free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Off on a trip to isle of Mull for Ben More. Travelling from the blackisle involved two ferry crossings at Lochaber and Lochaline. I packed the bike and camping gear to head off after work.
I crossed Loch Linnhe using the Corran ferry (£7.90 single for car) , approaching Corran..
BenMoreMull2May2014 006 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
and drove along the picturesque roads to Lochaline. I parked up
BenMoreMull2May2014 011 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
and boarded the Lochaline ferry. (£5.60 for a 5 day open return). A wee boat passing the ferry point..
BenMoreMull2May2014 013 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A bigger ferry and the divers boat toward Mull.
BenMoreMull2May2014 017 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A look over to the lighthouse and the old castle ruins..
BenMoreMull2May2014 022 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I arrived at Fishnish to set off on the bike. The roads were great and I quickly reached the village of Salen before heading west along single track roads to reach Loch na Keal.
BenMoreMull2May2014 032 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I found a sheltered spot and pitched the tent.
BenMoreMull2May2014 039 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Dumped the gear and set off on to the hill heading up Gleann na Beinne Fada.
BenMoreMull2May2014 040 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Back to loch and wee isle of Eorsa
BenMoreMull2May2014 042 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
In the corrie I stopped to observe two wee lone spring lambs. They ran up to me and I was thinking, friendly natives. They stopped at my feet for a moment then charged my shins and started to bite the gaitors. I encouraged them off with a wee nudge and mentioned lamb rogan josh and left them. You can have a laugh at the wee film of the ATTACK…
I continued up to join the main ridge
BenMoreMull2May2014 053 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Back down glen..
BenMoreMull2May2014 054 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
then turned south to head up the steep slopes to A Choich. I reached the cairn and savoured the views.
BenMoreMull2May2014 069 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Back toward Fada and onto Skye in distance..
BenMoreMull2May2014 073 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I proceeded SW down where the ridge narrowed, with some impressive drops into the corrie. The climb up the NE ridge was good and offered some scrambling practice.
BenMoreMull2May2014 077 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
BenMoreMull2May2014 079 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Back up to A Choich..
BenMoreMull2May2014 078 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Onwards..
BenMoreMull2May2014 080 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Back along ridge..
BenMoreMull2May2014 081 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Higher up ridge..
BenMoreMull2May2014 083 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I arrived at the summit 2.5 hours after setting off from tent. The dark clouds were ominous but the views were still there to be enjoyed. I could see out across to the islands Rum, Muck and over to the Cuillins and back toward Lochaber. The sunset colours on the horizon were stunning against the contrasting bleak clouds.
BenMoreMull2May2014 092 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
BenMoreMull2May2014 094 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
BenMoreMull2May2014 095 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
BenMoreMull2May2014 098 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
BenMoreMull2May2014 104 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
BenMoreMull2May2014 107 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I descended via the tourist route and contoured east at the river to head back down to the tent.
BenMoreMull2May2014 110 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Across to Skye from the lower ridge..
BenMoreMull2May2014 121 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
4 hours for the climb. It was time to sit back and enjoy a well earned dram. The wind increased during the night and made for a restless slumber. I heard some sheep bleating outside the tent, probably the parents of the lamb twins seeking recourse.
I got up about 6.30 and packed up.
BenMoreMull2May2014 125 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I had a cereal bar then set off for the return cycle into the wind. I got back to Fishnish just in time for the 810 ferry.
BenMoreMull2May2014 127 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The sky was blue and promised a good day for those venturing out on to the surrounding hills.
A view toward Glencoe..
BenMoreMull2May2014 145 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A view from Corran..
BenMoreMull2May2014 148 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Returned safely to the Blackisle at 1200 after 250 miles driving, 4 ferry legs and 30 miles cycling to enjoy the summit of Ben More and A Choich. A1....