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After consulting the weather forecasts I decided to look for a walk towards the west but without too much walking distance involved or ascent. This was so that I could time the walk to avoid any stronger wind later in the day and avoid the windchill forecast for higher hills. The only downside would be the longer than usual drive but recent trips to the Kylestrome vicinity gave me confidence that I could cope ok.
In my fevered imagination and in a former, fitter life it is possible to traverse the hill N/SW or at least approach from the NE to avoid an identikit ascent but with carrying an injury I can only think to keep things simple and walk at a steady (slow) pace.
One of my hourly stops on the way there, this one at Loch Sgamhain.
Sunrise from Broadford Co-op car park.
Some cloud draped over the mainland.
Fine reflections in Loch Ainort and memories of a Red Cuillin traverse with my wife in December 2005 in what must have been 30mph+ winds.
Marsco in the middle. I did a walk to Druim Eadar Da Choire in 2020 with a view to maybe adding on Marsco from this side but there was too much cloud. I reckon I could manage a walk up Marsco's SE ridge though.
If anyone was on Dun Caan they would have got a nice sunrise.
I think I was last on this path in about 1998. It was so wet then that I didn't bother dodging the puddles; just ploughed through. Dry today though!
Sunscreen. It was quite chilly when I set off but slowly warmed through the morning. Still good to have some shade and coolness to start though.
The first two miles is a pleasant stroll but the path up to the bealach is a bit boggy.
Long time since I've been on the Black Cuillin. Don't know if I'll ever return but I can dream.
Felt a little bit tired just before the bealach but found new energy when I saw the way up ahead.
When I was younger I would have looked at that right hand skyline and not been put off trying to ascend that way. I wonder if people do.
The Clach Glas to Blaven scramble. I've been across twice -the first time from Camasunary via Garbh-bheinn in 1993 or 1994 when I got stuck but was assisted by a roped father and son party and then via Belig in 1998 where I got past the said sticking point with no problem.
Some grand scenery on the way up.
Beinn Dearg zoom.
The steep but easy ground slows me to a gentle plod with frequent stops to admire the views.
Following the last few fence posts up to the summit bealach.
A brief moment of relief from the steep gradient.
After a good forty five minutes spent looking at me feet, the grass and a relatively unchanging view east it is overload to get onto the ridge and see the sudden burst of Black Cuillin and Inner Hebrides,
The panorama of Blaven, Camasunary, Eigg, Sgurr na Stri and Rum is stunning. Even Mull shows up well on the horizon though not on this photo.
Sgurr nan Gillean and the top of pinnacle ridge.
Ben More of Mull just visible on the horizon.
Elgol.
Zoom NE.
Black Cuillin.
Heading up to the main summit.
Storr in the distance.
Rum zoom.
Glad to have managed this walk.
The short narrow section at the summit. Goden eagle just visible at the end of the ridge.
Looking back the other way.
Didn't really have time to investigate further along the ridge. Still, a good reason to return.
On the way down.
Being followed.
More stops and stretches on the way home.
All in all a walk that couldn't have gone much better and such a spectacular viewpoint. Hopefully I will return one day.
