Coire Dubh

Valley in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Coire Dubh

Environmental devastation, Monadhliath Mountains An extensive series of roads, cut 2m or more into the peat, have devastated the area north of, not on, Coignafearn Estate.   All this in the name of wind generation.  At the time the photograph was taken there was one single wind turbine which, needless to say, was not generating although there was plenty wind.   It should be made clear that the proprietor of Coignafearn has objected strongly to this devastation and is in no way to blame.
Environmental devastation, Monadhliath Mountains Credit: Iain A Robertson

Coire Dubh is a stunning valley located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the majestic Scottish Highlands, it is a place of outstanding natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. The valley stretches for several miles, encompassing an area of rugged terrain, dense forests, and meandering rivers.

The valley is renowned for its dramatic topography, featuring steep cliffs and towering mountains. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, lies just a few miles to the southwest, adding to the grandeur of the surroundings. Coire Dubh is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife spotting.

The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The forests are teeming with native species like pine martens, red deer, and golden eagles. Additionally, the rivers and lochs in the area provide excellent opportunities for fishing and boating.

Coire Dubh is not only a natural wonder but also steeped in history. The valley has ancient ruins and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years, bearing witness to the area's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore these remnants of the past and learn about the lives of the people who once inhabited this enchanting valley.

In terms of accessibility, Coire Dubh can be reached by road, with Inverness, the nearest city, approximately 30 miles away. The valley offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.

Overall, Coire Dubh is a true gem of Inverness-shire, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty, adventure, and history. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience amidst the splendor of the Scottish Highlands.

