Bla Bheinn

[JonetCol]

We set off after 2pm. As it was raining hard and had and had done so for over 15 hour, Steve and I had driven round Skye hoping for a break but none came. He wanted to quit and try the Lakes but reluctantly agreed to set off and review hourly. Through the long approach, along a steep narrow gorge with grand swollen waterfalls, the rain eased slightly. At the entrance to the coire, the river crossings were impossible due to the spate and we had to detour N to 'long jump' across, then return to where Steve had clocked the opening. We headed up the coire. The going would be rough (a rocky, boggy, eroded pitted path) at the best of times, but was much worse due to the heavy rain.. In the poor visibility Steve wandered way too far S towards the lochan (and took some binging back on track). Back on course we headed up steep rocky ground to ascend a dangerously (especially after incessant rain) steep scree gully. It was exhausting but not long after it's end we reached a large cleft in the rock where the cloud suddenly lifted to reveal a fantastic view of 'the prow' swathed in mist. We continued the ascent with the cloud breaking occasionally behind us to reveal the lochan and the sea beyond. As we reached the summit trig pillar there were intermittent flashes of clear sky which exposed superb views across to the (no other word for it) magnificent Coulin Ridge. Great feeling!!!

After a snack, during which we were joined by a huge crow which came to within 3 feet of us to pick up scraps of bread) we returned by the same route. The rain eased but the descent of the scree gully was still awkward and potentially dangerous; we slipped frequently but avoided injury. At the coire entrance the streams were slightly less torrential, making re-crossing a little easier and allowing us to return safely down the gorge to the SP. By this time it was 10pm, but the light was still very good.