Monday, February 8, 2010

Ben More viewed from Bunessan Harbour


Ben More viewed from Bunessan Harbour.

From a walking viewpoint, the Isle of Mull is a fantastic destination, with so much more to offer than the highest peak of Ben More. Ben More (Big Hill) is the only munro on the island and provides a challenging walk in all seasons. Climbed from sea level at Loch Na Keal, you certainly know that you've climbed 3169 feet by the time you reach the summit! Be warned that the summit has magnetic rock and thus can affect compass bearings. When we climbed the mountain one April, a benign day at sea level turned into an Arctic storm above 3000 feet, forcing us to retrace steps rather than take a direct bearing off the hill.

The two corbetts on the island bring back fond memories of warm summer days. Beinn Talaidh provides a super walk from Glen More and makes a fantastic viewpoint. I can still remember the smiles on the faces of two young children who had made the summit. Memories they will never forget! Dun da Ghaoithe (Fort of the two winds) rises immediately above Craignure and makes for an excellent round walk! Don't make the mistake of taking a short cut back to Craignure! The forestry has been felled and left in situ, for the benefit of the wildlife! It makes for particularly difficult walking as I found to my cost!

The seven grahams on the Island of Mull provide some of the most difficult terrain of all the hills. Having climbed them all in different weather conditions, I can testify that they provide all the challenge that a walker in Scotland could desire!

Apart from the main summits, there are an endless combination of walks with the Islands of Iona and Ulva being particular favourites! I would thoroughly recommend a trip to the Isle of Mull for a walking holiday!

The Old Stables provides superb self catering accommodation, centrally situated on Mull, ideal for touring the Island.


Yacht in Sound of Mull.


Isle of Mull Ferry.

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