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Blà Bheinn Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
5h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
8.5km
out and back
Elevation gain
940m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
928 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
No
Popularity
Moderate
Region
Isle of Skye
Start point
57.22011, -6.04277
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The ascent of Blà Bheinn (also known as Blaven) leads to the summit of the only Munro on the Isle of Skye that is not located in the Black Cuillin range. Its isolated location allows for a unique and spectacular view of these iconic peaks.

At 928 meters high, this mountain is considered by many hikers to be one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Scotland. It offers a breathtaking 360° panorama of the sea, mountains, and surrounding islands.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Blà Bheinn Hike

Description and difficulties of the hike

This route is physically demanding, with 940 meters of elevation gain spread over an 8.5-kilometer round-trip journey. The first two to three kilometers follow an excellent trail, recently renovated by the John Muir Trust and running alongside the Allt na Dunaiche torrent through the moorland.

Beyond the Fionna-Choire cirque, the nature of the hike changes radically. The unmarked trail becomes very steep and rocky with unstable scree slopes. The final ascent takes you through a slippery and tiring couloir, followed by a few short sections where you will need to use your hands.

Navigation can be complex in the upper sections, where several tracks intersect. Some secondary paths are rugged and steep in places. Using a GPS is highly recommended to follow the optimal route and avoid the technical sections of these paths.

What you'll love

  • The spectacular 360° panorama from the summit: Breathtaking views of the entire Cuillin Range, Loch Slapin, the sea, and its many islands, as well as the mainland in the distance.
  • A true high-mountain atmosphere with rocky, wild landscapes while avoiding the technical difficulties of most Cuillin Range peaks.

Practical information

Parking

Free parking is available along the B8083 road between Broadford and Elgol on the west shore of Loch Slapin (donation box provided). The John Muir Trust has expanded the car park and added dry toilets.

Blà Bheinn from the start
Blà Bheinn from the start
Blà Bheinn and the Allt na Dunaiche stream
Blà Bheinn and the Allt na Dunaiche stream
Steep path approaching the summit
Steep path approaching the summit
Loch An Athain
Loch An Athain
Magnificent view from the summit of Blà Bheinn
Magnificent view from the summit of Blà Bheinn
View north from the summit of Blà Bheinn
View north from the summit of Blà Bheinn
Panorama from the summit of Blà Bheinn
Panorama from the summit of Blà Bheinn
Panorama from the summit of Blà Bheinn
Panorama from the summit of Blà Bheinn
Blà Bheinn
Blà Bheinn
Beinn na Cro and the Red Hills
Beinn na Cro and the Red Hills
Panorama to the east
Panorama to the east
View east from the summit
View east from the summit
Summit of Blà Bheinn
Summit of Blà Bheinn
Cuillin Hills
Cuillin Hills
View north from the summit
View north from the summit
Beinn na Cro and the Red Hills on the way down
Beinn na Cro and the Red Hills on the way down
Hamlet of Torrin
Hamlet of Torrin
Blà Bheinn and the Allt na Dunaiche stream
Blà Bheinn and the Allt na Dunaiche stream
The magnificent colors of the Allt na Dunaiche stream
The magnificent colors of the Allt na Dunaiche stream

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/bla-bheinn/