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peaks

ascent
distance
time

start/finish

maps
Blaven (928m, Munro 252)

930m (3,050ft)
6.5km (4m)
running : 1:20hr, walking : 4hr

Head of Loch Slapin (NG561218)

OS landranger 32
Harvey Skye Cuillin 1:25000 and others

main route summary
Blaven is reckoned to be one of the most beautiful hills in Scotland. It is uniquely and distinctive shaped and the views from both summits are fabulous in all directions. From a hillwalkers perspective it is actually relatively straightforward to ascend, with only the ridge between the two summits providing any real difficulty.


main route outline

Getting there
On Skye, when heading west through Broadford, a sign points the way south to Elgol. Follow this single-track road for 12km, through Torrin and just around the head of Loch Slapin. Just after the bridge over the Allt na Dunaiche, there is a large rough car-park.

Blaven via the main tourist route
Start by the north side of the Allt na Dunaiche and head up the well constructed path. Through some gates, the path continues close past some waterfalls. After 1.5km, the path crosses the Allt na Dunaiche via stepping stones and continues for another 300m to cross another tributary. An unconstructed but well worn path continues up scree into Coire Uaigneich. Pass two gullies to a grassy area, then look for an obvious worn path heading right (north-west) uphill. Zig-zagging steeply through the grass at first, the going underfoot may well be wet and slippy. The grass gives way to rock and scree higher up and the dark "Great Prow" comes into view. A short col is reached with dramatic, vertigo inducing views down into Coire Dubh. The path swings left, then heads right directly uphill. One easy bit of scrambling is required further up, otherwise it's just a simple walk to the trig point and cairn on the summit. The uninterupted views to the main Cuillin are outstanding.

Return
Return by the same route.
Although the routes described here are fairly straightforward, heading up any other route will require scrambling or rock climbing and should not be underestimated. The OS Landranger does not show sufficient detail therefore the Harvey's map at 1:25000 of the Skye Cuillin is well recommended. Also recommended are the SMC's pocket guide "Skye Scrambles", and "Scrambles in Skye" by J Wilson Parker (Cicerone Press).
Zoomable OS 1:50000 and 1:25000 maps are here

routes nearby
West
North-west
North

alternatives

From the south
There are various routes up Blaven, including scrambling and rock climbing via Clach Glas and the north face. However, one of the most popular alternatives is to head in from Camasunary up the south ridge. The grassy ground on lower ground gives way to rocky ground higher up with occasional fine scrambling opportunities.

Ascent : 1175m, distance : 12km


South top
Aim up to the main summit as described on the left. Head south-west and pick up a worn path through stone and grass. The crest narrows to a short ridge, which requires crossing. Beyond this, a brief, moderately tricky scramble is required to continue, which is not pleasant when wet. Keep directly on the obvious route and climb up to easier ground to reach the cairn on the south top.

Descend by the south-east flank, on which there is a path for most of the way, though some easy scrambling is occasionally needed. Reach the bealach at c590m, then turn north-east into Coire Uaigneich and down a scree run onto grass to rejoin the main path back to Loch Slapin.

Ascent 950m, distance : 7.5km
blaven