Ciste Dhubh

Ciste Dhubh rises 5 kilometres north of the west end of Loch Cluanie. It is a pointed peak, partly hidden behind the lower ridge of Am Bathach, but the summit can just be seen, its south face split by two or three steep gullies. The south ridge of the mountain rises steeply above the Bealach a' Choinich and continues as a narrow level arete for several hundred metres before the final rise to the summit. On the north side three short steep ridges drop down towards Glen Affric, but they should be treated with caution, particularly in winter if snow conditions are unstable.

The ascent starts a few hundred metres east of Cluanie Inn along a path on the east side of the Allt a' Chaorainn Bhig. Follow this stream to its source at the Bealach a' Choinich. An alternative route to this point is along the fine narrow ridge of Am Bathach. From the bealach, climb steeply north to the narrow level south ridge and follow it to the final rise to the summit of Ciste Dhubh.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)