The Hill behind us we did not climb...

[johnkaysleftleg]

….at least until today that is. As with Johnson and Boswell back in 1773 previously the weather was rough and the height and steepness discouraged us. Today however the weather is once again glorious and the familiar shape (having stayed in Broadford area several times) is finally to come under our boots.

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Things got off to a poor start when my inability to follow directions meant that we set off from the parking area and not the road end. This meant that we had to follow the Allt a’ Chorie’s Northern banks before being relieved to pick up a fairly clear path the lead us over several streams to the foot of the ridge. At this point it became very clear that the decision to leave Hughie behind to keep Grandma company was the right one. We’d have had very little chance of getting the little fellow up this beast of a hill.

Beinn Na Cailliach from the start of the walk

It was slow going but strangely enjoyable clambering over the endless boulders. The large black rocky outcrop helps by giving you a target to aim at for the first half of the ridge but for a time after that you’re lost in a sea of large boulders, most of which are fairly stable (I did have a very scary moment when a large boulder I grabbed to haul myself up started to move towards me). After what seamed like an age the edge of the Corrie comes into view with the gassy dome of the summit beyond.

Steep!

Looking back down

Views opening up

I’m not sure we’ve ever been so relieved to reach a summit cairn as we were when we approached this monstrous construction. Allegedly the burial chamber of a Norse Princess and also containing a pot of gold, it’s no wonder nobody has attempted to check the facts. Lunch was enjoyed with the superlative views in all directions (does any hill on Skye not have a great view on a clear day?) making all the effort worthwhile.

Bla Bheinn with the Cuillin behind

The huge cairn

Looking towards Broadford Bay

Among the summit boulders

To say the style of the walk changed at this point is an understatement. A really easy walk along the increasingly defined ridge leads you to the top of Beinn Dearg Mhor. The walking between the two Grahams is almost Lakeland in character and a relief following the rigors of the ascent.

Beinn Dearg Mhor

Looking back along the ridge

On Beinn Dearg Mor summit

Bla Bheinn

Another wonderful viewpoint with an even better view of Bla Bhienn was enjoyed with a sense of the condemned as we were aware of what was to come. A small cairn marks the way off the hill towards the steep scree slope.

The descent can be best described as bloody rotten or absolutely sh**e depending on your mood but at least it’s not particularly scary. The terrain is a mix of scree, large loose rocks, what is best described as sand and (just to throw you) the odd bit of solid rock sticking through.

The scree descent

The Bealach was greeted with a happy grass dance before the previous pleasant terrain is resumed for the traverse of Beinn Dearg Bheag. Another fine view point (great views out to sea) is passed before descending back to the rough moor (very glad it’s been so dry) and the car.

Another Bla Bheinn shot? Go on then!

Beinn Dearg Bheg summit

Corrie Gorm Panorama

In the end this walk turned out to be a bit of an epic. We certainly crossed the roughest terrain we’ve ever encountered and I’ll hold my hand up and admit I underestimated it a bit. Don’t let it put you off however it has much to recommend it if you get as good a day as we did.

[mrssanta]

Superb pictures there and a grand day for it

[ChrisW]

Great stuff JK, that is a bit of an epic at the start, it seems to go up, up and up some more it didn't stop you getting the most beautiful photos of the day though. Great to see the big smiles around the summit cairn, not sure I like the sound of the descent either

[Johnny Corbett]

Great stuff once again, what a time to be on Skye

[gaffr]

The view from Beinn Dearg Mhor, with all the cuillin spread out before you, is surely one of the finest in Scotland. It was previous reports on this site that got me to make a visit a few days prior to your visit.....wish I'd had a finer lens on my camera!

[SusieThePensioner]

Another great report John, and another wonderful day for you You certainly struck it lucky this time with your week
Superb photos, as always, and love the Bla Bheinn ones

[L-Hiking]

What another glorious day you had, and wonderful views of Blaven....You saw more of it than I did and i climbed it

Cheers JK

[johnkaysleftleg]

Superb pictures there and a grand day for it

Thanks for the kind words

Great stuff JK, that is a bit of an epic at the start, it seems to go up, up and up some more it didn't stop you getting the most beautiful photos of the day though. Great to see the big smiles around the summit cairn, not sure I like the sound of the descent either

To be honest I'd have been down that scree in about 10 minutes if I was by myself just to get it over with. Had to do the Fatherly duties and keep Grace concentrating however which took a while.

Great stuff once again, what a time to be on Skye

Best week we've ever had on the not so Misty Isle.

The view from Beinn Dearg Mhor, with all the cuillin spread out before you, is surely one of the finest in Scotland. It was previous reports on this site that got me to make a visit a few days prior to your visit.....wish I'd had a finer lens on my camera!

I would have to whole heartedly agree. Pity some high level cloud had come in by then so I could not quite do it the photographic justice it deserves.

Another great report John, and another wonderful day for you You certainly struck it lucky this time with your week
Superb photos, as always, and love the Bla Bheinn ones

Thanks Susie, did you get a good week in the Trossachs then?
Oh and the best Bla Bheinn pic is yet to come.

What another glorious day you had, and wonderful views of Blaven....You saw more of it than I did and i climbed it

Cheers JK

It's not all bad, gives you an excuse to climb it again.

[jonny616]

Love the pictures of Blaven. if your still there take another one