The Sow of Atholl

The Sow of Atholl is a steep conical hill standing in Perth and Kinross, 27 kilometres west-northwest of Blair Atholl. It rises to 803 metres on the western side of the Pass of Drumochter, part of a group of hills around Coire Dhomhain. The hill is often climbed from Dalnaspidal Lodge along its broad southeastern ridge. It sits beside the A9 road and the Highland Main Line railway, clearly visible from both. Its older Gaelic name, Meall an Dobharchain, means Watercress Hill, recalling the marshland where watercress once grew. The Sow qualifies as both a Corbett and a Marilyn, a distinction based on height and prominence. Its steep slopes are mostly covered in heather with scattered grass and boulders. A striking feature is the deep unnamed glen to the west, a parabolic glacial valley dropping 200 metres in a short distance. This valley separates The Sow from the nearby Munro of Sgairneach Mhòr three kilometres to the southwest. All water from the hill drains south to join the River Tay, reaching the east coast at the Firth of Tay. The summit is marked by a small cairn of rocks. Walkers can start from Dalnaspidal Lodge, where the ground is boggy and prone to flooding after rain. From the top there are fine views both north and south along the Pass of Drumochter. The hill supports unusual subarctic plants such as Norwegian blue heather, Eurasian dwarf cornel and Sibbaldia procumbens. These species grow on stabilised scree slopes and peaty soils typical of the higher ground.