Beginners Munro Bagging: Gael Charn and A' Mharconaich

This is a Beginners Munro Bagging hillwalk. If you're a regular with us, please don't sign up for this but leave a comment below as I'd like one or two other regular walkers to co-host with me.

This walk is intended for people new to the group who would like to walk with us more regularly and for people who would like to get into Munrobagging. These hills are great for beginners with a high level start and good landscape with paths.

Although this is a beginner's Munro bagging walk, I'm not a guide or a mountain leader. As per Mountaineering Scotland guidance, I'm making it clear that this is not a led walk, however I am imparting my experience to people with less experience than me. Ultimately, everyone is responsible for themselves.

THE HILLS & TERRAIN

These are the northerly two summits of the four Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass. Geal Chàrn is a featureless lump with superb views towards Ben Alder, whilst A' Mharconaich is the shapliest of the range, with a steep prow prominent from the A9.

Straightforward hillwalking on these heathery mountains; the descent down the nose of A' Mharconaich is steeper and requires more care in winter. Final section is boggy and has a burn crossing at the end which could be impassable in spate.

ROUTE
Walk Highlands route - I may reverse the WH route so if there is any burn crossing, we do that first.

WALK STATS
Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time: 4 - 6 hours
OS Map: OL50 Ben Alder

SUITABILITY/PARTICIPATION STATEMENT
You are responsible for deciding if this event is suitable for you, coming adequately prepared and looking after yourself on the walk. If there's any questions about suitability, please contact the organiser.

The Scottish Hillwalkers and Activities Group recognises that hill walking, scrambling and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

PACE

• We will walk as a group at an easy to moderate pace - for me this means easy going up and moderate pace on the flat and going down.

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
You must ensure that you come adequately prepared for this walk, with supportive boots, waterproofs in case of rain, warm clothes, gloves and hat and food and water.

I've put the map number above as I always carry a paper map as a backup. I do use downloaded routes on Outdoor Active app on my phone, which I pay for. WalkHighlands does have an app which is free so that's usually a good starting point.

WEATHER FORECAST
Please make sure you check the weather forecast before you come, I'll add it in here a few days before the walk. If the weather forecast is very bad we may change or cancel the walk, or move it to a different day.

LIFTS/MEETUP TIME
We will be at the start of the walk: Car park just off A9 near Balsporran Cottages for 10am.

If you need a lift please use the comments box below to ask for one. As I'm organising, I'm not offering a lift, however other people might sign up who can offer one.

If receiving a lift, please agree beforehand with your driver how you're splitting costs, remember to share contact details, bring a bag for dirty boots afterwards and commit to not leaving a mess.

Please arrive ready to walk and we will only wait for 10 minutes before starting. If you're running late or get lost, please text me on 07894 330648.

RSVPs
• Yes: You intend to come and will turn up.

If you can't make it, change your RSVP to NO to allow someone else to take your place.

Do ensure you give adequate warning if you decide not to come on the walk, at least 2 or 3 days is sufficient for a day walk and allows others waiting to make travel arrangements in your stead. Less than 1 day should be accompanied by a call/txt or email to the organiser.

GUESTS
Please let me know in the comments box if you want to bring a guest.

GROUP ETHOS
Please remember the organiser is not the leader of the walk - we lead ourselves and make decisions and walk AS A GROUP. The organiser does set the pace however and it is good walking etiquette to stay with the rest of the group. It's not acceptable to leave the organiser and walk apart from the group.

In a Munro Bagging for Beginners walk, we'll talk a bit more about navigation at the start of the walk, and have more stops for discussion.

Be considerate:
Be aware of farm animals, wildlife and nesting birds, keep all your litter and #Takithame

If you are unwell or have a cold/flu, please don't come on the walk. The hills will always be there and we will see you the next time.