The Black Mount from Bridge of Orchy
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 19 kms | 6 1/2 hours | 1250 metres | Explorer 377: Loch Etive & Glen Orchy |
Description
The Black Mount is a range of mountains stretching from Glen Orchy to Glen Coe, beside Rannoch Moor. The southern two Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000ft) are climbed in this walk. They are mountains of great contrast - Stob a' Choire Odhair is straightforward. The ascent route follows a stalking path into Coire Toaig before climbing a shoulder directly to the summit, which affords excellent views east over the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor.
The route then drops to a relatively low saddle before climbing the second Munro - Stob Ghabar (pronounced Gower). A much more exciting mountain to view and climb, a very strenous and steep ascent is made up to the Aonach Eagach ridge (not to be confused with its more famous and notorious namesake just to the north). The ridge is then followed, with a couple of rocky steps, up to the summit, from where views stretch over to Lorn and Glen Coe. Ben Nevis is easily identifiable to the north.
The descent route drops to the Mam nan Sac before joining a good stalker's track down to Clashgour and then dropping to the 'Abhainn Shira' (River Shira) and following it back to the start.
Access Info
By car: Bridge of Orchy is on the A82(T) road (Fort William - Crianlarich). At Bridge of Orchy, turn left (from the south) or right (from the north) onto an unclassified road (not the B8074) signposted to Inveroran and Forest Lodge and follow the road for 5km, passing Inveroran Hotel. The car park is signposted on the left.
By train: There is a regular train service to Bridge of Orchy, which is on the West Highland Line.
By bus: Scottish Citylink operates a regular service to Bridge of Orchy (Glasgow/Edinburgh - Fort William/Skye services)
If travelling by train or bus, there is an extra 5km walk in and back. Walking in: Cross the bridge at Bridge of Orchy, then take the West Highland Way over Mam Carraigh, turn left at Inveroran Hotel and follow the road to the start. The return walk out is along the road from the car park to Bridge of Orchy (slightly longer but less climbing.)
Additional Info
The walk is in a working estate and there are some restrictions on access during the stalking season (August - October inclusive). Walkers are asked to read and follow any information displayed at the car park.
More Info
For further information visit the walkingworld weblink below.
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