Photographs and map of the A'Chralaig to Mullach Fraoch-choire ridge in Glen Shiel

Location: Glen Shiel
Map: OS Landranger 33 ( GR062166 )
Distance: 7.5 miles ( 12km )
Time: 4hours
Terrain: Tracks and paths

Glen Shiel contains some classic ridge walks and these two ﬁnely proportioned peaks are good examples. Climbed separately they are short outings compared with many of the routes which surround them, but when combined they make a satisfying day of moderate length. a factor in their favour when time or energy levels are low.
Am Bathach is a gem of a mountain with a greater presence than might be suggested by its Corbett status, surrounded by wall-to-wall Munros. But the
glaciers have done a good job, leaving a steep-sided cockscomb ridge overlooking the Cluanie Inn.
On the other hand. Ciste Dubh is largely hidden some distance further north, its impressive rocky summit glimpsed momentarily from the road. A ‘climb me’ mountain never there was one.
The best starting point for Am Bathach is the car park before the Cluanie Inn, although tree felling has complicated the approach to Am Bathach's south ridge.
if there isn't much water in the Allt a‘ Chaorainn Bhig then it is possible to start up the An Caorann Beag, on the track east of the car park, before heading north to cross the burn and ascend beside the felling to the south ridge, if the burn is full then follow the main road east to the bridge
over the burn and follow the felled forest edge to the ridge.
This gives a steep ascent with increasingly ﬁne views to the ﬁrst bump, followed by an airy grassy ridge over two more high points to
gain the summit. Ciste Dhubh is now revealed directly ahead and looks close enough to touch. As always, appearances are deceptive
and a steep descent gains the bealach between the two peaks and the start of Ciste Dubh‘s south ridge.
The path zigzags immediately right of the crags above and left of the col and this is probably the least pleasant section of the route, it's wet, rocky and eroded and the pathless grassy ﬂanks further right are worth considering as both routes gain the crest of the ridge.
From here the ridge is obvious and should be followed along its crest for maximum enjoyment to arrive at the summit.
Retrace your steps to the bealach from where two routes can be taken down the An Caorann Beag. A path on the east side leads back to the ridge, while a grassy track on the west side leads to the metalled track and the Cluanie Inn car park. The early sections of both routes are
intermittent and boggy but the end is always in sight.