Seen across the lochans of Rannoch Moor the bulky ramparts of the Black Mount are a classic Scottish view, a favourite of landscape photographers and calendar makers. It's a cliche, but no less impressive for that. The range is even better walked than admired from afar, with the full traverse of the main peaks comfortably rating among the best big days in the southern Highlands. This is rough and occasionally wild walking, with unrivalled perspectives over the empty acres of the moor, and a distant frieze of familiar favourites from Schiehallion to the Cuillin (in clear conditions). The common access points are Victoria Bridge in the south and the Glen Coe ski centre in the north; but for something a little different try Glen Etive. This gives you a nice neat circular route; a memorable approach up a scenic gorge; an oft-overlooked bonus hill; and some excellent bits that feel less trodden than the standard Munro routes.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: SevereDistance: 14.57 miles (23.45 km)
Total ascent: 1,946m
Steepest Gradient: 51% (1 in 2)
Time: 10 hours (Walking)
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Summits
Beinn Mhic Chasgaig 864 mCreise 1100 m
Creise - Mam Coire Easain 1070 m
Meall a' Bhuiridh 1108 m
Creise - Clach Leathad 1097 m
Stob Ghabhar - Sron nan Giubhas 976 m
Stob Ghabhar 1090 m
Stob Ghabhar - Sron a' Ghearrain 966 m
Additional Information
Start/Finish:Alltchaorunn turnoff on Glen Etive road - some layby parking available, NN197513
Nearest town:
Ballachulish
Terrain:
Stalker's paths in the glens - quite boggy in places. Some steep and at times pathless ground on the hills, with plenty of rough going on grass and rocks. Clearer trails link some of the major summits.
Seasonal variations:
These big hills are often snowy. In winter conditions the steeper sections need care, for instance the descent from Clach Leathad. The linking ridge between Creise and Meall a'Bhuiridh can have a mountaineering character, particularly when (as often) the eastern flank of Creise is heavily corniced.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
Glasgow - Ft.William buses might drop you at the Glen Etive turnoff on request, but that's a long way from the start of the walk.
Maps:
OS Explorer 377 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 384 (1:25,000), Harvey/BMC Ben Nevis (1:40,000), OS Landranger 41 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 50 (1:50,000)
Accommodation:
Glencoe YH 01855 811219 Clachaig Inn 01855 811252
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Tourist info:
Ballachulish (08452 255 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- East Ridge of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach 21 Jan
- A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire 4 Dec, 2023
- Meall na Teanga & Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - The Loch Lochy Munros 6 Nov, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023