Walking the Munros Vol 2 - Northern Highlands and the Cairngorms. Steve Kew

you start the descent down the north-northwest ridge the mountain’s name seems suddenly appropriate; however, the stony summit is soon left behind for grass and heather. Pass to the west of Scarsoch Bheag to regain the footpath back to Geldie Lodge.

ROUTE 8

      Carn Bhac (946m), Beinn Iutharn Mhor (1045m)

      Pronunciation: Karn Vack; Bine Yoo-ern Voar

      Translation: Peat Bank; Big Sharp-edged Hill

Start	along private track that starts opposite houses
Distance	33km (16km from Altanour Lodge)
Total Ascent	1050m
Grade	see the general introduction to the Cairngorms (above)
Time	9hrs 15mins (about 1hr 45mins less if using a bike to Altanour Lodge)
Maps	OS sheet 43; Explorer map 387; Area Map 6
Access	National Trust for Scotland, Mar Lodge Estate, tel: [phone]; Hillphone: 01796 481731
Parking	parking area at start of private road, Inverey
Accommodation	Hostel - YHA Braemar; independent Spittal of Glenshee; B&B/hotel - Braemar; Camping - Braemar

      These hills are set in remote wilderness country and give all the appearance of being seldom visited. The Landrover track along Glen Ey allows a bike to be taken as far as the atmospheric ruins of Altanour Lodge, which greatly shortens the day; but even so this is rough walking country, largely lacking in paths, and it should not be underestimated, especially in poor weather.

      From Altanour Lodge a very rough Landrover track continues up the hillside for about 2km, and this can be followed to its end on the broad moss and heather-covered south ridge of Carn Bhac. Continue up this ridge to the top, where rough quartzite stones cap the summit at 05099 83240 (1hr 40mins from Altanour Lodge).

      The way to Beinn Iutharn Mhor from here is barred by a sea of peat bogs that give Carn Bhac its name. These cannot be completely avoided. The best course is to go west-southwest along the ridge of Carn Bhac to the minor top at Point 920, where an ill-defined spur leads south to a wide col. A little further along this ridge, beyond Point 920 towards Carn a’ Bhutha, are the remains of an old stone building in a position of such remoteness and altitude that the imagination can’t fail to be stirred by its appearance. Descending to the col is pleasant and easy at first over soft grass, but the problems soon arrive in the form of deep peat hags and pools which must somehow be crossed. If you traverse too far to the left or right you run the risk of dropping down below the col and having to climb back up to it.

      Once this obstacle has been successfully negotiated the next one becomes apparent. The steep scree-covered slopes of the Big Sharp-Edged One have now to be climbed. Do not go into the corrie on the right where the headwalls are very steep. Instead climb straight up from the col. There are signs that people have made the ascent at various points along this flank. The right-hand end of the wall, before it curves round into the corrie, may be the best line of attack. Once you are onto the ridge proper things become easy for a while, and a pleasant walk brings you up to the Beinn Iutharn Mhor summit cairn at 04570 79270 (3hrs 40mins from Altanour Lodge).

      If the weather is favourable and you are still feeling strong, it is possible to continue on to Carn an Righ and Glas Tulaichean before descending, but bear in mind that this will add over 500m of vertical ascent to the route, in addition to the extra 8 or 9km of walking (an extra 3hrs 15mins). (These two summits, together with nearby An Socach, are covered in volume 1 of this guide.)

      To descend from Beinn Iutharn Mhor there are two or three possibilities. Perhaps the easiest is to go the full length of the ridge and drop down its northeast spur. It is steep at the bottom, where there is deep heather to cross, but the difficulties are fairly short-lived. This route brings you to the west bank of the Allt Beinn Iutharn. Another possibility is to descend south to the col between Beinn Iutharn Mhor and Mam nan Cairn and then follow the burn down the valley to the northeast. This is wet and rough in places. Some deer tracks on the valley sides may help, but most of them will take you the wrong way if you follow them too far.

      The usual return route, and probably the best, is to drop south to the col below Mam nan Carn, then traverse around this hill to reach the stony col between it and Beinn Iutharn Bheag. You have another 100m of climbing to do this way, but out of the blue a path appears to help you on your way. Pass the cairn on Beinn Iutharn Bheag’s summit at 06498 79057 and continue to another small cairn at 06753 79430, which marks the top of the descent (the path by now has once again vanished). The north side of Beinn Iutharn Bheag is quite steep, especially at the top. There are two ribs, not really recognizable as ridges - one to the west and one to the east. The one to the west is the safe way down, though it does not come into sight until after you have started the descent. In poor weather this can be an intimidating line to follow. Work your way down through the heather and cross the burn, then follow it back to Altanour Lodge.