Sgàirneach Mhòr

Sgàirneach Mhòr, at 991 metres, is one of two southern Munros on the west side of the Drumochter Pass, a heathery hill rather than a true dramatic mountain, but still offering good views on a clear day, with the summit trig point partially sheltered by stones above the crags of Coire Creagach.

The route starts from layby 79 on the west side of the A9 near Drumochter Summit, following the old road and a track through a tunnel beneath the railway into Coire Dhomhain. A choice of routes exists — one crossing the first of two bridges over the main burn to begin the ascent of Sgàirneach Mhòr's western arm, climbing through bouldery terrain that eases as a path forms around the 900-metre contour, dropping through heathery ground to cross a small burn at the bealach shared with Beinn Udlamain. The path fades into grass and peat before reforming higher up, leading to a small upright cairn on the north-western end of the mountain's western arm — careful navigation can bypass this dog-leg for those wanting a more direct line. From the cairn, the route continues south-east over grassy ground to join the crest of the south-western shoulder, heading east-north-east to the trig point.

Combined with Beinn Udlamain, the round trip is typically five to six hours; the descent from Sgàirneach Mhòr's north-east ridge is notably the only pathless section of the standard four-Munro Drumochter round, requiring a walk along the ridge until it flattens before a 758-metre top, then a descent towards the Allt Coire Dhomhain aiming for a bridge crossing.

Extending to all four Drumochter Munros — Beinn Udlamain, Sgàirneach Mhòr, A' Mharconaich, and Geal-chàrn — makes for a satisfying full day of seven to eight hours, one of the more approachable multi-Munro rounds in Scotland, suitable even for less experienced hillwalkers in good summer conditions.

The lower ground can be genuinely boggy in places, and the wide, featureless summit areas of both Sgàirneach Mhòr and neighbouring A' Mharconaich can make navigation testing in mist or whiteout conditions — full route-finding skills remain valuable despite the generally gentle gradients throughout.

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