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Blaven (Bla Bheinn) and Clach Ghlas
Blaven is reckoned to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Scotland. It is uniquely and distinctive shaped and the views from both summits are fabulous in all directions.
Main route summary
From a hillwalkers perspective it is actually relatively straightforward to ascend Blaven, with only the ridge between the two summits providing any real difficulty.
The ridge up via Clach Glas however requires competent scrambling skills, a good head for heights and possibly ropework.
Although the routes described on this page are fairly straightforward, heading up via Clach Glas or other routes will require scrambling or possibly rock climbing and should not be underestimated.
The OS Landranger doesn't really show sufficient detail, therefore use of a 1:25000 map is advised - I would recommend the Harvey's map of the Skye Cuillin. Alternatively,
hire us to guide you !
| Munros |
Blaven (928m, Munro 255)
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| Ascent |
930m (3,050ft)
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| Distance |
6.5km (4m)
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| Time |
walk : 3:10*, running : 1:20hr
*Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent
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| Start/finish |
Head of Loch Slapin
(grid ref : NG561218)
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Route detail & map »
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.
Photos of route »
Blaven from Sgurr nan Gillean's 'tourist route'
Blaven from Torrin on Loch Slapin
The main path in from Loch Slapin
From Coire Uaigneich looking to the Red Cuillin
The point in Coire Uaigneich, where the path is left to head uphill
There are some easy sections of scrambling on the way up
Blaven's summit trig point
Looking east to Knoydart
Looking over Clach Glas to the Red Cuillin
Cooling off in the Allt na Dunaiche
Blaven from the main path
Blaven's south ridge from Elgol
More photos are on Flickr !
Alternative routes »
Blaven's south top
A short but narrow ridge connects Blaven's two summits, crossing over which is classed as a grade 2 rock-scramble.
Blaven from the south
A popular alternative from the main route is to head in from Camasunary up the south ridge.
Other hill routes nearby »
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Garbh-bheinn and Belig
Tussocky ground leads to grassy ground higher up and rocky ridges with a wall to follow and superb views.
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The Red Cuillin - Glamaig, Beinn Dearg Mhor and Marsco
Lots of scree and superb views. When the weather sulks on the Black Cuillin, the Red Cuillin often stays cloud-free !
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Beinn na Caillich circuit
Excellent views combine with fine ridge and scree running to give a superb afternoon out. (Coming soon)
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Skye's Black Cuillin Ridge - South
Sustained scrambling requiring a good head for heights and some ropework to gain Sgurr Alasdair, the Innaccessible Pinnacle and other fabulous peaks. Finished off with a fine walk by waterfalls
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Skye's Black Cuillin Ridge - North
Sgurr nan Gillean is the finest peak on Skye, Bruache na Frithe is the easiest, Am Bhasteir lies between them. Scrambling skills required.
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Accommodation & food »
Forecasts & other useful info »
Guided days on these mountains »
The date of our next guided event up Blaven
is to be confirmed.
More information on the event will be posted
on this page.
If you would like a bespoke day or more hiking over these peaks, we would be delighted to organise something for you and your group.
Check out our
Bespoke Guiding page for more information.
