The Sow of Atholl, from Dalnaspidal

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Summary

The Sow of Atholl - also known by its Gaelic name of Meall an Dobharchain - is a familiar sight to travellers through the Drumochter Pass, presenting steep slopes to the north and east. It is a rather rounded hill, and perhaps most often climbed as a finale to an outing over the West Drumochter Munros. The route given here is a short, pathless ascent from Dalnaspidal up heathery slopes.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Landrover track at start, then rough, pathless heathery hillside

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking area before level crossing, near Dalnaspidal Lodge. 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: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 393m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN645732

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sow of Atholl

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

There is parking on the approach road to Dalnaspidal Lodge, just before the level crossing over the railway. Begin the walk by crossing the railway and then taking the next right turn through a gate onto a smaller track (public footpath sign). Follow this to reach the sluice bridge over the Allt Dubhaig; cross and continue until the second bridge, this time over the Allt Coire Luidhearnaidh. Do not cross this bridge, but instead turn right along the grassy track atop a bank.

Stage 2

Further on the track has been newly bulldozed and can be followed for around 1km, climbing gently and keeping just above the Allt Coire Luidhearnaidh. There is no path from here up onto the Sow of Atholl (the bigger hill with the scree below the summit seen ahead is Sgàirneach Mhor), so simply choose a good place to strike out up the heather slopes on the right. There is a fainter track a little higher up but this leads off to the west, so abandon it and continue directly uphill.

Stage 3

The views gradually open up behind, and eventually the slope eases until the flattish summit plateau is reached. There is a small cairn.

Stage 4

Perhaps the best views are revealed by walking a short distance further to the northeast to the top of the steep slopes that plunge down to the Drumochter Pass. To return to Dalnaspidal, retrace your steps back the same way. The ascent is short by hillwalking standards, and many walkers opt to climb Meall na Leitreach which rises opposite above Loch Garry on the same day.