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We decided to tackle these as it looked like the weather would be better in the east and it would get us to the magic 50th munro.
We had already done Geal Charn so decided to add A'Mharconaich to the Walk Highlands double of Sgairneach Mor & Beinn Udlamain.
We parked in the layby near the Drumochter Summit sign as per the walk instructions, followed the track under the railway and up the glen. We took the first bridge, carried on the track for about 20 metres and there is a faint boggy path heading up Sgairneach Mor. The path gradually became clearer and less boggy skirted the knoll and took us unto the ridge up Sgairneach Mor. There were small clouds floating below us
- Clouds from above
We then met a pair of plump ptarmigan who waddled off in their usual fashion. No photo (it was a speedy waddle!)
Here is the obligatory summit photo of Pete on Sgairneach Mor.
- Summit of sgairnoch mor
It is a wide airy summit with fine views of the surrounding hills. After a celebratory snack we continued to the bealach which was surprisingly not boggy and we disturbed some deer. We followed the fence posts up Beinn Udlamain spotting mountain hares on the way up. At the top we displaced a mountain hare from the wind shelter. He didn't go far so here is his photo.
- Hare on top of Beinn Udlamain
We also got good views of Loch Ericht
- Loch Ericht
And here is another summit photo - me this time!
- Beinn Udlamain Summit
Continued on the clear path to A'Mharconaich for the final summit of the day and our fiftieth munro.
- A'Mharconnaich
We followed the ridge down to Balsporran cottages and forded the burn. P's feet were fine in his Altbergs and gaiters but I was wearing my summer berghaus's and my feet were soaked. Back along the cycle path which was a trudge but the rest of the walk was worth it.
On the whole my favourite sort of walk up high with ptarmigan and mountain hare.