The Blue Mountain in blue sky

[Grisu]

After our great walk over the CMD to Ben Nevis we had a lovely day out on the bikes from Ballaculish to Fort Williams and further up to Glenfinnan, then back over the peninsula Ardnamurchan and now we were thinking about the next day. The weatherforecast was still terrific so I thought: Why not Skye? Not the Cuillins, but may be that single Munro, what's the name?

We were calculating time and distance. It looked a bit tight considering the short daytime. If we had no traffic jam we should be fine. How long would the walk be, how much time would we need? What does the SMC and WH say? My friend didn't seem to be really convinced. This was always unsettling me but I didn't want to follow his doubts and somehow I felt responsible for this walk now, so I did my homework. And the next morning we went to Fort William for some shopping and finally hit the road on this lovely morning. No trouble with the traffic and terrific views on our drive - what a difference to our Skye-Trip in Summer!

Lovely drive on a beautiful morning

First sight of the Cuillins

There it is! What a beauty!

Only one place was left when we arrived at the car park, good enough. We had some food and finally set off exactly at 12 pm. 6 hours until dawn, that should do. Despite the full parking we met only few walkers but saw some cliffhangers

I remember I enjoyed the walk over the moor and the climb up Coire Uaigneich very much.

A steady walk along this very good path until the crossing of the river

View back over Loch Slapin to Torrin and the Kylerhea Hills in the background (?)

more views from further up

Loch Fionna-Choire

The scree was a bit tricky and took some time because it was very very loose. Two, three little steps forward and a slide back, we managed eventually.

Then I remember the big boulders and the terrific scenery through the cliffs.

Happy David

A final scramble and we had the summit all on our own.

Contemplation time!

We took our time and enjoyed the views. When we finally started the descend we both didn't feel the need to rush. Short before 6 pm we were back at the car.

What remains for me of the walk are the wonderful views on this sunny summer day in Octobre and that you have said in earnest that you never would have been able to plan such a trip. I was wondering and took it as a compliment. Finally you said you would give this walk an eight or even a nine if it hadn't been for the long drive back in the dark. I tried to cheer you up and entertain you but without success.
And you were right, it took me quite some time to score them all, I still don't know the rules - howsoever, I have managed, eventually. As for me it was a perfect day out so I give it a 10.
And despite some painful memories it was a pleasure to go over all walks again and to remember the confusion, the trouble and the fun we had - Now I say good-bye and wish you all the best!

Quoth the raven: Nevermore

P.S: I quite like Ravens, their beauty, pride and intelligence, but this one obviously was not a good Omen neither. But who knows? A new chapter will be opened.

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Stunning scenery!

I am off to Skye for a week next May, and I must admit I was thinking of Bla Bheinn for one of the worse weather days, as it is safer than most of the Black Cuillin.

However seeing these photos, I realise I will definitely have to climb it on a good day. Those views are too good to miss.

Tim

[Sgurr]

Agree that Blaven is for a good day. You certainly made the best of this particular good day Grisu. I found myself crawling up part of the scree when we did it. It is worth remembering that a really experienced Skye guide broke his leg at the summit of Blaven by stepping back when gesturing to a group of walkers. Hope the raven will be a better omen than you think.

[past my sell by date]

Great report and photos of a great hill. i've done it twice - once by the Clach Glas traverse and once up the S ridge from near Camasunary. I guess I must have come down to the car park both times - but there wasn't the nice path in those days.

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Agree that Blaven is for a good day. You certainly made the best of this particular good day Grisu. I found myself crawling up part of the scree when we did it. It is worth remembering that a really experienced Skye guide broke his leg at the summit of Blaven by stepping back when gesturing to a group of walkers. Hope the raven will be a better omen than you think.

The raven is a good omen I think.

Note of bathos, actually mine might be a crow

[Grisu]

Stunning scenery!

I am off to Skye for a week next May, and I must admit I was thinking of Bla Bheinn for one of the worse weather days, as it is safer than most of the Black Cuillin.

However seeing these photos, I realise I will definitely have to climb it on a good day. Those views are too good to miss.

Tim

Yes, Tim it's really worth to do this mountain on a good day! I wish you good luck for may and looking forward for your report

Agree that Blaven is for a good day. You certainly made the best of this particular good day Grisu. I found myself crawling up part of the scree when we did it. It is worth remembering that a really experienced Skye guide broke his leg at the summit of Blaven by stepping back when gesturing to a group of walkers. Hope the raven will be a better omen than you think.

We had been so lucky the whole week, really exceptionell weather the whole time. I think the Raven will be fine, thanks for caring

Great report and photos of a great hill. i've done it twice - once by the Clach Glas traverse and once up the S ridge from near Camasunary. I guess I must have come down to the car park both times - but there wasn't the nice path in those days.

We were thinking about the ridge for the walk back, must be great with the view to the sea while descending, but it would have taken us too much time, I guess. Thanks!

[Verylatestarter]

I always regard ravens as good omens, they seem to occupy the summits of the best hills. Hughley intelligent birds with character, they look you in the eye and demand food as tribute.

John