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Walking the Big Hills of the Cairngorms

West Drumochter Hills

The Drumochter Hills are often seen by the many drivers and passengers racing along the A9 to the promise of greater hills. However the hills to the west of the Drumochter Pass provide an interesting expedition and in the process 3 Munros can be bagged. The hills may not have the sharp ridges and aretes of the west of Scotland nor, the remoteness of the Cairngorm plateau, but they do provide a great day out.

Park in the large layby just North of Drumochter summit on the west side of the road.

The first Munro of the day is to A'Mharconaich. From the layby on the A9 follow the cycle track south the a layby. Then follow the road down to the railway which turns south to reach a tunnel, and then once through the tunnel follow the track back north then west as it climbs Coire Dhomhain. Follow this until a stream is reached. (NN601746). Follow this stream steeply to the summit ridge and then follow the ridge north east to the subsidiary summit, marked with fence posts, and then onto the main summit of A'Mharconaich which is set back from the fence line. Quite confusing in the mist. On the ground are some tussocks and matting - an attempt at re-greening the area.(6.0kms. 530m. 2hrs. 50min.)

The way to Beinn Udlamain is along the connecting ridge. From the summit of A'Mharconaich return back along the ridge SW to meet the boundary fence at the small subsidiary top. Continue to follow the line of the fence over a number of small tops to the main summit of Beinn Udlamain.(3.0kms. 210m. 1hrs. 20min.)

The next summit, Sgairneach Mhor, lies south east of Beinn Udlamain and the walker needs to cross the valley at the bealach. Initially walk south from the summit until the level ground of the bealach is reached. Climb less steeply up the east slopes of Sgairneach Mhor to the summit clearly marked by a Triangulation point set amid a stony flat summit. In mist be careful of the obvious steep ground to North.(3.0kms. 250m. 1hrs. 30min.)

Walk east around the rim of Coire Creagach to the small bealach, NN614737. Descend north to the valley over heather and peat. Cross the Allt Coire Dhomhain (wet feet!) and return by the track to the roadside.(4.0kms. 0m. 1hrs. 10min.)

20th April 2023 A great blue sky day in early spring.Instead of the route described I started at Balsporran Cottage and walked up the valley with A-Mharconaich and Beinn Udlamain to the south. Climbed the path to the col between these two Munros. Then a great walk in between. There are great views here especially over to the West. A fantastic spring day with few people out hillwalking..

15th April 2021 A fantastic day of sunshine - still a bite to the gentle breeze - but still a great day. Actually walked up the valley from Balsporran Cottage to the col between Geal-Charn and A'Mharconaich. There is a path up the hillside that meets the ridge then it is left to A'Mharconaich. Such a nice day, I wandered back along the ridge and then onto Beinn Udlamain. Easy walking. Then back to where the path meets the ridge and back down the valley. It makes a difference to do these two hills from the northern rather than southern valley. Some would include Geal-Charn as well but I opted for a walk down the valley.

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