Ciste Dhubh

Ciste Dhubh is a Munro in the Scottish Highlands, standing between Glen Shiel and Glen Affric. Its name means ‘the black chest’ in Scottish Gaelic, perhaps describing the dark rocky summit. The mountain is almost surrounded by glens on three sides, with only the south connected to another Munro by the Bealach a’ Chòinich pass. Its flanks are mostly grassy, though the northern slopes have some crags and the summit is steep and rocky. Two small corries lie on either side of the northern ridge, adding to the varied terrain. The southern ridge is narrow in places and calls for care in high winds or winter conditions. The climb to the top is most often started from the A87 road near Loch Cluanie. Walkers follow the Allt a’ Chaorainn Bhig valley for four kilometres to reach the Bealach a’ Chòinich, then ascend grassy slopes to the southern ridge. An alternative route begins at the Alltbeithe youth hostel in upper Glen Affric, using the northern ridge. The return can include the nearby Munro of Aonach Meadhoin, which rises 400 metres from the pass. Drainage from the mountain travels over 80 kilometres east to the Beauly Firth, though it lies only 15 kilometres from Loch Duich on the west coast. From the summit, views stretch to higher peaks such as Mullach Fraoch-choire, A' Chràlaig and Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan. The rocky summit and steep southern ridge contrast with the grassy lower slopes. The Bealach a’ Chòinich pass links to the Corbett of Am Bathach, making it a useful route for longer walks. The mountain’s drainage patterns show how water from its slopes feeds distant rivers. The climb offers a clear sense of height and distance in the heart of the Highlands.