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We all (I mean Martin) decided early on during our 5 days on Skye that each would take a turn to write a walk report. I'd heard and read somewhere that the second day was going to be the worse weather wise so I volunteered for day two in the believe that there would be no walking this day and i'd get away with having to do anything. Anyway that didn't pan out, so here goes.
Karen (KMAI1961) had already walked this particular route and because the weather conditions didn't look great and the guide was concerned about the level of water in the rivers she decided to give it a miss and opted instead to visit the excellent Candle Shop on Skye. So it was just the four of us myself, Martin, Andy and Simon, plus Paddy the guide of course.
We all made our way to the car park on the North end of Loch Slapin and set off at 9.45 with fingers crossed that the day would be a memorable one for all the right reasons. Nice easy walking through the woods and then into the open sticking to the North side of the Allt na Dunaiche for the first mile or so. We then managed to cross several expanses of running water without any problems despite the previous days constant rainfall and a warning from Paddy about possible problems.
DSCF1706 by
Martin Beswick, on Flickr
We then started to gain height, gently at first and then it became a little steeper and we eventually entered the Coire Uaigneich. Despite the dark clouds overhead it managed to stay clear and the views were starting to open up.
DSCF1740 by
Martin Beswick, on Flickr
We walked/clambered up the South Eastern ridge and reached the top of Bla Bheinn to what would be short lived 'awesome' views.
DSCF1757 by
Martin Beswick, on Flickr
Simon and Martin both pointed out the white clouds over the Cuillins ridge and before Paddy had taken a third bite out of his sandwich it was snowing.
We all layered up and quickly made our way down via the same route as our ascent.
DSCF1745 by
Martin Beswick, on Flickr
Martin was pleased that he had took so many photos on the way up as conditions had deteriorated and the camera was put away.
It continued to rain as we got lower down but spirits were high as the banter flowed.
We met another walker for the first time today and as his dog was wagging its tail I guess he was having a good time as well.
The route back was as per the ascent and we made it in good time. We met up with Karen later and she said she'd enjoyed her visit to the candle shop.
