Ciste Dhubh and Am Bathach, Cluanie

 KINTAIL: GLEN SHIEL AND DORNIE

The traverse of the Corbett of Am Bathach is along a fine grassy ridge, whilst Ciste Dhubh is a Munro of real character giving an excellent walk.

Summary

Mostly well-defined grassy ridges; the col between the peaks is boggy, as is the return walk down the valley. The flanks of the mountains are very steep.

Terrain

NH087122

Grid ref

13km/8 miles

Distance

grade grade grade grade Key

Grade

NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.

984m [Profile]

Ascent

5 - 7 hours

Time

Bog Factor

Start

Maps

  Download walk in GPX format
  For use with Memory Map, Anquet etc.

GPS Waypoints

View in 3D

Users'
rating

No trip reports have been submitted for this walk. Why not be the first?
Add your own report on this walk and win £40 of TISO vouchers each month

Users'
reports

There is a reasonable bus service along the A87, served by Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness.
Open Traveline Scotland

Public transport

Press play button to listen

  Tell me more

Pronunciation
and meaning

Munro: Ciste Dhubh   Corbett: Am Bathach

Summits
climbed


Click to enlarge

1. Park in the layby on the north side of the A87 (by the forestry) about a mile east of the Cluanie Inn. Start by walking east along the road to the edge of the forest; the walk begins here through a gate. There is a path leading directly up the grassy ridge between two sections of forestry. As height is gained, the forest is left below and good views open up of Loch Cluanie behind you. The ascent continues at a similar gradient for almost two kilometres, where it begins to flatten out before reaching a minor cairned summit at 734 metres.



Click to enlarge

2. Continue along the pleasant grass ridge, with steep slopes sweeping down to the empty glens on either side. There is a slight descent before the ridge rises once more to reach the summit of Am Bathach, which, at 798 metres, is a Corbett. Continue northwest along the ridge from the summit; soon the way becomes ill-defined - head straight down the steep grass slope the the wide boggy saddle of Bealach Choinnich.



Click to enlarge

3. Cross the bealach and begin the ascent of Ciste Dhubh. This has a very wide, steep grassy slope at this point; the initially soggy path heads up just to the right of the craggy area. Once above the steep section, the climb becomes much more pleasant and the ridge begins to narrow.



Click to enlarge

4. There is a prominent peak on the ridge known as An Cnapach, bordered by very steep slopes. The main path bypasses this peak on the west side, but purists will prefer to follow a faint path which heads directly to the top of the peak before descending the rocky slope on the other side, which the main path rejoins the ridge. Continue along the ridge, with An Cnapach looking really impressive behind.



Click to enlarge

5. The ridge climbs a little more before levelling off, with a great view of the dome summit of Ciste Dhubh ahead. The final climb to the summit is rocky but there are no real obstacles. Ciste Dhubh means 'Black Chest' and at 979 metres it is a Munro - one of the most distinctive in the area. It may be lower than the surrounding peaks, but it is a fine summit with good views. Return back down the ridge to the Bealach Choinich.



Click to enlarge

6. The walk can be extended from here by heading up the steep grassy slopes opposite to Sgurr an Fhuarail and the Brothers Ridge. Otherwise head back towards Am Bathach initially until you reach a path heading off to the right; this is the soggy path back down the east side of the An Caorainn Beag. It returns to the A87 just west of the forestry where the walk began.



Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?

Please let us know by using the error report form.

Quick links:
Kintail Hotels
Kintail B&B
Dornie cottages
Kintail hostels


Route profile


Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is the walkers responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
See our Terms of use, Disclaimer, Privacy and Copyright Policies for more details. ©2006-2009 walkhighlands.co.uk