Though not even a Corbett, Creag Dubh is a fine individual mountain, a wonderful viewpoint not far from Newtonmore. On its lower slopes is a celebrated rock-climber's crag. Creag Dubh is the battle-cry of Clan MacPherson and the ascent is steep and rough enough to require a few battle cries of your own.
Summary
The lower slopes of Creag Dubh are extremely rough and often steep, particularly the ascent route described. Careful navigation is needed as the hill has massive crags. Boulders, deep bracken and tough heather lower down but a rocky ridge path higher up.
Terrain
NN673957
Grid ref
5km/3 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. There is space to park on the north side of the A86 just north of Lochan Ulvie; the correct parking area has a bench and also a gate giving access into the woods to the north. There are several possible ascent routes to Creag Dubh, all being rough and steep, especially the one described here. An easier alternative is to ascend by reversing the route described for the descent, but it is also possible to ascent the complex northeast ridge, starting near Biallaid. If you are not deterred by steepness, rugged ground or deep vegetation, pass through the gate and pick up a climbers path that climbs diagonally northeast across the slope through attractive birchwoods. High to the left is the Creag Dhubh - a celebrated venue for rock-climbers - and when the path heads more directly up towards this it is necessary to leave it and instead continue on the rising traverse, crossing a short area of angular boulders to eventually reach a fence heading directly uphill on the edge of a plantation. Follow this fence up very steeply to the left.
2. When the top of the plantation is reached at a fence corner head more directly uphill to the left, eventually climbing clear of the birches. There is no path and the way is still fairly steep, made more difficult by deep bracken and tough heather, though the dramatic views back down are some compensation. Eventually, with luck, the ridge will be reached where a clear path is met. Turn right up this, soon crossing a fence via a stile. The ridge path leads up a short, steep rocky section before levelling off once more.
3. Continue along the ridge, soon reaching another fence crossed by a ladder stile. The Monadhliath Munros of A'Chailleach and Geal Charn are visible over to the left across Glen Banchor, a wild and empty scene compared to green pastures and woods of Badenoch and Strathspey on the other side of the ridge. The path then descends into a slight dip before beginning to climb once more.
4. There is a second short steep and rocky section before the summit is reached, with two cairns a few metres apart, the higher being the furthest. The position of Creag Dubh, isolated from other hills, makes it unsurpassed as a viewpoint for Badenoch, with great variety and beauty, the steepness of the lower slopes adding depth whilst mountains such as Creag Meagaidh are prominent all around. The best view down the Spey valley is from a few paces beyond the summit.
5. A path continues from the summit and can be used to begin a descent to Biallaid on the edge of Newtonmore, if transport permits. Otherwise, head back down the ridge the way you came, crossing the two stiles. Rather than descending back to the left of the Creag Dhubh cliffs, continue ahead on the ridge path. Further down the path becomes faint in the deep heather; head for some birch trees where a stone wall becomes a fence and cross over it here, then follow the fence to the right; you are very close to the edge of the cliffs here. A path is picked up again where this fence turns right; follow the path across a small stream and old drystone dyke to finally head away from the dangerous crags.
6. Continue down the faint path through heather and then bracken to reach the wooded valley that divides Creag Dubh from the small hill ahead topped with a monument. (In ascent, the path can be hard to find - it leads from the woods up through the bracken towards a solitary birch tree). Head down into the woods and when the path disappears in a boggy area cross the stream. Continue down until there is a gate in the fence on the right - go through this and then turn left down a good path down to reach the A86 opposite the entrance to Creagdubh Lodge. Turn left along the road, taking care with traffic, to soon return to the start.
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