Back at the beginning of the year I headed half way up the A9 and parked up at Balsporran Cottages on a clear, cold January morning. Located just N of Drumochter and just south of Dalwhinnie, A’ Mharconaich was on my hit list. This would be my first munro since October last year and my 20th munro overall.
Due to wind, poor visibility and deep drifting snow at lower levels it was the only one out of a group of four I conquered that day.
Last Thursday, I headed back to the same area and car park in anticipation of completing the other three munros in the group west of the A9 known as the Drumochter Hills.
Weather was fine, dry and bright to start with a keen westerly breeze and a slight autumnal nip. Showers were in the forecast and so I was prepared for visibility to come and go.
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Crossing the River Truim with the first munro of the day Geal Charn (right) A’ Mharconaich, (middle) and Sgairneach Mhor (just left of A’ Mharconaich in distance) 3rd munro of the day. Beinn Udlamain which is highest of all four is positioned behind A’ Mharconaich and not visible in the below photo or from A9.
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Same view back in January
Mark Vogan
Main Inverness to Perth line.
Mark Vogan
Comparison to January
Mark Vogan
Starting my ascent of Geal Charn with sun shinning on upper portion of A’ Mharconaich.
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Nice double rainbow over Geal Charn.
Mark Vogan
Looking south down the A9 and Glen Garry
Mark Vogan
Zoomed in view looking down Glen Garry
Mark Vogan
Looking east across the A9 to adjacent hills.
Mark Vogan
Comparison to January
Mark Vogan
Nearing summit of Geal Charn
Mark Vogan
Summit of Geal Charn, my 30th munro and 10th of the year!
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Great view looking down Loch Ericht
Mark Vogan
Path leading off Geal Charn towards Beinn Udlamain
Mark Vogan
Reached ridge and final ascent towards the summit of Beinn Udlamain as weather closed in. Fence posts mark boundary between Perthshire and Inverness-shire.
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Summit of Beinn Udlamain, unfortunately rain turned heavy and it was bleak will combined with the wind!
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Coming off the slopes of Beinn Udlamain and onto Sgairneach Mhor.
Mark Vogan
Clouds clearing a bit.
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Mark Vogan
Finally reach my 3rd summit of the day, Sgairneach Mhor! 32nd munro and 12th of the year!
Mark Vogan
Gimmer of sunshine appeared!
Mark Vogan
One of the few summits pretty much covered in grass.
Mark Vogan
Now for the long walk back to the A9 through bog and heather…
Mark Vogan
Traffic can be seen queuing way back on the A9 at the roadworks, 30 min delays. Visible from the slopes of Sgairneach Mhor!!
Mark Vogan
Nice view of A’ Mharconaich from the SSE
Mark Vogan
Looking across Coire Dhomhain to A’ Mharconaich.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Hello sheep
Mark Vogan
Looking back at where I’ve just came from, Sgairneach Mhor.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Last challenge of what was a pretty straight forward day was getting across this burn. Ended up getting my left foot submerged after slipping on a boulder. I’ve a habbit of doing that…
Credit: Mark Vogan
Eventually got across…
Credit: Mark Vogan
On a nice path now…
Credit: Mark Vogan
Nice view looking back at Sgairneath Mhor.
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
Credit: Mark Vogan
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