14th April 2022
Ben More (Beinn Mhòr, meaning great mountain) is the highest mountain and only Munro on the Isle of
Mull, Scotland. It is also the highest peak in the Scottish isles – and
the only Munro – apart from those on the Isle of Skye. Elevation: 966 m (3,169 ft). Around 60 million years ago, the region was volcanically active, with Ben More being the remnant of a volcano, and it was in this period that the famous rock formations of Staffa were formed.
We took the most direct route up and back but it was still a big day of walking. The going was rough and boggy but overall it was not the hardest Munro we have done.
Here we are after just arriving on Mull. Ben More is just behind us where we are pointing.
Opposite the track for Dhiseig there is a large parking area on grass, on the shore side of the A8035. We started by heading
up the track towards Dhiseig and kept straight ahead at the entrance
to the house continuing on the footpath. We then headed straight through a gate and bore slightly right to follow a
path alongside the Abhainn Dhiseig which tumbles down in a small gorge.
As you climb the views behind of Ulva and other smaller islands improve.
Soon the top of the peak of Ben More could be seen directly ahead, with
the flank of An Gearna on the left to the east. We aimed directly for Ben
More, crossing a side stream at a crossing point with a worn path
ignoring the path that branches off towards An Gearna. Soon the path
ran alongside the Abhainn Dhiseig passing some very ruined buildings, but now only piles of stones. We crossed the
stream at an easy spot to continue uphill on the far side.
This was a good point for a quick break and some much needed snacks:
mini porkpies that went down a treat at this point!
We passed a series of waterfalls on the left and followed the path, which
became increasingly stony and eroded as we climbed. The path kept fairly close to the stream at first, but it was also possible to head
directly up the more grassy ground to the right or southwest. As the
ridge became more defined, a series of small cairns marked the path, which was now stony and scree-covered. On the steepest
ground it ascends in small zig zags. It was at this point that we crossed the snow line. At this point the kids needed a chocolate biscuit!
At about this point the Kendal Mint Cake was required! It did the job and cleared the airways and gave a much needed boost to tired legs!
From about here the views became much more dramatic (what we could see of then - which was just glimpses). We follow the ridge southeast to reach the large summit
shelter and tiny stumps of the remains of the trig point at 966m. To the
south the ridge extends dramatically.
There was a circular cairn at the top. Having been very windy on the way up it then became much stiller at the summit. It was cold but we sat and ate sandwiches and were rewarded but the clouds lifting - Hurrah!
Papa and the kids posing!
The remains of the trig point were not clear but I presume they were under the cairn here.
The ridge route from A'Chioch
coming into view.
There were steep cliffs to the left and it was important to be careful!
We were so fortunate that the clouds lifted and we say a golden eagle soaring. Unfortunately too quick and a bit far away to photograph - fingers numb at that point - but beautiful!
Mama and kids pose at the top!
The slow and slippery descent!
On a clear day the mainland summits such as Ben Cruachan can clearly be
seen and there were great views over most of Mull and to Ulva. Whilst it
is possible to descend via A'Chioch this route is much better and easier
as an ascent route up Ben More. The easiest and quickest route back is
to retrace your outward steps to return directly to the road, which we did!
Equipment:
Great account and photos...I almost feel as if I were there!
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