Blà Bheinn from Loch Slapin

From Broadford, follow signs for Elgol, turning off the A87 just east of the River Broadford bridge. The single-track road winds south through Torrin and around the head of Loch Slapin. Keep an eye out for signs of past industry, including an old quartzite quarry and traces of a railway line.

Shortly after crossing the Allt na Dunaiche, you'll find a large rough-surfaced car park with toilets and a John Muir Trust information board.

From the car park, walk back to the roadside path and cross the Allt na Dunaiche onto its northern bank. A well-constructed path leads through a couple of gates, gently climbing past scenic waterfalls.

After about 1.5km, the path crosses the burn via stepping stones . If the water is in spate, these may be impassable - in that case, follow the north side of the burn and cross just above the junction with a tributary descending from Coire Uaigneich.

A faint path branching northwest here marks the start of the Clach Glas Traverse. Otherwise, continue uphill on the main path, now less defined but still visible, climbing through scree into the heart of Coire Uaigneich.

At around 430m elevation, just after passing two gullies above on your right, watch for a worn path branching right (west) and heading uphill - sometimes marked by a small cairn. This path zigzags steeply up grassy slopes, which can be wet and slippery after rain.

Higher up , grass gives way to rock and scree. The path may split and rejoin, and you'll likely encounter a loose, gravelly slope that feels like two steps up, one back. Alternatively, a fainter path to the right climbs ledges and follows a rocky funnel with a bit of easy scrambling.

As you ascend, occasional cairns help with navigation, and the imposing "Great Prow" of Blà Bheinn looms into view around the 700m mark. Just beyond, a short col offers dramatic views down into Coire Dubh.

The route then swings left and climbs directly up the final rocky slope, with one last section of easy scrambling before the angle eases and the path leads the final 50m or so to the trig point and summit cairn of Blà Bheinn .

After taking in the stunning views from Blà Bheinn's summit, the simplest return is by retracing steps.

In misty conditions, it's very easy to miss key junctions, so it's wise to note cairns and turn-offs on your way up for easier navigation on the descent.

A rewarding extension is to the mountain's south-western top. From Blà Bheinn's summit, follow a worn path south-west through boulders and grass.

The ridge narrows to a short arète, leading to a col between the two summits. A short but moderately difficult scramble (Grade 2) follows - there's a direct line, but it's tricky and exposed. Easier alternatives skirt slightly left (south-east), though still not ideal in wet or windy conditions.

A cairn marks the highest point on the south top, and descent is made via its south-east flank, where a faint path weaves downward with occasional easy down-scrambling.

Eventually, the ground levels out at a bealach around 590m. Turn northeast here, re-entering Coire Uaigneich for a glorious scree run back down to rejoin the main path.

South-east gully above Fionna-choire: On a misty outing, one might miss the main turn-off and end up ascending the gully to the col between the two summits. While this is a viable alternative ascent route (though possibly not good in descent), it lacks the scenic quality of the main hill-path.

Clach Glas Traverse: This famous Grade 3 scramble approaches Blà Bheinn from the north via Sgùrr nan Each, crossing dramatic Clach Glas. It's a serious route involving technical climbing and exposed scrambling, only suitable for experienced climbers. For more on this, consult the excellent guidebooks by Adrian Trendall's and the SMC (see below).