The route taken to cover these Munros straddles both the west and east sides of the A9 near Dalwhinnie. The amount of ascent to cover the peaks is relatively small and the terrain easy underfoot with no significant navigational issues. Wide, sweeping skies and gentle curving slopes are the order of the day. The peaks on the western side of the A9 have more character and interest to climb. However, it would have been nice if there had been less mist so as to afford a good view across to the Ben Alder, which I had climbed during my May Munro session.

Geal-charn

917m, 3007ft

A'Mharconaich

975m 3198 ft

Beinn Udlamain

1011m, 3316ft

Sgairneach Mhor

991m 3250ft

A'Bhuidheanach Bheag

936m 3070ft

Carn na Caim

941m 3086ft

date climbed

27/7/2014

time taken

12 hours

distance

43 km

ascent

2000m

OS Map

Landranger 42

Weather

Misty at times

Starting point :  Balsporran Cottages on the A9 south of Dalwhinnie

The day’s weather looked challenging from the point of view of mist so it would be a good opportunity to refresh the key navigational skills of map and compass. The Steve Fallon route was followed without any great difficulties and normally these six mountains are taken over 3 days of ascents.

As usual after a time away from the Munro challenge, the first summit climb of Geal-charn was approached with some fear and apprehension as well as forgetting how much effort is required to get above 3000ft. It was hoped to have good views of the Ben Alder peaks but the mist made that impossible at the time I was traversing the Munros on the westerns side of the A9. The slopes of the ascents were grassy and it was easy to get into a good rhythm of walking so the first four peaks to Sgairneach Mhor went very quickly and easily. The descent from this peak was quick and then it was a brisk jog back to the A9. The scar of the tracks and construction for the recently erected power cables on the eastern side of the A9 were crossed and it was up to the summit of A'Bhuidheanach Bheag for some lunch. Navigation from this point on was challenging in the mist with the rounded featureless hills but with the combination of the compass and gps was no significant problem. Beyond Carn na Caim, I still had the intention of climbing the seventh peak in the area, Meall Chuaich, but the distance and difficulty to the foot of the ascent of the this peak was greater than I anticipated so I took the decision to walk past the start of the ascent of this peak at Loch Cuiach and carry on down the track by the outflow for the hydro scheme back to my bike for the cycle back to the car. I put off the this ascent for a couple of days when the bike was used to for the cycle back up the track to the start of the ascent.  

Meall Chuaich

951m

date climbed

29/7/2014

time taken

3 hours

distance

4 km (6 km on the bike)

ascent

610m

OS Map

Landranger 42

Weather

Good clear visibility

Starting point :  

A very straightforward ascent with the bike being used to for the return journey up the track to the start of the climb. Good views from the top.