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The massive
chunk of island which is Mull sits comfortably with Morvern to its north
across the Sound of Mull and Oban on the mainland to its east. It contains
Scotland's only island Munro outside the Isle of Skye, Ben More. The accompanying
photograph shows the Ben More group from the island of Lunga, to the west,
with Ben More dominant and its two other tops to the north.
Oban is the
usual starting point for Mull, with regular sailings by CalMac*. Ben More
seems to be a favourite last Munro for those "compleating" and it certainly
has, on a fine clear day, views rivalling any mountain in the west of
Scotland.
Start from
the B8035 road along Loch na Keal, where the Abhainn na h-Uamha issues.
Follow the southwest bank of this burn up Gleann na Beinne Fada to reach
the bealach south of Beinn Fhada. At 702m, the latter fails to make Corbett
status by 60m, which should not deter the energetic from making a quick
ascent of before returning to the bealach.
From the
bealach, continue south and climb up the north ridge of A'Chioch (867m).
The ridge becomes more defined with height, and provides an easy and enjoyable
scramble. The ridge between A'Chioch and Ben More is well defined and
often narrow, continuing the interest of the walk all the way to the summit
of Ben More at 966m.
To descend,
take the northwest ridge down screes leading eventually to grassy slopes
by the Abhainn Dhiseag. A path is indicated for the last kilometre or
so leading to a house at Dhiseag then the B8035 road, about 1.5km west
of the starting point. To save a few minutes of road-pounding, the descent
route can be left about 1.5km below the summit of Ben More, to strike
off north, crossing the Abhainn Dhiseag and heading straight for the starting
point.
* Ferry travels
from Oban to Craignure on Mull, 45 minutes trip time. Contact www.calmac.co.uk
or telephone (Oban) 01631 566 688. There are local buses on Mull.
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