Beinn Udlamain

Beinn Udlamain, at 1,010-1,011 metres — its Gaelic name most commonly interpreted as "Gloomy Mountain" — is the highest of four Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass, though it's shielded from clear view of the A9 by its neighbours, making it the least eye-catching of the group despite its height.

The route starts from layby 79 on the west side of the A9 near Drumochter Summit. Following the old road through a gate, a track slopes down through a small tunnel beneath the railway before continuing into Coire Dhomhain, with the Corbett Sow of Atholl visible to the left. After a couple of kilometres, a bridge crosses the main burn, from where a path heads uphill beside a burn before curving onto Beinn Udlamain's south ridge — the going becomes stonier here, generally following a line of old metal fence posts, though many are missing so shouldn't be relied upon entirely. Magnificent views open back to Ben Alder beyond Loch Ericht as an old collapsed shelter is passed en route to the huge summit cairn, made of boulders and iron fence posts on a wide, grass-covered plateau — walking a short distance from the cairn itself often gives the best views.

From the summit, the route continues north-east to a minor bump before descending more steeply east; the connecting ridge can continue directly to A' Mharconaich for those tackling all four Munros, or descend more directly towards the bealach shared with that mountain via awkward heather — the descent here is genuinely a bit of a trial, requiring care to stay well clear of a ravine carved by the connecting stream.

Combined with Sgàirneach Mhòr, the round trip is typically five to six hours; extending to all four Drumochter Munros — Beinn Udlamain, Sgàirneach Mhòr, A' Mharconaich, and Geal-chàrn — makes for a full day of seven to eight hours, widely regarded as one of the more approachable multi-Munro days in Scotland.

The wide, featureless plateau near the summit and the descent through Coire Dhomhain both demand basic navigation care, particularly in mist, though this remains one of the gentler Munro groups by Highland standards — full hillwalking equipment is still sensible given the exposed, high-level terrain.

The A9 layby is free; there is no public transport directly to the start, though Dalwhinnie and Blair Atholl both have rail connections nearby.