My walkhighland summer meet 2013 Bla Bheinn report at last

[PeteR]

Finally getting round to posting my report for the Sunday of the walkhighlands Summer meet 2013. Given the p*sh weather had on the Saturday I certainly feel blessed having enjoyed two great walks over the three days

Saturday on Skye........after the worst of the rain, but before the next wave

I’d have liked it to get on to the main Cuillin ridge, but having undertaken a bit of Met App weather watching it looked to me like Bla Bheinn might be the best shout for the Sunday.

Weaslemaster and Batty72 were also keen for a Skye Munro, so we agreed to partner up and head off to Bla Bheinn

By the time we arrived at the car park my prediction of better weather of the main ridge was looking a tad suspect Rather a black sky and there was that unmistakable feeling of water in the air – yes, it was raining again

Bla Bheinn under brooding skies

Full waterproofs then.

As things turned out though, the day actually turned out just perfect

Improving weather and an impressive view

The initial path is excellent and brings you out at a river crossing of the Allt na Dunaiche. There had been concern amongst some of the walkhighlanders that it might be a bit of a challenge for us to cross given the weather, but it was okay. Marched across with just minimal seepage over the top of my boots

From here on things became a bit of a slog for me as I struggled up the scree path into Coire Uaigneich Fair to say that weaselmaster and Batty72 were well ahead of me for most of the rest of the ascent as I made hard work of things. My excuse was that my left knee was still suffering from the Friday Well, it was a bit, but really I am just a slow plodder when it comes to any ascent

Loch Fionna-choire and An Stac

The scree path was something to endure It made me realise I would have been slaughtered had I even attempted Sgurr Alistair over the weekend, which had been the plan had the weather not intervened so spectacularly

Eventually the path became more interesting as we gained height. Still scree, but there was a chance to use hands on rock in places and some superb views were opening up

The first of the more scrambly sections up Bla Bheinn

Before the final scramble just before the summit the views were simply stunning

Stunning Clach Glas

Loch Slapin and out to sea

Slapin again, with some of the Red

Magnificent Marsco

The Black sneaking through

Quite enjoyed the final scramble too (although a bit less so on the way down )

Final scramble near the summit

Leading up to and on the summit we hit the jackpot I knew my slow plod would be timed to perfection And so it was, as we enjoyed cloud free summit views, with great views to the Red Cuillin

The Red Cuillin

Raasay

Loch Slapin

More of the Red

Zoomed view of the Red - Marsco and Glamaig

The Red and the Black

View toward the Inner Sound

Loch Slapin again

The Red again

Bla Bheinn's south top. Decided to avoid the scramble over to this top though

Even the main ridge obliged

The glorious Black

It wasn’t too windy when we hit the summit, but that soon changed and it was time to head down after a quick text to MrsR to let her know I still lived

A bit of rain on the way down, but hey we’d had the summit clear, so no complaints at all. The knee held out too, but at least it now has a couple of weekends off as I take on fatherly duties

The route down.......and up too for that matter

Savagely stunning

All in all a great weekend. I enjoyed two great walks and met some great people to boot

Final view of Bla Bheinn on the slow drive home

Thanks to weaselmaster and Batty72 for a great day on what is a super hill. I hope my snail’s pace didn’t hold you up too much or ruin your day in any way

[trekker53]

Some good photos there Pete.
Glad the weather was favourable for the three of you. I was on Marsco that day and I couldn't keep my eyes off Blaven. Had a mesmerising look about it. Did this hill many years ago but tempted to do it again when back on Skye.

[soapy27]

Cracking report and photos there PeteR , This is still one of my favourite hills to date and your photos reminded me why Great stuff

[dogplodder]

Good timing for me as I'm hoping to do this the week after next with Moira. Note your comment about scree.... Is it steep and loose? Moira's not keen on ground moving under her since broken ankle saga - come to that I'm not too keen on it either!

[battie72]

Cracking report and pics there Pete!
A good day was had by all and have no complaints about your pace at all
It was great to meet you and hope to see you again sometime soon

[weaselmaster]

Great pics, Pete - put mine from the same day to shame
And your timing was perfect

[ChrisW]

Well it took you long enough Pete ....... but it was well worth the wait .....

[rockhopper]

you're right about hitting the jackpot Pete - great result given the weather you all suffered the day before - cheers

[jimmeh]

Fantastic. You certainly got the weather on your side. We were up on the Friday before you and this was our view from the top.

[basscadet]

Oooh lucky, lucky! Thanks for sharing

T'was a good meet, really good group of peeps

[The Rodmiester]

Some wonderful photographs there Pete well worth waiting for

[PeteR]

Good timing for me as I'm hoping to do this the week after next with Moira. Note your comment about scree.... Is it steep and loose? Moira's not keen on ground moving under her since broken ankle saga - come to that I'm not too keen on it either!

Sorry dogplodder, I've been meaning to reply re your question, but for some reason haven't got round to it until now. I hope I'm not too late I'd say the scree is more steep than loose, but that's not to say it wasn't loose at times - but never too bad. There are probably two scrambly bits to negotiate as well, but they are not too bad either. I think I was having a bad day that day and was also mindful of my left knee playing up. Another thing to remember is that it's a fairly short walk, so you can hopefully take plenty of time, soak up the views and not feel pressured to get up and down too fast I hope you enjoy

[PeteR]

Thanks for the comments folks

Really enjoyed this hill and the weekend. Can't wait to get a chance to get back to Skye and introduce myself to the ridge

[dogplodder]

Sorry dogplodder, I've been meaning to reply re your question, but for some reason haven't got round to it until now. I hope I'm not too late

Not too late - we hope to do it on Friday. Thanks for the comments!