 about three quarters of a kilometre south of the Dalwhinnie turning. Cross the road (very carefully!) and head a short way along the verge to the north before going through a gate onto a vehicle track, passing under the pylons. This begins by going north but soon bends to the right and begins to ascend the moor, with good views across the pass to A'Mharconaich and Geal Charn.
Photo: Kevsbald
2. Continue the easy ascent which keeps to the wide slope between two gullies. Nearing the plateau the track reaches an old quarry; the map is somewhat misleading in that this consists only of a shallow depression and a few blocks of quartz, and could be missed entirely when under snow. Continue on the track beyond the quarry, taking the left fork onto the broad ridge leading northeast. There is a line of fenceposts along here which may help navigation in mist. After a little under two kilometres the track is left as the ridge and fence bend to the right.
Photo: Kevsbald
3. A shallow depression is crossed before the final rise; this is very boggy underfoot unless it is frozen. Beyond, continue up the easy slope to the small cairn at the summit of Carn na Caim. At 941 metres this is a Munro, and its position on the edge of the plateau makes it a good viewpoint. Return across the boggy bealach and back along the landrover track to where the plateau was initally reached, this time continuing south rather than returning to the 'quarry'.
Photo: John Burgess
4. At A'Buidheanach the plateau drops steeply, and it is better to bear left downhill a little before reaching this point to join a path skirting this lump. Another soggy bealach is crossed before a boggy path begins the ascent beyond, a little to the right of a small stream. The slope eases off as another plateau is reached, a short distance from the minor top of A'Buidheanach Mhor. Head southwest and then south for a short distance to reach the trig point of A'Buidheanach Bheag, the second Munro of the day at 936 metres. Truly dedicated baggers may notice on the map that there is a second summit at 936 about 500 metres to the west; it is impossible to say which is the true Munro summit but this second contender has no cairn and few visitors. Once you are satisfied, return to the top of the landrover track for the easiest descent back to Drumochter.
Photo: John Burgess
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