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Of the four remaining Munros, Bla Bheinn had been counted out as a final one, warranting this first walk of 2013. 80% c.o.c.f.m from MWIS and an easterly weather pattern seemed a fair chance of getting some sunshine on Skye. So I thought...
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- Sunrise over Loch Alsh en route
As I headed along the road to Elgol, Bla Bheinn loomed into view, spectacularly reflected in the mirror-like waters of a lochan.
The sun had not yet risen, but I took some pictures none the less. Rather than crack onwards and start the walk, I gambled on hanging around for a while, and - happily - 20 minutes later the sun began lighting up Bla Bheinn's slopes and the scene was electrified in jaw-dropping colour!
Cue 30 minutes of jumping in and out of the car, dashing around trying to squeeze as much into a picture as possible.
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- The sun makes a welcome appearence on the slopes of Bla Bheinn
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- Only a small dusting of snow, but enough to stick the ice axe on the bag for the walk. No crampons though.
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- One of the most photographed cottages in the country?!
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- The lime greens of the grass and the seaweed brought this scene alive even more
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- A heron poses kindly
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- The path is superb heading for the first 30 mins alongside this burn
The path becomes rocky and loose underfoot once the climb into the corrie begins.
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- One of the last 3 standing. Beinn Sgritheall seen beyond Torrin.
After a steeper section, where the path zigzags up fairly easily amongst scree and loose rocks, you emerge onto a flatter section.
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- Glimpses of the rock scenery of Clach Glas. Before the dreaded mist set in :-(
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- The last views before entering into the cloud
There was an inch of snow covering the rocks, but soft stuff and not icy so crampons were not necessary.
At one stage the ridge narrowed, with a steepish bouldery gully seeming to be the route of choice. A couple of moves required the hands, but very easy and no exposure at all.
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- A bit of blue sky teases me that the mist might clear.
The decent forecast, the promising start to the day, the knowledge of the amazing panorama's I was missing...It's fair to say I was not amused and being in mist!
As usual I briefly mused over the email I'd be sending Geoff Monk at Mwis
but it was just one of those things. Sometimes you get lucky - like the sun appearing this morning to glorious effect, sometimes nature reminds you it owes you nothing!
With blue sky drifting overhead, I hung around on the summit for 50 mins hoping things might clear. I even headed along the narrowish summit crest to have a look at the short scramble to the lower south top, which looked a challenging prospect with the snow and swirling mist!
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- Tried to get this guys picture at the start of the walk. He came back and played ball this time.
Delighted with making the ascent, and the photos from the morning, but certainly determined to do this hill again in good weather and REALLY appreciate it's beauty
All that was left was a long drive back to Aberdeen, a nap in Glen Shiels and a burger in Elgin sufficient to see me home in time to see the little one before his bedtime!
