The Black Spout

Valley in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

The Black Spout

The Black Spout, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a magnificent valley renowned for its stunning natural beauty and breathtaking waterfall. Nestled within the Cairngorms National Park, this valley attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers from all over the world.

The Black Spout is characterized by its steep-sided gorges and rugged terrain, offering an awe-inspiring backdrop for outdoor activities. The focal point of the valley is the Black Spout Waterfall, a dramatic 60-meter cascade that plunges into a deep pool below. The waterfall is a sight to behold, especially after heavy rainfall when it is at its most powerful.

The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including heather, bracken, and a variety of bird species. As visitors explore the area, they may spot red deer, golden eagles, and even the elusive mountain hare. The Black Spout is also a popular spot for fishing, with the River Ardle providing ample opportunities to catch salmon and trout.

Hiking is a popular activity in the Black Spout, with numerous trails of varying difficulty crisscrossing the valley. One popular route is the circular walk that takes visitors from the town of Pitlochry to the waterfall and back, offering stunning views along the way. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the nearby Munro mountains provide ample opportunities for experienced climbers.

In conclusion, the Black Spout in Aberdeenshire is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its dramatic waterfall, diverse wildlife, and picturesque landscapes make it a truly unforgettable experience.

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The Black Spout Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.958006/-3.2414772 or Grid Reference NO2485. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path up Lochnagar

Steven Brown

Footpath alongside Glas Allt towards Loch Muick

Steven Brown

Coire Boidheach in winter

During winter, a narrowing of the coire fills with deep snow, and large cornices form. In February 2023, there was less snow than usual, exposing the stream which would normally be buried under many feet of snow at this time of year

Mike Duguid

Coire Boidheach in winter

A narrowing of Coire Boidheach on the plateau catches snow, and the resulting cornices cast shadow making the coire more readily visible from distance. In summer, the terrain is boggy and unremarkable: was the original meaning of the name "beautiful corrie" conceived in summer or winter?

Mike Duguid

Coire an Daimh Mhoile in winter

Around the 1000m contour, Coire an Daimh Mhoile narrows and steepens. In summer the water tumbles down waterfalls here freely, but in winter it is buried in snow, and large cornices form (particularly on the west side).

Mike Duguid

Coire an Daimh Mhoile in winter

Looking up Coire an Daimh Mhoile in winter; at this time of year the stream is buried below snow (but can be heard running below). Crampons are advisable at this time of year, and when there is heavy snow there would be avalanche danger here.

Mike Duguid

Deer at the summit of Cac Carn Beag

A Munro defined as a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 feet (914.4 m), and which is on the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) official list of Munros; there is no explicit topographical prominence requirement.

Ralph Greig

Cac Carn Mor

Summit cairn on the lower of the two tops on Lochnagar.

Iain Russell

Approaching Cac Carn Beag

The highest point on Lochnagar.

Iain Russell

The Summit of Lochnagar in the Sunshine

The northernmost summit, Cac Carn Beag, on Lochnagar, Scotland, UK (1155 m, 3789 ft).

Andrew Tryon

Reflections of Lochnagar in Lochnagar

Reflections of the rocky buttresses that make up the north face of the mountain Lochnagar, as seen in the loch of the same name. The surface of the loch is at an elevation of 785m (2575 ft), which is high for a water body in Great Britain. The cliffs of Lochnagar rise up to a high point of 1155m (3789 ft).

Andrew Tryon

View of Lochnagar from the North

The north face of the mountain Lochnagar, seen here, comprises a ridge of rocky pinnacles and buttresses with steep gullies in between. The highest summit of Lochnagar is 1155 m (3789 ft) above sea level.

Andrew Tryon

The Summit of Lochnagar in the Sunshine - Cac Carn Mor

View from Cac Carn Mor towards Cac Carn Beag on the mountain Lochnagar.

Andrew Tryon

Lochnagar, Aberdeenshire

The loch 'Lochnagar' and the mountain of the same name behind, viewed from Meikle Pap.

Andrew Tryon

Coire Lochan nan Eun

The Coire Lochan nan Eun on the west side of Lochnagar, Aberdeenshire.

Andrew Tryon

List of Hills Visible from Lochnagar, Aberdeenshire

This stone indicator shows the direction and distance of the most important peaks that can be seen in clear weather from the summit of Lochnagar (1155 m, 3786 ft). Most notable, perhaps, are The Cheviot in England (105 miles to the south) and Morven in Caithness (88 miles to the north). Morven is only a matter of 20 miles or so from the north coast of Britain, which means that from this one spot it is possible to see almost the length (and the breadth) of mainland Scotland. The stone indicator was made by Doulton & co., Lambeth, London and was erected by the Cairngorm Club, Aberdeen 1924. Although heavily chipped, the indicator is not in bad condition, considering it has spent nearly a century on top of a Scottish mountain. For a closer look at the text in this photo (without the need to climb the hill) try downloading the large version of the photo (Link ).

Andrew Tryon