Black Mount

Black Mount is a mountain range in the Scottish Highlands, in the Argyll and Bute council area, stretching between Glen Orchy and Glen Coe. Its eastern flank looks over the vast bog of Rannoch Moor, while Bridge of Orchy and Glen Etive lie to the west and north. For hillwalkers it offers big Highland scenery with far fewer people than Ben Nevis.

What is Black Mount?

The name comes from a former forest, now largely gone. What remains is a set of open grassy and rocky ridges holding four Munros (summits over 3,000 ft): Stob a' Choire Odhair, Stob Ghabhar, Creise and Meall a' Bhùiridh. The last of these, at 1,108 m, is the highest in the range. Lower hills such as Ben Inverveigh and Meall Tairbh fill the gap between the range and Bridge of Orchy.

What will you see?

From the southern tops, especially Stob a' Choire Odhair, the outlook is east across Rannoch Moor, a flat expanse of lochans and peat. Stob Ghabhar is the more dramatic hill, with a steep climb, a rocky crest and real exposure that impresses even seasoned walkers. Loch Tulla and the Victoria Bridge area sit beside the road and serve as the usual starting points. On the Glen Coe side, the White Corries lifts climb the slopes of Meall a' Bhùiridh.

How do you plan a walk?

The classic round starts at the car park near Victoria Bridge, west of Loch Tulla. Taking in Stob a' Choire Odhair and Stob Ghabhar and returning by a stalkers' path comes to roughly 22 km with about 1,350 m of climbing. The full traverse of all four Munros, finishing at White Corries, covers a similar distance with around 2,000 m of ascent. Ground is rocky in places and boggy lower down, and the stretch from Stob Ghabhar toward Bealach Fuar-Chathaidh has no consistent path. Carry a map, compass and warm layers, because Highland weather turns quickly.

How do you get there?

The range lies along the A82 between Glasgow and Fort William, so a car is the simplest way in. Bridge of Orchy also has a station on the West Highland line, and the West Highland Way passes below the hills, which makes it easy to pair a summit day with a stretch of that long-distance trail.

When should you visit?

Conditions are best from late spring to early autumn. In winter the higher ground calls for winter skills and equipment. During the deer-stalking season, check local access information, since much of the land is private estate.

Frequently asked questions

How many Munros are in Black Mount? Four: Stob a' Choire Odhair, Stob Ghabhar, Creise and Meall a' Bhùiridh.

Which summit is highest? Meall a' Bhùiridh, at 1,108 m.

Where do walks start? From the car park near Victoria Bridge by Loch Tulla, or from Bridge of Orchy.

Is it suitable for beginners? No. Routes exceed 20 km, some sections have no path and need navigation, and the weather can be harsh.

Can you ride a lift up? Lifts operate from the Glen Coe side at White Corries on Meall a' Bhùiridh; check current operating times before you travel.