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Creag Dubh (A’ Chreag Dhubh -- the black crag), 2350
feet, is a picturesque hill cut off from the rest of the Monadhliath (Am
Monadh Liath -- the grey mountain range) by Glen Banchor. It is prominent
from Newtonmore. Its name is the battle cry of the Clan MacPherson and on its
sheer slopes towards Lochan Uvie is Cluny’s cave where the chief of the
MacPhersons hid safely for 9 years after Culloden in spite of a reward of Scots
£11,000 offered for his capture, which in those days was a huge sum of money.
Take the Laggan Road till you reach a gate on the right
approx. 400 yards beyond the entrance to Biallid Farm. Pass through the gate and
follow the path, veering slightly left till the deer fence is reached. Using the
style cross the fence and climb through the birch woods to the dip in the
skyline then follow the ridge to the left over several ups and downs to the
summit. From all points of the ridge there are extensive views enhanced by the
hill’s isolated position. Red deer, roe deer, sika deer (a species introduced
from Japan) and wild goats are likely to be seen on the hill.
Return direct to Newtonmore the same way.
Note that there are some very steep cliffs (giving excellent rock climbing) on
the south face.
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