Ciste Dhubh and Am Bathach, Cluanie

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Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

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.

Public Transport

Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 ask to stop at Cluanie Inn.

Start

Laybay east of Cluanie Inn. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km / 7.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1040m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH087122

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ciste Dhubh
Corbett: Am Bathach

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Walk Description

User reports (30)

Stage 1

Start from the layby on the north side of the A87 just over a kilometre east of the Cluanie Inn. Begin by walking east along the road to the remains of an old metal gate. Go through this to follow a path leading directly up the grassy ridge keeping the old forestry fence on your left. As height is gained, the fence is left below and good views open up of Loch Cluanie behind you.

Stage 2

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.

Stage 3

Continue along the pleasant grass ridge, with steep slopes sweeping down to the empty glens on either side.

Stage 4

There is a slight descent before the ridge rises once more to reach the summit of Am Bathach, which, at 798m, 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 Chòinnich.

Stage 5

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.

Stage 6

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.

Stage 7

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.

Stage 8

Ciste Dhubh means 'Black Chest' and at 979m 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 Chòinich.

Stage 9

The walk can be extended from here by heading up the steep grassy slopes opposite to Sgùrr an Fhuarail and the Brothers Ridge. Otherwise head back down to the Bealach Chòinnich and continue ahead on the faint path which keeps to the west of the small lochans on the bealach. This starts to head downhill aiming south for a short distance before bearing southeast on the soggy path back down the east side of the An Caorainn Beag. It returns to the A87 just west of the layby where the walk began.

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