Munro Diary: 255-258. An Socach (67), An Riabhachan (29), Sgurr na Lapaich (24, P600 57), Carn nan Gobhar (152). 28/05/2023

With a near-perfect outlook for a few days, we embarked on the somewhat audacious northern Mullardoch ridge, which the guidebook recommends splitting into two walks!

We needed a fairly early start and were at the dam by 8.15am, whence the walk begins with a 10km lochside path (of sorts) before making its way gradually up to the remote An Socach - first along a path seemingly in the middle of nowhere and then across peat hags and up a steep shoulder to the curved summit ridge. We arrived shortly after midday to find a fellow walker on his fourth munro of the day, which was good going!

From here it was an undulating and sometimes scrambly ridge to An Riabhachan across several minor tops and the conditions were excellent without being too warm. Sgurr na Lapaich was the highpoint and involved the only significant bit of re-ascent of the day, but there was nothing challenging. The view back from Carn nan Gobhar (which does well to be considered a separate munro) was spectacular.

My companions were sceptical as to my descent line from here, but I maintain it made the most efficient use of the soft grassy bits to get us back to the loch in rapid time. We made surprisingly good time and overall this walk shouldn't be considered a daunting prospect. It contained a pleasing amount of ditance spent at a high level.

9h50, 32km, 1900m