A Skye Secondment

I'd managed to get my list of jobs down to 2 pages (both sides, size 6 font) and was awarded a 24 hour day pass. I headed over to Skye for a quick North/South (and nearly North again because I couldn't find the way down) traverse of The Storr whilst I waited for my climbing partner to turn up, unfortunately his "pass" was revoked at the last minute - Permission denied.


I didn't want to waste my time off so I headed down to Loch Slapin so I could have a crack at Blaven (Bla Bheinn) in the morning and awoke to stunning views as the sun hit the mountain across a mirror still loch.


I was clicking away with my camera whilst drinking my cup of tea I realised it was only 5.45am, a bit earlier than I planned but I made the most of it and got ready to set off up the hill.


The sun rose above the hills behind me and gave me some great views as I climbed the path. Eventually the path starts to zig zag steeply up the east ridge and the walk gets more interesting, there is lots of scrambling to be found, all easily avoidable if you wish which takes you up to the north summit and exceptional views to the main Cuillin ridge, across to the hebrides and over to the rough bounds of Knoydart.


I arrived at the summit at about 8.15 am and spent at least 45 minutes relaxing and taking it all in (and taking more photos) from both the North and the South top (minor scrambly bit to cross the gap) and then descended down the southeast flank on loose rock and scree.

A popular day to be out and about - I must have passed a dozen people whilst I was coming down, all wanting to know about my early start.

The path down follows a gorgeous looking crystal clear stream that was too inviting to resist on a hot day, twice I gave in to temptation and did my best impression of a Timotei shampoo advert.


I was back at the hostel for lunch time, do you think get to save up my 4 hours of unused leave for another day?

--Matt