Bla Bheinn

This was the day it really all began. It had been the previous year that I had returned to hill-climbing after a sixteen year gap, with the solo ascent of Quinag while on holiday in Culkein. This had been so successful and enjoyable that I was determined to climb Bla Bheinn during our two week holiday in Staffin in 1996. Why Bla Bheinn? Because, long before, I had fallen in love with this lump of gabbro from seeing its picture on Scottish Field calendars. Then of course, there was Loch Coruisk, another legendary destination which I had first discovered on the sleeve of Runrig's "Recovery" album. Would it be possible to take both in in one day, and round them off with a walk down Glen Sligachan? My exploits on Quinag had convinced me that I was fit enough for anything, and I got a route planned out. All I needed was a sunny day, which of course isn't every day on Skye. However, as they always do, one came along in time.

We picked up another Bla Bheinn bound walker, David something, at Broadford and gave him a lift. The two of us did the climb more or less together, but independently so to speak, pooling our ignorance about the best way up. As far as I know we did follow the best route, though it was steep and hard going most of the way. However, it was a beautiful day, with a wonderful view of the main Cuillin Ridge from the summit.

The south ridge of Bla Bheinn with Eigg, Muck and Rhum in the distance

David was rather amazed when I described the rest of my intended route, and doubts began to creep into my mind. However, bathing my feet in the pool at the foot of the south ridge, and crossing the green grass and the river at Camasunary I felt very happy. It was when I reached Loch Coruisk, having braved the rather unexpected "Bad Step" and feeling distinctly exhausted, and began to climb over Druim Hain, that I realized I might have been over-ambitious... Well I got to the top and, perhaps somewhat manically, ran down the far side into Glen Sligachan.

The walk back to Sligachan turned out to be far less exhausting and wet underfoot than indicated by the guidebook I'd bought - in fact it was totally dry, though admittedly I was exhausted to start with so I couldn't really judge how exhausting it was! Anyway, it was a great joy to see the Sligachan Hotel getting gradually nearer, and an even greater joy to meet Carrie and Ailsa there and tuck in to a bar meal of fish and chips. And in the car on the way back to Staffin I made my decision - I was going to investigate the possibility of climbing all the Munros...