Sgairneach Mhòr

Sgairneach Mhòr is a Munro in the Drumochter hills, a group of seven peaks near the Pass of Drumochter in Perth and Kinross. It stands 13 kilometres south-south-west of Dalwhinnie and four kilometres east of Loch Ericht. The mountain rises to 991 metres and is the only one in the group with significant stony areas on its surface. Its north-facing corrie, Coire Creagach, holds snow well into spring and gives the hill its name, meaning ‘Big Rocky Hillside’. The summit plateau is marked by an OS trig point and a low stone wind shelter near the edge of the corrie. Two ridges extend north and east from the summit, enclosing the rocky but not overly steep Coire Creagach. The mountain is worth the journey for its striking appearance and the clear views it offers. From the summit a fine view opens to the west across the Ben Alder group of mountains. The ascent starts at the Drumochter Pass on the A9 at 462 metres, making the walk accessible. The route follows a good track up Coire Dhomhain before crossing a burn and heading south through pathless heather to the eastern ridge. The eastern ridge connects to the adjacent Corbett of The Sow of Atholl and provides one of the main routes to the top. The high starting point means a full circuit of the glen’s hills can be completed in a day without excessive effort. Visitors find a broad summit plateau with the highest point clearly marked. The stone wind shelter stands near the edge of Coire Creagach, offering some shelter from the wind. The eastern ridge leads to the narrow ridge around the rim of the corrie before widening as it drops to a col at about 650 metres. The western slopes contour around the head of Coire Dhomhain and descend to a col linking to the adjacent Munro of Beinn Udlamain. Drainage from the mountain flows south via the rivers Garry and Tummel to join the River Tay and reach the east coast at the Firth of Tay.