Blabheinn [Bla Bheinn]

Blà Bheinn (Blaven)

Blà Bheinn, also known as Blaven, is a 928.8 m Munro above Loch Slapin on Skye, separate from the main Cuillin ridge. The standard return from Loch Slapin climbs rough scree and rocky ground with a short scramble. Its main summit is distinct from the 926.6 m South Top; the Clach Glas traverse is a technical climbing route.

Summit identity

The surveyed high point is a boulder by a cairn, 5 m west of the trig point, at NG 52995 21731 and 928.8 m. The separate South Top is 926.6 m at NG 52861 21520.

Standard route from Loch Slapin

Start and finish at the signed Blà Bheinn car park off the B8083 beside Loch Slapin (Walkhighlands start grid NG560215). Cross the road bridge and follow the path beside Allt na Dunaiche. Cross the main burn and its tributary, climb Coire Uaigneich, then turn right at the grassy Fionna-choire bowl. Ascend the loose scree gully to the east spur and negotiate the short rocky scramble to the main summit. Retrace this route, including both burn crossings and the road bridge, to the same car park. Walkhighlands gives 8 km, 990 m ascent and 5–6 hours for the complete return. The South Top and Clach Glas traverse are excluded.

Other ridges

The South Top is a separate summit linked by scrambling terrain. The long south ridge leads towards Camasunary and does not return directly to the Loch Slapin car park. The Clach Glas traverse is graded Difficult as a rock climb, with exposed down-climbing and intricate route-finding. It is not included in the standard return walk.

Access and facilities

Use the signed John Muir Trust Blà Bheinn car park off the B8083 beside Loch Slapin. Walkhighlands gives start grid NG560215; the approach path begins across the road bridge over Allt na Dunaiche. Follow current signs and keep gates and road access clear. Toilets are provided at the Blà Bheinn car park. The John Muir Trust reported replacing the old composting system and completing wider car-park improvements in 2025. Bring food, drinking water and mountain equipment for the walk.

Stagecoach service 55 links Broadford, Torrin and Elgol. Check the operator’s timetable for your exact date, the appropriate drop-off and pickup point, and the return after a 5–6-hour mountain day. School-period and operating-day restrictions apply; do not assume every journey or a return bus runs.

Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and local guidance on this working crofting estate. Use the maintained paths to reduce erosion.

Safety

• Loose scree and dislodged stones can threaten walkers below; space out on the steep gully and avoid kicking rocks down.
• The upper east spur is rocky and close to major cliffs. The summit approach includes a short scramble; wet or icy rock increases the difficulty.
• Two burn crossings can become unsafe after heavy rain. Turn back rather than attempting a dangerous crossing.
• The paths split in the corrie and can be indistinct. In cloud, identify the correct east-spur descent and retrace the approach rather than following an unplanned gully.
• Reaching the South Top involves additional scrambling. Descending the long south ridge leaves you far from the Loch Slapin start.
• The Clach Glas–Blà Bheinn traverse is a sustained exposed rock-climbing route graded Difficult, requiring appropriate climbing and ropework skills.

Rain makes rocky steps slippery and swells the burn crossings. Snow and ice make the steep corrie and summit scramble a winter-mountaineering undertaking. Strong wind and low cloud complicate movement and navigation near the eastern cliffs; allow daylight for the full descent. Carry a map and compass and know how to identify the return route when visibility falls.

Geology

Blà Bheinn is largely built of dark gabbro, including plagioclase-rich varieties historically called eucrite. Younger pale Blaven granite meets the older rocks on the lower north-west side. Dykes and inclined sheets cut the east face; their differing resistance to erosion helps shape its gullies and ledges. Metamorphosed sedimentary rocks also occur around Coire Uaigneich.

Views and nearby features

In clear weather the summit overlooks the main Cuillin ridge, Glen Sligachan, the Red Cuillin, Loch Slapin and the surrounding islands and sea. Loch Slapin, the Allt na Dunaiche gorge, Coire Uaigneich and the Great Prow on the eastern cliffs. The Great Prow is climbing terrain, not a walking shortcut.

Name and conservation history

Walkhighlands translates Blà Bheinn as “Blue Mountain”; Blaven is an anglicised form of the name. Blà Bheinn lies on Strathaird, acquired by the John Muir Trust in 1994. The surrounding estates remain a working crofting landscape with archaeological remains and ongoing habitat and path conservation.