A' Mharconaich and Geal Charn, Drumochter

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These are the northerly two summits of the four Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass. Geal Charn is a featureless lump with superb views towards Ben Alder, whilst A' Mharconaich is the shapliest of the range, with a steep prow prominent from the A9.

Terrain

Straightforward hillwalking on these heathery mountains; the descent down the nose of A' Mharconaich is steeper and requires more care in winter. Final section is boggy.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car park just off A9 near Balsporran Cottages. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 731m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN627791

Summits Climbed

Munro: Geal Charn
Munro: A' Mharconaich

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Begin at the parking area on the left just before Balsporran Cottages off the west side of the A9. The cottages are situated in an extremely bleak spot at 425 metres - in winter this is as cold as spot as you will find in Britain. Pass the cottages and cross the level crossing over the railway beyond, continuing along the track. Ignore the first main track forking right, instead continuing to reach a burn, crossing this via a bridge.

Stage 2

Soon after this look out for another track forking to the right. Take this; it becomes better made for a time before eventually being succeeded by a path. Continue up the heathery slopes with improving views back over Drumochter.

Stage 3

Continue to the flat shoulder where a set of once mighty cairns stood. Only one of the original cairns remains, though a set of more makeshift neighbours has appeared including a shelter cairn.

Stage 4

The summit of Geal Charn is an easy kilometre beyond. Although an undistinguished Munro and one of the easiest to reach, the cairn at the summit has a grand view over Loch Ericht to Ben Alder. To the south can be seen the more shapely hill of A' Mharconaich.

Stage 5

Descend southwest and then south to reach the wide bealach at 739 metres, with superb views along the length of Loch Ericht throughout the descent.

Stage 6

There's a track across the bealach - cross this and then tackle the featureless slopes beyond, bearing slightly left until you reach the summit plateau of A' Mharconaich; there continue to be stunning views behind to Ben Alder.

Stage 7

Continue northeast across the plateau to reach the summit cairn, the second Munro of the day at 975 metres. The descent from the summit is the steepest part of the day. Descend northwards down a spur, with a steep corrie on the right; this requires care under the winter conditions when these hills are popular.

Stage 8

The spur flattens out before steepening again as it curves round to the northeast. Continue down the now gentler ridge. Lower down the path becomes very boggy. Rather than continuing, it is best to bear left and cross the burn at a footbridge before joining the track on the far side for the final stretch back to Balsporran Cottages.

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