Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows a 10.5 km out-and-back from roadside parking by Loch Slapin to Blà Bheinn, gaining 915 m. Follow the recorded line west across the lower ground and into the Allt na Dunaiche and Coire Uaigneich approach. Higher up, the route turns sharply right in Fionna-choire, climbs rough zigzags and a loose scree gully, then reaches the east-cliff rim. The final narrowing gully contains a short easy scramble before the 928 m summit. Return by exactly the same route. Although less technical than the main Cuillin ridge, this is a strenuous mountain day with loose stone, very rough terrain and route-finding consequences in cloud; it is not the more serious Clach Glas traverse.
Coire Uaigneich is enclosed by complex rocky ground, and the easiest walking line is not always the most obvious one from below. Loose material in the upper gully can be knocked onto people underneath, so keep the party together and avoid crowding. The south top and Clach Glas lie beyond more serious terrain and are not part of this GPX. Reverse the same gully and coire, allowing extra time for the steep scree descent.
Blà Bheinn stands apart from the main Cuillin ridge, but its loose upper corrie is still a serious mountain route.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start at the GPX point beside Loch Slapin, grid NG 565 223. Parking is limited: leave gates and passing places clear, then follow the recorded line west towards Blà Bheinn.
At about 75 m elevation the line is climbing steadily towards Coire Uaigneich. Expect wet moorland and burns; check water levels early because the same crossings are required on return.
Around 200 m, continue on the roughening path into the corrie. In the grassy bowl of Fionna-choire the correct route turns sharply right; if you reach a huge boulder, you have missed the turning.
Near 600 m, climb the zigzags and loose scree gully. Higher up, leave the gully to the left for improved ground, then continue towards the east-cliff rim and the final narrowing gully.
After a short easy scramble at the top of the final gully, reach the 928 m summit. This is the GPX turnaround point; do not continue towards the south top or Clach Glas.
Reverse the short rocky step and loose gully carefully. Keep the group close enough to communicate but out of one another's fall line.
Regain easier ground in the coire and follow the outward line towards Loch Slapin. Do not drift onto the Clach Glas traverse.
Retrace the ascent line, taking particular care on loose scree and down-climbing the short rocky step. Reassess every burn crossing if rain has fallen.
Essential Tips
The GPX-based estimate is 3h 37m, but Walkhighlands allows 5–6 hours for its shorter standard line. Add generous time for loose ground, navigation, scrambling and stops.
The upper route has scree, a loose gully and a short easy scramble. Keep space between walkers, avoid dislodging stones and turn back if wet, icy or windy conditions exceed your experience.
The line through Fionna-choire and the gullies is easy to misread in mist. Carry OS Explorer 411, map and compass, follow the GPX, and be ready to reverse your route.
This trace returns by the ascent route and does not include the south ridge or Clach Glas traverse. Those alternatives involve additional scrambling or climbing and different logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Blà Bheinn route in this GPX?
The GPX is a 10.5 km out-and-back with 915 m of ascent. Its calculated moving-time estimate is 3 hours 37 minutes, but rough ground and stops mean many walkers should plan substantially longer; Walkhighlands suggests 5–6 hours for its shorter standard line.
How difficult is Blà Bheinn via Coire Uaigneich?
TrailTrack grades it Strenuous. The route has loose scree, very rough rocky ground and a short easy scramble in the final gully. Cloud, wet rock or ice can make route-finding and the descent much more serious.
Where does this GPX start and which map covers it?
This trace starts from limited roadside parking by Loch Slapin at grid NG 565 223, not the main standard-route car park farther south. Carry OS Explorer 411, Skye, Cuillin Hills & Soay, plus a compass.