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Coire Dubh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.209285/-4.3285226 or Grid Reference NH5915. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Environmental devastation, Monadhliath Mountains An extensive series of roads, cut 2m or more into the peat, have devastated the area north of, not on, Coignafearn Estate.   All this in the name of wind generation.  At the time the photograph was taken there was one single wind turbine which, needless to say, was not generating although there was plenty wind.   It should be made clear that the proprietor of Coignafearn has objected strongly to this devastation and is in no way to blame.
Environmental devastation, Monadhliath Mountains
An extensive series of roads, cut 2m or more into the peat, have devastated the area north of, not on, Coignafearn Estate. All this in the name of wind generation. At the time the photograph was taken there was one single wind turbine which, needless to say, was not generating although there was plenty wind. It should be made clear that the proprietor of Coignafearn has objected strongly to this devastation and is in no way to blame.
Upper reaches of the Aberchalder Burn The hill behind is the 780m bulk of Beinn Bhùraich, an outlier of Carn na Saobhaidhe.
Upper reaches of the Aberchalder Burn
The hill behind is the 780m bulk of Beinn Bhùraich, an outlier of Carn na Saobhaidhe.
Hill track below Carn na Saobhaidhe
Hill track below Carn na Saobhaidhe
Grouse shooters' shelter A newly-erected wooden shed-cum-bothy, high on the grouse moors at about 670m. It appears to be (in part at least) recycled, as the windows are definitely re-used from elsewhere. Inside, the brand new stove would heat the space, warming the beaters, dogs and guns as they sit at the tables. A few sad feathers told the tale of a recent day bagging grouse. In truth, it may well be the <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/824170">NH5917 : Shed on Aberchalder Burn</a> last seen a mile or so back down the track in 2008.
Grouse shooters' shelter
A newly-erected wooden shed-cum-bothy, high on the grouse moors at about 670m. It appears to be (in part at least) recycled, as the windows are definitely re-used from elsewhere. Inside, the brand new stove would heat the space, warming the beaters, dogs and guns as they sit at the tables. A few sad feathers told the tale of a recent day bagging grouse. In truth, it may well be the NH5917 : Shed on Aberchalder Burn last seen a mile or so back down the track in 2008.
Riding towards Carn na Saobhaidhe The track that we've been following for the last 7 miles (nearly) is now well up onto the moorland; an area with little more than a few grouse butts and peat hags. Or so you might think - another half a mile past here lies <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5599621">NH6015 : Grouse shooters' shelter</a>, recently erected in a small valley.
Riding towards Carn na Saobhaidhe
The track that we've been following for the last 7 miles (nearly) is now well up onto the moorland; an area with little more than a few grouse butts and peat hags. Or so you might think - another half a mile past here lies NH6015 : Grouse shooters' shelter, recently erected in a small valley.
Hill track below Carn na Saobhaidhe To borrow and adapt a line from Roger Waters' 1979 album 'The Wall' - "Mother did it need to be so deep?" Others have remarked on the depth to which this relatively new track has been dug into the peat high on Carn na Saobhaidhe; unless I'd seen it with my own eyes I'd have said it was an exaggeration. It isn't, the track really has been cut 8' into the hillside. Maybe they were looking for solid ground to base it on, and gave up? Who knows... but in the 12 years since <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6594">NH6014 : Bulldozed road, Carn na Saobhaidhe</a> was taken, you could hardly describe it as blending into the landscape after a period of settling in.
Hill track below Carn na Saobhaidhe
To borrow and adapt a line from Roger Waters' 1979 album 'The Wall' - "Mother did it need to be so deep?" Others have remarked on the depth to which this relatively new track has been dug into the peat high on Carn na Saobhaidhe; unless I'd seen it with my own eyes I'd have said it was an exaggeration. It isn't, the track really has been cut 8' into the hillside. Maybe they were looking for solid ground to base it on, and gave up? Who knows... but in the 12 years since NH6014 : Bulldozed road, Carn na Saobhaidhe was taken, you could hardly describe it as blending into the landscape after a period of settling in.
Junction of tracks The track off to the left at the junction here leads up almost to the summit of Carn na Saobhaidhe. The fact that it's 'almost', of course, hasn't stopped the idiots carrying on right to the top anyway and chewing the fragile peat up there into a muddy morass in places too.
Junction of tracks
The track off to the left at the junction here leads up almost to the summit of Carn na Saobhaidhe. The fact that it's 'almost', of course, hasn't stopped the idiots carrying on right to the top anyway and chewing the fragile peat up there into a muddy morass in places too.
On the last few hundred metres to the top Nearly up the Corbett, and the ugly track is still several feet deep in the peat.
On the last few hundred metres to the top
Nearly up the Corbett, and the ugly track is still several feet deep in the peat.
As good as on the top The small cairn just to the left is the most obvious summit feature on Carn na Saobhaidhe, although in fairness it's not the highest point, which lies somewhere in the wet peaty ground behind the point I was standing on. Once you're up here, any of the peat hags really counts as the top; you've done all the hard work.
As good as on the top
The small cairn just to the left is the most obvious summit feature on Carn na Saobhaidhe, although in fairness it's not the highest point, which lies somewhere in the wet peaty ground behind the point I was standing on. Once you're up here, any of the peat hags really counts as the top; you've done all the hard work.
Snow covered slope rising to Beinn Bhuraich Beinn Bhuraich and the bealach between it and Meall a’ Bhuailt are viewed from the latter hill.
Snow covered slope rising to Beinn Bhuraich
Beinn Bhuraich and the bealach between it and Meall a’ Bhuailt are viewed from the latter hill.
Summit area of Beinn Bhùraich The highest point of Beinn Bhùraich is seen under spring snow with the summit cairn and a ruined fence crossing; two walkers are approaching in the distance.
Summit area of Beinn Bhùraich
The highest point of Beinn Bhùraich is seen under spring snow with the summit cairn and a ruined fence crossing; two walkers are approaching in the distance.
Snow covered western slope of Carn na Saobhaidhe The gently declining western slope of Carn na Saobhaidhe is seen along the line of iron fence posts approaching the mountain's summit from c. 780m. Beinn Bhùraich is the hill to the right side of the image.
Snow covered western slope of Carn na Saobhaidhe
The gently declining western slope of Carn na Saobhaidhe is seen along the line of iron fence posts approaching the mountain's summit from c. 780m. Beinn Bhùraich is the hill to the right side of the image.
Track across the moors
Track across the moors
Moorland track junction High on a moor northeast of Meall a' Bhuailt, this junction of tracks leads leftwards down the Aberchalder Burn and rightwards towards the Dunmaglass estate grounds.
Moorland track junction
High on a moor northeast of Meall a' Bhuailt, this junction of tracks leads leftwards down the Aberchalder Burn and rightwards towards the Dunmaglass estate grounds.
The Aberchalder Burn The burn here is a sizable stream, draining several square kilometres of moorland.
The Aberchalder Burn
The burn here is a sizable stream, draining several square kilometres of moorland.
Beside the Allt a' Choire Dhuibh The hilltrack runs alongside the burn for a while at this point, crossing and recrossing it a couple of times.
Beside the Allt a' Choire Dhuibh
The hilltrack runs alongside the burn for a while at this point, crossing and recrossing it a couple of times.
Big kid, playing Yes, we may be in our 50s and 60s, but we can still enjoy riding bikes through a ford. There are several to play in up here.
Big kid, playing
Yes, we may be in our 50s and 60s, but we can still enjoy riding bikes through a ford. There are several to play in up here.
Heading up alongside the Allt a' Choire Dhuibh
Heading up alongside the Allt a' Choire Dhuibh
Show me another place!

Coire Dubh is located at Grid Ref: NH5915 (Lat: 57.209285, Lng: -4.3285226)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///supported.votes.libraries. Near Drumnadrochit, Highland

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Coire Dubh

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