DRUMOCHTER MUNROS

The long , broad ridge of Beinn Udlamain 

A reasonable weather forecast today. Karen and I set off early doors and left the carpark at Balsporan Cottages in Drumochter before 8am. We decided on walking the 4 Munros on the West side of the Drumochter pass. The hills here and on the East side of the A9 don't get a great deal of praise from most 'Munro baggers'. Like all mountains, they have their own charms. For me it's the wildlife up on these rounded, grassy hills. It's a good leg stretch over easy ground to make a good day out to walk all four Munros.

It's not marked all the way!

Summit of Geal-charn

There was cloud down to around 700m at the start of the day with some light, drizzly showers. Cool temperatures of around 6 C forecasted. Light winds so my kind of weather, hot and wet in summer is the worst ever kind of conditions.  We spotted several Mountain Hare as we neared the first Munro of Geal-charn. In the cloud at the top. Shortly after descending we were treated to a break in the clouds and fine views of Loch Ericht and the hills around Ben Alder in the West.

Cloud breaking

Blue skies 

Loch Ericht

En route to the next Munro of A' Mharconaich we spotted more Mountain Hare and a fine Ptarmigan amongst the rocks. Nice to see and photograph. The cloud rolled in again for a cloudy summit.

A wet looking Ptarmigan

Atmospheric cloud 

A' Mharconaich Munro in cloud

.....and clearing again shortly after

The long, undulating grassy ridge that connects A'Mharchonaic to the third Munro, Beinn Udlamain is wonderful easy. A high level stroll. Third time lucky, we got Udlamain in the clear..More fine views of Ben Alder just down slope from the summit cairn.

Loch Ericht and Ben Alder

Rest of the day clear views

Descending Beinn Udelmain

Another easy stroll down to the final beach before the easy slopes to our fourth and final Munro of Sgairneach Mhor. We had some bright spells and nice views for the rest of the day.

Summit of Sgairneach Mhor

Coire Dhomhain from the summit

Down the ridge

Common Lizard

Final slopes down with grand views. A great day out and quiet. Always pays to set off early.