On the Thursday morning we set off for Mullardoch Dam. We had planned to park the car at the end point car park- but there are two padlocks on the gate so we left the car in a grassy patch just next to this (the legs were thankful for this at the end of the walk)

At 1300 we started the walk to the first Munro. We followed the hydro track for a short while and cut up the faint path to Mullach na Maoile.



We spotted a small adder on the way too.



Then it was on to the summit! The climb to this hill was relatively easy and fast, which was maybe the last of these of the weekend. We then arrived at Munro number 1/12 Carn nan Gobhar. A quick photo and we were off to the next Sgurr na Lapaich (ps keep an eye out for the garnets if you are in to geology)



After a small push to the top Sgurr na Lapaich is ascended, Munro 2/12 for the weekend is completed. We didn’t hang about long as we were aware we had started quite late and that sunlight hours would be against us. So after a photo we were off to An Riabhachan- the weather took a bit of a turn here, some snow showers and low cloud but we pushed on and ascended Munro 3/12



At this stage we knew we had to push to the 4th before the end of the day so we made our way with darkness incoming. We reached the summit of An Socach 4/12 just as the sun was setting



By this point we had our head torches on for the descent. We had planned to camp at the Loch but realistically we knew we wouldn’t have time so we set off to find a suitable camping spot. We found a suitable location at the Bealach Pait about 750m- we found a patch of firmer ground sheltered from the wind just off from the path and made camp. Wayfarer chilli never tasted so good!!



We were so tired we didn’t end up setting off until 9am on the Friday morning. We headed for the base of the Loch where we had a very very cold river crossing! In hindsight we should have waited to tape our feet as we had to re-do this after the crossing wasting time. It certainly woke us up however! We also filled our water packs here for the first time which is recommended.



Now was the long long slog to Munro number 5. If I’m honest this was one of the toughest parts of the day. There is no path (that we could find) and it felt like a long, long slog. Knowing what was still ahead this was when our mood took a bit of a dip. We were so lucky with a beautiful day and the views back along Long Mullardoch were truly stunning- you felt so remote at this point. We slowly kept plodding along and reached Munro 5/12 Mullach na Dheiragan.



After what felt like a long time to Munro number 5 we summited and were greeted with a truly stunning day on the hills. After a quick roll snack for some energy we headed for Munro number 6/12 Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan. This is a long walk with some scrambly sections but it felt so rugged and remote!



After a quick photo we headed towards An Socach (number 2) Munro 7/12 which seemed a lot smaller compared to the sheer size of some of the other hills on the route.



After reaching number 7 was the next big push of the day- we thought we would have been slightly further ahead by this point but heavy kit and sore bodies meant we were probably walking slower than normal.

Don’t forget to take a picture at the remnants of the first triangulation point used by OS in Scotland (I thought this was amazing)



This felt like a hard push up to Munro number 8 Mam Sodhail. We used the deer stalking track and skirted round the side and cut back up onto the ridge line. We were greeted with a beautiful sunset view however!



Coming off of Mam Sodhail the light was fading and legs were tired. We made the push down the steep snowy and windy slopes hoping to find somewhere more sheltered to camp. We skirted round Carn Eighe using the contour lines so pay attention at this section to stop an additional ascent of this- and you will pass a flowing stream- fill your water here!! One of the last points of the the southern section to do this.

We camped on the Bealach Beag in between the two Munro’s on a patch of flat ground.



After an alright sleep we were up at 7am on the Saturday morning for a big finishing day. We left the rucksacks where the track forks to go up Carn Eighe which made it faster going up Beinn Fhionnlaidh for Munro number 9/12. We ascended at 8am and were greeted to the most beautiful views back across the Loch (realising how far we still had to walk back to the car)



We bounced back down feeling light without the rucksacks although the legs felt quite heavy. We picked our packs back up and headed up Carn Eighe Munro 10/12 of the round. This was actually a quick ascent considering it’s the highest of the round. It was luckily another stunning day to give us a boost.



Then it was on to Munro number 11/12 Tom a’Choinnich . This feels like a long walk out with some subsidiary tops and I got excited about thinking we had reached the summit at one point - but do not be fooled. However, once reached the end is well and truly in sight.



The final push to the last Munro Toll Creagach. By this point my legs were tired- our water packs had frozen and we were running low on snacks. The snow patches were helping us as we munched on ice to keep the mouth wet on the push to the last. The climb to this really isn’t too bad but it felt tiresome after 11 previous Munro’s. However we got the head down and done it Munro 12/12 completed! A sense of massive achievement at this point.



Now for the fun part (sarcasm)- the final push and descent back to the car. We decided to follow Steven Fallons recommendation and cut down next to the river. There is no path and it’s a long slog through thick heather with holes and cambers under foot. We both took a few tumbles just trying to push back to the car. We aimed just right of the dam which seemed to keep us in line. And just like that we made it back to the car - we were very glad we left it at the gate and didn’t need to walk all the way back round- I recommend this!!

This was an amazing walk with truly everything you could imagine. Joy, pain, scrambles, ridges, wild camps, lack of water and a lot of effort.

I strongly recommend filling up water at the base of the Loch and then again when going round the contours of Carn Eighe as that is the last until you head back off the hill where there is lots of small running streams and a river.

And bring more snacks than you think! We were told to bring lots of snacks but do not underestimate this. Make sure you have a few per Munro top and stock up on things like flapjacks or shortbread etc and lots of sweets to give that last push.

All in all an amazing weekend. Mullardoch round completed !