Beinn Udlamain and Sgairneach Mhor

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This southern pair of the four Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass are heathery hills rather than true mountains; the views, however, are good on a clear day.

Terrain

Mostly straightforward hillwalking, with wetter terrain lower down and good walking on mossy turf along the ridges. The descent from Beinn Udlamain is very steep and rough in parts.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Layby on A9 at entrance to Coire Dhomhain. 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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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.75km / 9.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 783m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN632755

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgairneach Mhor
Munro: Beinn Udlamain

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts from layby 79 on the west side of the A9 near Drumochter Summit (it is also possible to park at the larger layby 80 a little further north and use the cycle path). Follow the old road from the layby through a gate and then to the left parallel to the A9. After a short distance along the tarmac, fork right onto a track which slopes down to pass beneath the railway through a small tunnel. On the far side head right along a track, fording a small burn, and then keeping left to begin the walk up into Coire Dhomhain.

Stage 2

The steep dome-shaped hill on your left is the Sow of Atholl (a Corbett); unless including this in the day, continue along the track for 2km. Here is the first of two bridges over the main burn; there is a choice of routes to Sgairneach Mhor - our route crosses here, but it is possible to continue to a second bridge and initially follow a track up past some grouse butts. For our route, cross the first bridge, follow the first track around a bend to the left and then leave it for the start of a boggy path through the heather that aims up and across the slopes aiming for the bealach west of point 758m.

Stage 3

Cross the grassy gully below the bealach and continue the ascent towards Sgairneach Mhor; as height is gained the ridge becomes well-defined with the broken crags of Coire Creagach on the right. At the apex above this corrie is the trig point marking the summit at 991 metres; the first Munro of the day. There is a first glimpse of Ben Alder but this view improves as the walk continues.

Stage 4

The descent begins very gently over perfect mossy turf. Head southwest at first, then northwest towards a bump before cutting down to the bealach at the head of Coire Dhomhain.

Stage 5

From the bealach a path heads uphill beside a burn at first before curving to continue up the south ridge of Beinn Udlamain. The going becomes stonier and the walk generally follows a line of old metal fence posts (many of which are missing so not a completely reliable guide). There are magnificent views looking back of Ben Alder beyond Loch Ericht.

Stage 6

Ccontinue uphill, passing an old collapsed shelter, to eventually reach the huge cairn on the summit - at 1010 metres the highest of the Drumochter Munros.

Stage 7

Continue northeast from the summit to a minor bump where the ridge then descends more steeply to the east. It is possible to continue the walk onto A' Mharconaich; otherwise continue almost to the 860m bealach before striking off steeply downhill over awkward heather. The descent is a bit of a trial - aim for the bottom of the stream flowing down from the bealach between Beinn Udlamain and A'Mharconaich - but keep well right of the stream as it has carved a ravine.

Stage 8

The floor of Coire Dhomhain will be reached with some relief. Turn left down the track to return to the railway and the start beside the A9 beyond.

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