This area of the Isle Of Skye is full of pictures for anyone interested in photography, known as Strathaird it is a wonderful part of Skye and a glorious area, not only for pictures but also some stunning walks. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the Isle of Skye landscape which I have included in the gallery. This photograph shows the dark brooding ridges and gullies of Bla Bheinn ( pronounce Blaven ) as it rises from the green pastures around Loch Slapin. Bla Bheinn is a magnificent mountain and although part of the Cuillin, it stands apart from the main Ridge, on the south side of Glen Sligachan. I have climbed Bla Bheinn twice, the last time was in May of '89 and I have still to enjoy the magnificent views to be had from its top. But the lack of good weather in no way diminshes my attraction for what many consider to be the finest mountain in Skye and when you gain the crest of the hill near the village of Torrin and you see it rising straight up from sea level, you cannot help but agree. Plenty of photographs of the main Cuillin ridge are available from its summit, if you can see it.

Strathaird was bought by the John Muir Trust in 1994. Take the road from Broadford to Elgol the A 881 and there is a feast for the eyes round every corner. Heading toward Bla Bheinn you reach Loch Slapin and just at the head of the loch is a great place to spend the night. Pitch the tent and partake of a dram with some fresh Skye water, straight from the burn. Sit back and admire the view down the loch as you listen to the hiss of the stove cooking the evenings meal. After the afters and the stove is turned off the silence is deafening, the darkness descends and the only light comes from the odd car travelling along the lochside. These are the times when you realise, how lucky you are to be in such a wonderful landscape and all this a four hour drive from the central belt of Scotland. The problem is in leaving it.

If you are not climbing Bla Bheinn the next day continue on the road to the lovely village of Elgol a glorious spot from which to view the Cuillin. It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie left Skye for mainland Scotland. Coastal walks and caves await for those who like to explore.

For more info on Skye go to my links page where you will find the community site for Skye Lochalsh and Raasay and you can also find more pictures of Skye throughout the site. You can see Loch Slapin on the map below, it sits under the second L of Cuillin Hills and the peninsula on its left and to the right of Soay is Strathaird a must area to visit on Skye.

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.