The parking at the gate was full up, nobody bothered to park properly. There is a layby before it on the opposite side of the road, coming from Newtonmore, room for 3 cars at a push, just a short walk away. Parked there and got ready. Took a few photos of the lochan before going up.
Lochain Uvie by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
The walk starts reasonably, over grass among the huge boulders to the bottom of the climb, past the climbers crags and from there it is steep as described.
The climbers crags by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Scrambling over boulders, 4 wheel drive engages (arms and legs) to get up, sticking to the fence as much as possible. At the corner of the fence, there is a sheep track heading up but no well worn footpath, so pick your line, avoid crags and heather as much as you can. At this time of year the bracken is dead, so no issues with that. Given how extensive the bracken was this must be the best time of year to go up. Eventually reach a fence and follow it to get to a style to get over. There is now a definite path to the top, simply follow it. There are many steps up till the summit comes into view.
Creag Dubh summit by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Looking back, quite a climb. Windy now but at my back, so it didn't bother me till I got to the top and had lunch. Great views all round. Sat for 15 minutes to enjoy it.
Summit cairn by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Left the summit at 1pm. Just went back down the way I came up, mostly. Sore on the knees as it is so steep.
Looking down the ridge from summit by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Glad to get back to the car at 2:45pm. Another can of Irn Bru gets drained.