We walked the Mullardoch north Munroes on a very atmospheric day with gathering gloom and then widespread thunder in Glen Affric to the south and Strathfarrer to the north. The thunder was echoing all around the mountains - but we only experienced light rain on our last hill (Carn nan Gobhar).

We started by using the ferry from Mullardoch Dam which is run by Angus the local gamekeeper. Its fully licenced and cuts out the long and unpleasant path on the north side of the loch. Cost depends on the number of passengers. Angus recommended being dropped in the narrows at the west end of the loch. From there you climb directly onto a ridge leading to An Socach and avoid all the peat hags in the corrie on the other side. His advice was sound!

From the ridge you walk round the 4 Munroes - in our case as the thunder echoed all round the mountains. The haul up to Sgurr na Lapaich was quite tough after 4 hours of steady walking, but after that things get steadily easier. After Carn nan Gobhar, you then walk down to the loch where you join the path at a Hydro hut with a good land rover track to the dam.

We are both over 60 but did this route in just under 8 hours - 22km and almost 2000m of ascent. I wouldn't have enjoyed the long walk back along the loch required if you do the walk using the "offical walkhighlands" route. Let the ferry take the strain!