Blà Bheinn from Loch Slapin

Near the start of the route into Coire Uaigneich

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.

Allt na Dunaiche below Clach Glas and Blà Bheinn

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.

At the top of Coire Uaigneich with the peaks of Beinn na Cro and Beinn Dearg Mhòr behind

At the top of Coire Uaigneich with the peaks of Beinn na Cro and Beinn Dearg Mhòr behind

View by the 'Great Prow' over to Glamaig

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.

On Blà Bheinn's summit with view to the Black Cuillin

On Blà Bheinn's summit with view to the Black Cuillin

Beginning the return descent down 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.

Blà Bheinn's south top viewed from the Munro summit

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.

Climbers on Clach Ghlas as seen from Blaven

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).