Ciste Dhubh and Am Bathach, Cluanie
KINTAIL: GLEN SHIEL AND DORNIE
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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