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Having been up on Am Bastier the day before and finishing the last of my Munro's on the Cuillin ridge
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Today was to be the day for BlĂ Bheinn, and hopefully a spectacular view over to the Cuillin
The forecast looked really good.
Decided to set off at 5am and get a glimpse of Skye at first light
Arrived at the car park just in time for a fantastic red sky in the morning
As luck would have it, the early morning sun was lighting up the way ahead
Really good paths through the lower section allowed me to make it to the stepping stones in good time
A gentle sloping path then leads you upwards and left towards Fionna-choire
Took the opportunity to stop and admire these beautiful waterfalls
Made it up into the bowl and first sight of the 'too far' boulder from the description gives some confidence that I'm on the right track
A very small cairn then reminds you to take the walkers path heading in the direction of a narrow incut double tiered waterfall
Found a path that gently zig zagged up the right of the narrow falls and sat for a bit enjoying the views back to loch Slapin.
Lovely to see the mountain sheep with their new born so comfortable in my presence
Set off again and caught sight of the jumbled boulders and scree gully
Scrambled over the boulders and made it into the gully
Not quite the great stone chute, but serves as a gentle reminder that you're on Skye and need to take care
Looking back down the mini stone chute having really enjoyed going up it
After the scree you make it up onto the shoulder and start heading for the north East ridge
It was around this point that I could sense the cloud and mist rolling in underneath me.
I wasn't really concerned, as it always felt that I was going to remain above it
It added to the feeling that this was going to be a really special day in the hills
A little further on and the views towards Raasay, Scalpay, and the mainland were glorious
Continued gently scrambling onwards and arrived at this breathtaking view through the gap towards Ruadh Stac and Marsco
The anticipation of the big reveal to the Cuillin was building, but it was hard to take your eyes off the islands to the north
Or the islands to the south
As beautiful as the islands were, this day was all about celebrating being on all of the summits on the black Cuillin
And the famous view did not disappoint
Leaving so early, meant I had the whole summit to myself. Must have sat there for a good hour or so watching clouds come and go in and around the peaks and ridges
Final look at the islands
And it was time to get going, as I was driving home that day.
Made it all the way back down into Fionna-choire before meeting any of the walkers that were heading up
Back at the car again, and couldn't stop thinking about Skye and the wonderful days out I've had on the island.
This is possibly my favourite day out so far
What a day. What a place. Driving over the bridge to the mainland, and I'm thinking I'm sure I'll be back for more 🙂
