NH8526601235 From the car park, pass a nature reserve signboard, then follow a forest track roughly east, running gently uphill through the woods near the Allt Ruadh. At another junction continue straight on, staying north of the Allt Ruadh and climbing more steeply through stands of old scots pines. Just before it crosses a side stream (the Allt nam Bò – not named on all maps) leave the main path for a narrower left turnoff.

NH8691900963 This well-made gravelly trail climbs north-northeast through scattered woods and then open heathery ground, leading to a little bealach between Geal Charn and Creag Mhigeachaidh, where there is a tiny stone walled wind shelter. Now leave the path and head southeast up a steep scree-strewn slope. From a large cairn on the ridge crest it's easier going to the summit of Geal Charn – formerly listed as a Munro but since demoted to Top status.

NH8841301405 Stay with the high ground on the rounded ridge, descending slightly to cross a pronounced gap in the ridge before climbing over a vague rise and continuing to the broad top of Meall Buidhe (not named on Landranger map). It's possible to follow a traverse path to skirt left of this minor summit. From the col beyond Meall Buidhe, the ridge runs into the sprawling western slopes of Sgor Gaoith and Sgoran Dubh Mor. Go due east up to the wide saddle between these two big summits. It's worth quickly detouring north to visit Sgoran Dubh Mor, before backtracking into the saddle and heading on south for the gentle climb up to Sgor Gaoith.

NN9029198965 The summit is a dramatic little promontory overlooking the Gleann Einich Crags. In winter conditions look out for cornices here, which can be very large. From the summit, a well-used path descends south-southwest, soon leaving the edge of the crags to cross a broad saddle before climbing gently onto Carn Bàn Mòr. Poor visibility up here is no joke for navigation.

NN8936297183 Just beyond the summit cairns a path is met at right angles. Turn right onto this, descending fairly steeply to a small col. From here the main path continues west down into Glen Feshie, and while that's the quickest way home it's better to stay high a while longer. Go west-northwest over the next little rounded top. From the lower summit beyond, Carn Ban Beag, bear north to follow the wide ridge until you're overlooking the wooded glen of the Allt Ruadh.

NN8670599594 Heading west, descend quite steeply (but staying left of the really steep ground) to the mouth of the narrow little glen that defines the free-standing dome of Creag Ghiuthsachan. Pick up a footpath here. This soon joins a wider track leading north, down to a bridge over the Allt Ruadh. Just beyond here, re-join the forest track of stage 1 to return to the car park.