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.

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.

Same view back in January

Main Inverness to Perth line.

Comparison to January

Starting my ascent of Geal Charn with sun shinning on upper portion of A’ Mharconaich.

Nice double rainbow over Geal Charn.

Looking south down the A9 and Glen Garry

Zoomed in view looking down Glen Garry

Looking east across the A9 to adjacent hills.

Comparison to January

Nearing summit of Geal Charn

Summit of Geal Charn, my 30th munro and 10th of the year!

Great view looking down Loch Ericht

Path leading off Geal Charn towards Beinn Udlamain

Reached ridge and final ascent towards the summit of Beinn Udlamain as weather closed in. Fence posts mark boundary between Perthshire and Inverness-shire.

Summit of Beinn Udlamain, unfortunately rain turned heavy and it was bleak will combined with the wind!

Coming off the slopes of Beinn Udlamain and onto Sgairneach Mhor.

Clouds clearing a bit.

Finally reach my 3rd summit of the day, Sgairneach Mhor! 32nd munro and 12th of the year!

Gimmer of sunshine appeared!

One of the few summits pretty much covered in grass.

Now for the long walk back to the A9 through bog and heather…

Traffic can be seen queuing way back on the A9 at the roadworks, 30 min delays. Visible from the slopes of Sgairneach Mhor!!

Nice view of A’ Mharconaich from the SSE

Looking across Coire Dhomhain to A’ Mharconaich.

Hello sheep

Looking back at where I’ve just came from, Sgairneach Mhor.

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…

Eventually got across…

On a nice path now…

Nice view looking back at Sgairneath Mhor.

Tags: Beinn Udlamain, Geal Charn, Sgairneach Mhor