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. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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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 Creigie Deirge. If you stayed on the track you could climb to reach this same point after crossing the bridge. Further on it is necessary to cross a second burn, the Allt Coire na Gaoith an Ear.

Stage 4

Aim up the heathery ground - which becomes drier and rockier as height is gained - and onto the plateau above. The summit of Meall Dubh now comes into view at last across a depression - the massive cairn is visible from here in good conditions, though it may not be quite on the highest point.

Stage 5

The gradient eases higher up and the ridge curves west for the final gentle climb up to the summit, with a massive, very well built cairn that may not be quite on the highest point. 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.

Stage 6

The Millenium windfarm has gradually been expanded and now forms a foreground to the view of Knoyart, as well as when looking back east. 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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