A' Mharconaich and Geal Chàrn, Drumochter

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Summary

These are the northerly two summits of the four Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass. Geal Chàrn 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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

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 and has a burn crossing at the end which could be impassable in spate.

Public Transport

None to start; nearest bus stop is at A9 junction with A889, around 4km north of the start; there is a cycle path parallel to the A9 to make the link.

Start

Car park just off A9 near Balsporran Cottages. Open in Google Maps.

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.

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 Chàrn
Munro: A' Mharconaich

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Walk Description

User reports (57)

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. Note the state of the burn on the left at this point, as the route crosses this right at the end. Ignore the first main track forking right, instead continuing to reach a tributary 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. The path peters out for a time on the flat shoulder beyond.

Stage 4

The summit of Geal Chàrn 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 which is followed for around 350m to the right, before tackling the clear path off left to head up the broad slopes beyond. When the ground levels out turn left along the broad, plateau-like ridge; there continue to be stunning views behind to Ben Alder.

Stage 7

Continue northeast across the plateau to reach the summit cairn; the area on the final approach is covered by areas of matting intended to help secure vegetation - it looks very odd in aerial photographs. The first part of 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. You can either continue along it and cross the burn to rejoin the route by the private crossing, or if you think the burn is high then it may be better to bear left earlier to join the track from the bealach. On the far side follow the track back over the level crossing to pass Balsporran Cottages and return to the car park.