An accessible and relatively short double-Munro outing starting from the high pass of Drumochter. This circular walk climbs the broad, heathery slopes of Geal Chàrn before crossing a wide bealach to traverse the plateau of A' Mharconaich, offering expansive views across Loch Ericht towards the Ben Alder forest.
Terrain and underfoot
Mainly straightforward hillwalking on clear paths, and broad heathery ridges, though paths can become faint on the high plateaus. The descent from A' Mharconaich follows a steeper, grassy spur that can be boggy on the lower slopes. The final return requires crossing the Allt Beul an Sporain, which can become impassable in spate; an alternative track on the west bank offers a safe bypass.
Stay close to the hill
Turn A' Mharconaich into part of a Highland break
Browse handpicked Scottish cottages ranked with cached road times to Munro route starts. Signed-in walkers can prioritise cottages by the hills still missing from their round.
Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.