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 but A' Mharconaidh has a steep prow facing the road; both give fine views towards Ben Alder.

Terrain

Straightforward hillwalking on these heathery mountains; the descent down the nose of A' Mharconaich is steeper and would require more care in winter.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Layby on 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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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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 / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Begin at the parking area by 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. Cross the level crossing and follow the track beyond. Ignore the first track forking right, instead continuing to reach a burn - take the right fork here to use the bridge.

Stage 2

Soon after this fork right at an obvious branch; further up this becomes a path, continuing directly up the heathery slopes. Continue to the flat shoulder where a set of once mighty cairns which guarded Drumochter once stood; only one prominent one remains.

Stage 3

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' Mharconaidh.

Stage 4

Descend southwest and then south to reach the wide bealach at 739 metres. Continue up 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. Continue northeast across the plateau to reach the summit cairn, the second Munro of the day at 975 metres.

Stage 5

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. The spur flattens out before steepening again as it curves round to the northeast. Continue down the now gentler ridge. Lower down the going becomes very rough; it is best to bear left and cross the stream before following a path back to Balsporran Cottages.

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