Bla Bheinn (left of centre) from the start of the walk 

Bla Bheinn (or Blaven) is a quite magnificent mountain by any Scottish standards. At 3,044ft high, it is one of the few of Skye's Munros that is accessible to a competent hillwalker, requiring no mountaineering skills to get to the top by this route. It is not an easy walk though. The surfaces are rocky and in parts the climb needs hands on the rocks, so be prepared for that. The views as you climb are good, opening up from Loch Slapin and Torrin to include a vista of the Red Cuillin, Rum and a large part of the mainland NW Highlands. That would be enough in itself to make the climb worthwhile. But it is as nothing in comparison to what hits you as you crest the summit, when the panorama of the Black Cuillin, Glen Sligachan, Marsco et al explodes into sight.

 Looking north-west from the summit trigpoint

Beginning from the car park on Loch Slapin at NG560215 walk back onto the road and go north over the bridge. Just after the bridge, a good path leads off the road, following the edge of the Allt na Dunaiche and its gorge. Eventually the path crosses the burn, and then one of its tributaries, before steepening and climbing up through Coire Uaigneich. Leave this path at NG53662126 to head right, steeply uphill to the base of a narrow gully at NG53612148. Ascend this gully and then continue north-west. You will come to the edge of the buttresses on your right. There are good views down gullies and between crags here, but don't get too close to the edge! A cairn at NG53432167 marks the top of a particularly big drop. From there, a shallow gully can be seen rising towards the summit. There is a path to its left side, or you can just scramble up it. Either way takes you to a simple walk up the final feet to the trigpoint. Then just take in that view.

Glen Sligachan from Bla Bheinn

This is a big climb, but there is no real exposure on this route. Remember though that there are plenty of places to fall off if you lost your way. For that reason, I would not recommend it other than on a clear day. In any case, it would be a pity to miss out on what may be the best summit panorama in Britain.

Descending from the summit