When compared to its bigger near neighbours of Braeriach and Cairn Gorm, Creag Dhubh – which sits a little west of the Central Cairngorm Plateau – is a much more compact mountain. However, with its broad summit rising to 848-metres it should not be underestimated.
Beginning from the gorgeous setting of Loch an Eilean a good path runs along the lochside to Loch Gamhna. Later, a rougher path then open hillside ascends onto Creag Follais, after which easy ground reaches Clach Mhic Calein – better known as The Argyll Stone – then Creag Dhubh. A steady descent into Gleann Einich provides a scenic return to Loch an Eilean.
Just below the summit of Creag Dhubh is one of several granite tors in the Cairngorm National Park that have been eroded and shaped by the weather over many millennia.
Rising to about 15 feet in height, The Argyll Stone is thought to have been named after Archibald Campbell, the 7th Earl of Argyll (1575 – 1638). In 1594 Campbell led his Protestant army to defeat at the Battle of Glenlivet by the much smaller Catholic force of the Marquess of Huntly. It is said that Campbell and his men were then driven south, fleeing through the Cairngorms and pausing for a few moments at Clach Mhic Calein before continuing their retreat.
The view from the summit of Creag Dhubh is exceptional, extending along Gleann Einich towards Sgoran Dubh Mor and Braeriach and out to the Northern Corries and Meall a Bhuachaille.
Wanderings - the ramblings of Outdoor Fergie. 