Bla Bheinn

Bla Bheinn is possibly Skye's most photogenic mountain - and when viewed from the A881 Broadford to Elgol road it certainly lives up to this reputation. The mountain actually looks taller than the 928m quoted on the OS map. Bla Bheinn is really the high point of the small mountain group separated from the main Cuillin by Glen Sligachan. One of the earliest ascents was in 1857 when a Prof Nicol and Algernon Swinburne enjoyed a pleasant stroll up the South Ridge. The classic route on the mountain is over the lower and very sensational Clach Glas ridge. This involves some moderate rock climbing and Clach Glas has earned itself the nickname 'The Matterhorn of Skye'. Geologically Bla Bheinn consists mainly of gabbro sliced by sheets of dolerite, and like the Cuillin it is further complicated by basalt dykes. This combination of rock that weathers at different rates, has provided the fine playground that the extreme climber loves. This however does not put Bla Bheinn out of bounds to the hillwalker, indeed this mountain should be ascended at all costs, as the panoramas of the Cuillin and the mainland hills are amongst the more unusual in Scotland.

Late evening sun on Blaven and The Cuillin behind

Bla Bheinn - Facts and Figures

Distance : 5 miles

Total Ascent : 3100ft

Time : 3 - 5 hours

Route Grading : A fairly easy ascent by Cuillin standards, but still requiring care in poor visibility as the rock will deflect the compass. A good introduction to Skye in winter conditions.

Accommodation : Hotels at Broadford, Sligachan and Carbost. Camping at Sligachan and Glen Brittle.

Summits Visited In Our Route

	Gaelic Name	Translation	Height (ft)	Height (m)	Status
	Bla Bheinn	Blue Mountain	3044ft	928m	Munro
	Bla Bheinn (South Top)	Blue Mountain	3031ft	924m	Top

Maps

	Publisher	Scale	Title / No
	Ordnance Survey	1:50000	Sheet 32
	Ordnance Survey	1:25000	The Cuillin & Torridon Hills
	Bartholomew's	1:100000	Sheets 54

Sketch Diagram showing Bla Bheinn route © Cameron Johnston 1997

Our route up Bla Bheinn starts near the head of Loch Slapin on the A881 Broadford to Elgol road. Most ascents are made from here but their are a few choices but this route allows a visit to both tops. The first part of the ascent follows the Allt na Dunaiche on the north side, the high ridge of Bla Bheinn and Clach Glas above looks spectacular from here. Cross the stream (still following a path), and climb higher up into Coire Uaigneich. Higher up into the corrie the path turns northwards and up onto the eastern shoulder of the mountain. As the path zigzags upwards we start to gain fine views across Loch Slapin. The grass underfoot also changes to scree and rock. On reaching the ridge some mild scrambling can be enjoyed as can the spectacular sight of Clach Glas, the traverse of which is another classic route.

Scrambling Up Bla Bheinn

The summit is soon reached and is denoted by a trig point, 200 metres southward is the south top and this is reached quite easily by a pleasant scramble. The view across Glen Sligachan to the main Cuillin ridge is fantastic. Pinnacle ridge on Sgurr nan Gillean being most prominent. If you are lucky enough to ascend on a fine summers evening then the view to the Cuillin will appear in silhouette, and with a keen eye and some knowledge each of the summits can be named. Our descent is made by either descending the way we came up or better still, continue from the south top on the ridge above the corrie before descending scree into the corrie itself. The path is then followed back to Loch Slapin.