Drumochter round from Balsporran up Beinn Udlamain: route map, distance and time
1,010 m · Cairngorms
Beinn Udlamain is a 1010m Munro on the west side of the Drumochter Pass, the highest of a group of grassy hills climbed from the Drumochter road.
Up Geal-charn and along the grassy ridge over A' Mharconaich to Beinn Udlamain, following the line of fence posts.
Drumochter round from Balsporran at a glance
| Distance | 7.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 684 m |
| Time up | 2h 40m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 4h 15m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Balsporran Cottages, Drumochter |
| Start grid reference | NN 626 791 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 579 739 |
Drumochter round from Balsporran map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Drumochter round from Balsporran takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 30m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 40m | 4h 15m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 20m | 5h 15m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:43. Start by 11:28 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:41. Start by 11:26 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Beinn Udlamain summit weather for this route
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Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -5°C, summit wind 36 mph gusting 45 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:43.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Mostly dry, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 27 mph gusting 34 mph, 2% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:41.
Best day of the next seven for Drumochter round from Balsporran: Sunday 1 November, with summit gusts around 15 mph and a 8% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Beinn Udlamain forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -5°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 45 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Beinn Udlamain
Beinn Udlamain is a 1010m Munro on the west side of the Drumochter Pass, the highest of a group of grassy hills climbed from the Drumochter road. More about Beinn Udlamain, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Sgairneach Mhor (991 m), 2.1 km east
Challenges that include Beinn Udlamain
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 626 791, the summit at NN 579 739), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Drumochter round from Balsporran: questions and answers
How far is Drumochter round from Balsporran?
Drumochter round from Balsporran is 7.8 km one way to the summit of Beinn Udlamain, with 684 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 15.6 km.
How long does Drumochter round from Balsporran take?
About 2h 40m to the summit of Beinn Udlamain and 4h 15m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 5h 15m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Drumochter round from Balsporran?
Drumochter round from Balsporran starts from Balsporran Cottages, Drumochter. The grid reference is NN 626 791.
Is Drumochter round from Balsporran suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Drumochter round from Balsporran today?
By 11:28 at the latest. Sunset on Beinn Udlamain today is 16:43, Drumochter round from Balsporran takes about 4h 15m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Drumochter round from Balsporran?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).