Creag Dhubh Mhòr from Strathcarron
Beginning from Strathcarron, this route up Creag Dhubh Mhòr follows track and path before navigating undulating ground to wide views of Cuillin, Torridon and Monar.
Route outline
| Fionas | ||||
| Ascent | 750m (2460ft) | |||
| Distance | 11km (7m) | |||
| Time | 4:00hr* | |||
| Start/finish | Strathcarron Grid Ref : NG942422 | |||
| Terrain |
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| Nav |
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| Effort |
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| Scenery |
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This route begins near Strathcarron railway station, following a track and faint stalkers’ path before climbing pathless heather and grassy slopes onto the hill’s wide summit ground.
Though modest in height, the summit gives surprisingly expansive views - west to the Cuillin of Skye, north to Liathach and the Coulin peaks, and eastwards to the remote Monar mountains.
Route map
Route description
1. Getting to Strathcarron
Strathcarron Station
Loch Carron stretches north-east from Kyle of Lochalsh, with the A890 following much of its southern shore to reach Strathcarron at the head of the loch, where the road crosses the Inverness–Kyle railway line.
If arriving by car, parking is available by the station.
Tourist facilities, including shops, fuel and cafés, can be found in the nearby village of Lochcarron.
2. Creag Dhubh Mhòr
Creag Dhubh Mhòr from the approach track
From Strathcarron railway station, cross over the line, then immediately turn left (east) onto a track heading through a gate. Follow it past a small hydro pump house and continue to a bridge 
crossing the River Taodai.
Continue along the track for just over 1km with the bumps of Creag Dhubh Bheag ahead, standing in front of Creag Dhubh Mhòr. Soon a second bridge is reached over the Allt Feadan Dhughaill. Just before this bridge, a pipe 
protruding from the ground marks the start of an old stalkers’ path heading uphill.
This faint trod cuts a way through heather, passing a rather lovely waterfall as it climbs beside the Allt Feadan Dhughaill. The path comes and goes, crossing one of the burns feeding the stream before eventually reaching the edge of Loch nan Creada 
, where it fades away altogether.
From here, strike uphill over heather and grass, weaving between knolls and crags with the occasional short, steeper section. Navigation across this undulating ground can be surprisingly tricky, particularly in poor weather.
The undulating ground west of Creag Dhubh Mhòr is soon reached 
, where several minor bumps give a fine view of the main summit ahead.
Turning eastwards, some small lochans are passed and, keeping clear of a few crags, the final rise leads up to Creag Dhubh Mhòr.
On the summit 
stands a very large boulder, half immersed in grass and fine to shelter out of any winds. A small pile of stones perched on top rather masquerades as the cairn.
Creag Dhubh Mhòr from its western minor summit
Creag Dhubh Mhòr from its western minor summit
3. Return
Return is by roughly the same route, with fine views all around and Sgùrr a' Gharaidh directly ahead — if time allows, there may be enough left in the day to wander up that rugged wee hill as well.
Summit of Creag Dhubh Mhòr with the mountains of Coulin beyond
Summit of Creag Dhubh Mhòr with the mountains of Coulin beyond
Maps and GPX downloads »
Route profile »
Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Northwest Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Lochaber Midge forecast |
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* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.
