Vlog :



The day had been spent enjoying the sun on Armadale beach, shell hunting and paddling with the family. A few days before I had enjoyed a grand morning adventure on The Cuillin Ridge and this evening I was given a green light to go and have another bit of fun in The Black Cuillin.

Having an evening to play with, I chose a shorter route and headed round to Loch Slapin to head up Bla Bheinn. To my dismay , the sunshine that we had baked on in Armadale for most of the day had disappeared and as I rounded the corner at Torrin,Bla Bheinn and the surrounding hills were all clagged in – ah well, not to worry, I ‘d still get some exercise , if not any views!

Being only a few weeks after the summer solstice, I had lots of day light ahead of me and I started as slowly as I could, heading up the hill. The reason for my snails pace was the slim hope that the longer I took, the higher the chances the cloud may dissipate from the summits!! Meeting lots of people on their way off the mountain, it didn’t look or sound promising! Wet hair and cloths suggested a thick mist was hanging around the Blue mountain.

I eventually reached the corrie and the cloud was spilling over the bealach to my west and filling the bowl, it was really atmospheric, but not what I was after!! I took a right turn and started to head slowly up Bla Bheinns SE ridge , taking frequent breaks and hugging the top of the cliffs.

Then it started to happen… at about 800m metres I turned around and started to notice the Red Cuillin behind me were now clear of cloud. To add to my excitement, I was now above the clouds that were floating in from the sea and up Loch Slapin, excitement rose and my pace quickened! It just got better and better!

Slapin by Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr



As I approached the summit my shadow was cast behind me and my Brocken Spectre followed me to the summit with a crown of Glories! Amazing! Then the crowning glory as I stepped up onto the summit – the whole of the black and Red Cuillin at my feet! The cloud had dropped as had the wind and I spent a good hour in solitude on the fine mountains. An evening I wouldn’t forget in a hurry… Hope you enjoy the video 

some photos

Blaven and Cuillin Ridge by Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr

Clach Glas by Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr

The Black Cuillin by Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr

Bla Bheinn mist by Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr