Blà Bheinn Mountain
Prominent Cuillin peak on Skye with sweeping views
A rugged Munro on the Isle of Skye, Blà Bheinn challenges hikers with steep ridges and scrambling sections; climbers come for exposed routes and views across the Sound of Sleat and the Cuillin.
Blà Bheinn at a Glance#
Address: Blà Bheinn (Bla Bhein), Isle of Skye, IV47 area, Scotland
Website: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/blabheinn.shtml
Hours: Open access (no set hours)
Admission: Free
About Blà Bheinn#
Blà Bheinn, also known as Blaven, is a mountain on the Isle of Skye in Scotland and is listed as a Munro. It reaches a summit height of around 928 meters and is noted for its steep, rocky ridges and dramatic profile.
Routes to the summit include steep walking and sections of scrambling; the mountain is popular with experienced hillwalkers seeking rugged terrain and coastal panoramas. The summit gives clear views of the nearby Cuillin ridge and surrounding sea lochs on good days.
The mountain takes its Gaelic name from its appearance and has long been part of local hillwalking traditions; it is typically climbed from paths that begin in glens or from nearby coastal access points.
Blà Bheinn lies on the southern part of the Isle of Skye above Loch Slapin and is accessible from local roads and footpaths serving the island’s southern peninsulas.
- Height and status: Summit height 928 meters (about 3,045 feet) and classified as a Munro, attracting walkers and scramblers seeking rocky ridge routes and coastal views.
- Name and views: The name means ‘blue mountain’ in Gaelic and the summit provides panoramic views over the Cuillin range and surrounding sea lochs.
How to Get to Blà Bheinn#
Most approaches start at Torrin on the A855/A851 road network of southern Skye. From Broadford or Portree drive south to Torrin; parking is at the roadside near the village (use designated laybys where present). The trailhead is a short walk from Torrin; routes are rough and navigation skills are recommended. Public transport to Torrin is limited-best reached by car or taxi from Broadford.
Tips for Visiting Blà Bheinn#
- Approach from Torrin for the most direct route; the scree fields on the north face demand sturdy boots and caution.
- Start before sunrise in summer for cooler rock and to avoid mid-day cloud banks that obscure the Cuillin peaks.
- Don't underestimate navigation: path markers can be sparse on the summit ridge and the rock is sharp.
Best Time to Visit Blà Bheinn#
Summer is the least obstructed by weather; spring and autumn offer quieter conditions but more volatile skies.
Weather & Climate near Blà Bheinn#
Blà Bheinn's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (2731 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 5° | -4° | 313 mm | overcast | 87% | 12.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 4° | -5° | 209 mm | overcast | 87% | 12.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 5° | -4° | 259 mm | overcast | 86% | 11.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 151 mm | overcast | 85% | 9.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.1h |
| May | Poor | 4° - 10° | 3° | 127 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.4h |
| June | Poor | 7° - 12° | 6° | 140 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.6h |
| July | Poor | 9° - 14° | 11° | 157 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.0h |
| August | Poor | 9° - 14° | 11° | 182 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.0h |
| September | Poor | 7° - 12° | 5° | 268 mm | overcast | 87% | 9.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 9° | 1° | 301 mm | overcast | 86% | 10.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 315 mm | overcast | 86% | 11.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.8h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 5° | -4° | 309 mm | overcast | 87% | 11.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
