CREAG DHUBH, NORTH RIDGE

HARD (GRADE 2 SCRAMBLE)

■ 5 hours ■ 7.4km ■ 1140m ascent

Start A832, near Kinlochewe, grid ref NH021628 Terrain Steep mountainside, broad col, steep ridge, high mountain ridge

This route explores the high expanses on the north side of Beinn Eighe, then gains the narrow eastern end of the main ridge via the narrow north ridge of Creag Dhubh. Scrambling or climbing experience is needed to negotiate the ‘Black Carls’, a series of tors on Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe. From the roadside, follow the path on the north side of the Allt Sguabaidh to the broad col on the north side of Creag Dhubh. From the col head south across rough moorland to gain the base of the north ridge. Climb the steep mountainside south then, as the ridge becomes more pronounced, follow its crest to the summit of Creag Dhubh. From the summit turn south-west and scramble the narrowing ridge to the summit of Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe. Make the awkward descent west along the main ridge and follow the exposed crest to Sgurr Ban. The main ridge turns south-west and you follow it direct to the summit of Spidean

Coire nan Clach.