Date: Thursday 31st August 2023
Company: Just myself
Distance: 10.5km, Ascent: 335m
Time: 3Hrs 15Mins
After a morning spent whale and dolphin watching from Kilt Rock, I drove back to Glen Eynort from where I had ascended Biod Mor the day previous. Today, I would be ascending its neighbour, Beinn Bhreac.
Prior to setting off I had a quick look at the map, couldn't see any marked tracks and so decided to make up a route as I went along.
Route:
From the outset, the view across to the Cuillin Ridge was fantastic. It would have been nice to be up on the ridge instead of doing a Marilyn, however I hope to get onto the ridge in the coming days.
Cuillin Ridge:
After having another look at the map, I opted to skirt round Stockval aiming for the col at Loch Sleadale. While the terrain was trackless, the grass was mostly short and relatively dry.
View towards Beinn Bhreac:
My route did involve having to cross a barbed-wire fence. Only the top wire was barbed and I found a section where I could crawl underneath instead of having to climb over.
359m top:
My OS map suggested there was a Boat House at Loch Sleadale. If there was one, it is no longer there.
Loch Sleadale:
The ascent provided great views across to Biod Mor, the Marilyn I had ascended the day previous when the Cuillin had been capped in cloud.
Cuillin Ridge behind Biod Mor:
My route provided great views across to Macleod's Tables and to Preshal More and Preshal Beg. I definitely need to return to Skye to visit these two small hills which have interesting geology - hexagonal basalt columns.
View towards Duirinish including Macleod's Tables:
The Uists beyond Preshal Beg:
As I gained more height, the terrain became increasingly wet underfoot and there were numerous sections of bog to avoid.
Beinn Bhreac:
I took lots of photos of the Cuillin as on most occasions I visit Skye the mountains are usually capped in cloud.
Cuillin Ridge:
On reaching the lochan atop Beinn Bhreac, I skirted round it on the right.
Approaching unnamed lochan atop Beinn Bhreac:
I was aware Beinn Bhreac had several potential summits, and I believe following remeasurement the summit recently changed, so I had a look at the map to ensure I did visit the actual summit. The summit is a rock beside the cairn, not the trig point.
Rum from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
Macleod's Tables from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
The Uists from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
After taking several photos from the summit, I decided to visit the other two high points one of which hosts the trig point.
The Red and Black Cuillin:
Rum and Canna:
I visited the top near the trig point and then the trig point from where I again took a number of photographs.
Heading for the trig point:
Macleod's Tables from Beinn Bhreac trig point:
Rum and Canna from the trig point:
Cuillin Ridge from the trig point:
Beinn Bhreac is an incredible viewpoint and definitely worth the effort.
Instead of returning via my route of ascent, I opted instead to take a more direct route back. The direct route was c.1.5km shorter and a much easier route with ATV tracks to follow much of the way.
Biod Mor and the Cuillin Ridge:
Prior to descending I had checked the OS 1:50000 map which suggested no crags, no steep ground and no missing contours. I was therefore surprised to find myself at the top of the rock sill in the next photograph with no easy way down. I therefore had to walk along the top of the sill to reach the easy grass slope at the right of the photo. This highlights that OS maps are not always 100% accurate and reliable.
Looking back to Beinn Bhreac:
My route of descent also involved having to cross a barbed-wire fence for which I again managed to find a section to crawl under.
Beyond the fence I picked up and followed ATV tracks running alongside the Eynort River. The route out was really pleasant. I saw numerous Snipe, Wheatear, Meadow Pipits, Ravens, a Kestrel and a nice dragonfly.
Following the Eynort River back out to the van:
It was great to get back to the van and stick on the kettle. What a view!
Vanlife:
Three Marilyns now remaining on Skye - Beinn Bhac-ghlais (Duirinish), Ruadh Stac (Red Cuillin) and Glas-Bheinn Mhor (Red Cuillin).