Meall Dubh, from Glen Moriston

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Meall Dubh is an unassuming Corbett at the heart of the Highlands, many of its slopes now decorated with windfarm turbines. However, its position ensures that the view west from the massive summit cairn is magnificent on a good day - a slice of West Highland mountain grandeur.

Terrain

Good track initially, then pathless, mostly heathery hillsides.

Public Transport

The start is passed by buses between Inverness and the Isle of Skye.

Start

Layby on N side of A887 at NH251084. Map and directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km / 7 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 670m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH254116

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meall Dubh

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is parking in the layby off the north side of the A887 at NH254116 - directly opposite the gated track giving access to the windfarm. Although the main gate is kept locked, there is a new pedestrian gate alongside. Begin by passing through this and following the main track which curves right and then left.

Stage 2

Keep right on the main track at a junction, climbing up into an area of forestry. At a fork amongst the trees, again keep on the main track, ignoring the branch to the right this time. The track has been greatly enlarged to serve the Millenium windfarm and takes a slightly different line to that shown on OS maps; it crosses the old route a couple of times. Eventually it climbs clear of the trees; turn sharp right here, before the main track reaches a gate, to follow another track which climbs SW.

Stage 3

The track climbs to a high point before beginning to descend. Leave it near here unless conditions are very wet (in which case you could continue down it to reach a bridge), aiming across pathless, initially very boggy ground to reach and then cross the Allt Coire na Gaoith an Ear. If you stayed on the track you could climb to reach this same point after crossing the bridge.

Stage 4

Aim up the heathery ground - which becomes drier as height is gained - and onto the indistinct ridge extending northeast from Meall Dubh. The massive summit cairn is visible from here in good conditions.

Stage 5

The gradient eases higher up and the ridge curves west for the final gentle climb up to the summit, which is marked by a massive, very well built cairn.

Stage 6

On a clear day the view out west to the mountains of Kintail and Knoydart is captivating - a jumble of dramatic peaks with a foreground of Lochs Loyne and Cluanie. Looking back east, the view is dominated by the nearby Millenium windfarm; further turbines are planned for this hill. You could vary the return slightly by heading north down to Beinn an Eoin and then descending its east ridge, but the quickest option is to retrace your steps.

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