NH1415631130 Cross the Allt Socrach, walk past the bothy, then follow a path along the north bank of the Allt Coire a' Mhaim, climbing steadily into the corrie. After about 2.5km hop over the burn, and cross pathless peaty ground to reach the bottom of the southeast ridge of An Socach. A steep grassy ascent leads to an easing at about 800m altitude; now just follow the corrie edge up to the trig point on the summit.

NH1004733277 An Socach is a grand hill, and the most remote-feeling summit on the route. Continuing east, follow the narrow grassy crest over the east top, then descend quite steeply to the Bealach a' Bholla. From here it's a steep ascent, initially weaving through crags with some light scrambling, up to a 1039m top. Here the ridge swings right, with an airy but technically straightforward crest followed by a short steep ascent to reach the cairn at the east end of An Riabhachan's long summit ridge. It's now a delightful grassy stroll at high altitude to reach the cairn marking the 1129m summit.

NH1333834456 Continue along the easy ridge to the mountain's east top, then descend a spectacular narrow crest, with some light scrambling, down to the Bealach Toll an Lochain.

NH1523934471 Above is the huge pyramid of Sgurr na Lapaich, the high point of the day and the highest mountain at this latitude in Scotland. It's a long, steady ascent on grassy ground, staying well right of the craggy face overlooking Loch Mor.

NH1606835115 The east side of the hill is complex and dramatically rugged, classic landslip terrain. Heading east, descend a jumble of boulders - the most hands-on bit of the day. It's now possible to make a scrambling descent of the east ridge, but the natural walker's line follows a rough trail dropping rightwards below the crest, zigzagging down steep scree patches to reach easier ground on the grassier shoulder below. Continue down to the Bealach na Cloiche Duibhe, then follow the same line up the broad ridge to Carn nan Gobhar, the day's fourth and final Munro.

NH1819534366 While the southern spur looks a natural line of descent it proves stony and slow going. Easier is to descend east to the bealach below the outlying top of Creag Dubh. Now drop south into Coire an t-Sith. A path follows the burn down to a hydro scheme intake, where a vehicle track is met. This makes for a speedy descent to the hydro building just above Loch Mullardoch. Follow the undulating track east for the final 1.5km back to the Mullardoch dam.