Creag Dhubh (Newtonmore)

On the way back from UHI exam board, I had long spied this hill and promised 'one day'. Well today was the day. I drove down from Inverness and the day was fine, which was a bonus. I parked up neatly at the climber's car park next to Lochain Uvie, then headed through the gate. The climb was steep and awkward since some recent rain had reduced the bracken/rock to very greasy conditions. When I checked my Strava activity here, it took me a full 29 minutes to scale the first kilometre of hill even though the ascent was 330m. Once I got through the bracken and up the heather, I then reached the fence and stile, whereupon the going was much easier i.e. there was a path. While I didn't particularly enjoy the first km, the views once on the ridge proper were exquisite. For such a wee hill, it's a great view from all angles, particularly over to the 3 Munros west of Newtonmore. The other Graham to the north-west also looked attractive. I soon raced up the ridge to the summit proper and attempted to speak some broken German to a couple who were having a blast. I ran down the ridge and eventually down towards the forest, which extended the walk somewhat. That said, I was back at the car within 75 minutes of leaving it and this was a fine 5K run/walk with plenty to offer.