Ground Conditions: End of September and well into autumn. It has been a very hot summer, with serious fires in the Cairngorms centered around the area of Bynach More. Now, after some rain the ground is not as dry and there have been reports of the rivers being hard to cross. [September 2026]

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.

Section 1: Climbing the first Munro - A'Mharconaich
Distance: 6.0 kms. | Ascent: 530 m. | Estimated Time: 2 hrs. 50 min.
The first Munro of the day is A'Mharconaich. From the layby on the A9 follow the cycle track south to reach 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 northeast 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.

Section 2: Onto Beinn Udlamain
Distance: 3.0 kms. | Ascent: 210 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 20 min.
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.

Section 3: Next Munro is Sgairneach Mhor
Distance: 3.0 kms. | Ascent: 250 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 30 min.
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 trig point set amid a stony flat summit. In mist, be careful of the obvious steep ground to North.

Section 4: Back to Drumochter
Distance: 4.0 kms. | Ascent: 0 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 10 min.
To return 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.

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