Attacked by two young natives on Ben More in Mull

[scottishkennyg]

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
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Back up to A Choich..
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Onwards..
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Back along ridge..
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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
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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....

[AnnieMacD]

What a great day out you had! The lambs must have thought you were their mother Looks like a fantastic hill with lots to look at. Maybe I'll make it to Mull some day... Love your second from last photo particularly, of a blue Glencoe.

[Silverhill]

That video was well funny!
I noticed the other day that your munro count was on 279 and wondered which island you would go for. I now know. Good luck for your compleation, I hope you get a good day soon!

[rockhopper]

Quite a bit of organising there, Kenny, but well worth it in the end - great to get a good day for this hill to be able to see the views Will be watching out for your In Pinn WR - hope you get a good day....... - cheers

[Alteknacker]

Amazing pics, not to mention the scary moderately sized white shark (?) attack...

To be boring... 73, 92, 104, 110 and 121 are all really spectacular.

Wish I was close enough to manage a dash like this one...

[BlackPanther]

Killer lambs Never expected THAT!
I'd love to spend a few days on Mull - explore castles, beaches, lower hills as well. Maybe next year, depends how our holiday plans shape up. This year it's most likely Skye again.

Good luck for the BIG DAY and may the weather be perfect for the completion

[weaselmaster]

Ah - another fine and helpful report, SKG - was looking to do this route either this weekend or next, so will know to watch out for those killer lambs, which will now be that much bigger, stronger and more menacing!

[CharlesT]

Great report and pics - an epic journey. Good luck with the completion.

Lambs Slaughter Walker would have made a good headline.

My old Mum's standard response to over-inquisitive sheep was invariably "Mint Sauce" - seemed to do the trick.

[scottishkennyg]

What a great day out you had! The lambs must have thought you were their mother Looks like a fantastic hill with lots to look at. Maybe I'll make it to Mull some day... Love your second from last photo particularly, of a blue Glencoe.

Thanks Annie..you will enjoy your visit to Mull..the blue sky was A1 on the return journey..

[scottishkennyg]

That video was well funny!
I noticed the other day that your munro count was on 279 and wondered which island you would go for. I now know. Good luck for your compleation, I hope you get a good day soon!

Cheers SH, Aye it was funny at the time too...they looked that cute too...

[scottishkennyg]

Quite a bit of organising there, Kenny, but well worth it in the end - great to get a good day for this hill to be able to see the views Will be watching out for your In Pinn WR - hope you get a good day....... - cheers

Thanks Neil...watching your countdown too...

[scottishkennyg]

Amazing pics, not to mention the scary moderately sized white shark (?) attack...

To be boring... 73, 92, 104, 110 and 121 are all really spectacular.

Wish I was close enough to manage a dash like this one...

Thanks A..yes we are very fortunate to be as close...

[scottishkennyg]

Killer lambs Never expected THAT!
I'd love to spend a few days on Mull - explore castles, beaches, lower hills as well. Maybe next year, depends how our holiday plans shape up. This year it's most likely Skye again.

Good luck for the BIG DAY and may the weather be perfect for the completion

lol...thanks BP...I'll be back to Mull another day in search of the sea eagles...

[scottishkennyg]

Ah - another fine and helpful report, SKG - was looking to do this route either this weekend or next, so will know to watch out for those killer lambs, which will now be that much bigger, stronger and more menacing!

Cheers Al...hopefully the lambs were put off with the taste of my goretex gaitors and you'll be safe!!

[scottishkennyg]

Great report and pics - an epic journey. Good luck with the completion.

Lambs Slaughter Walker would have made a good headline.

My old Mum's standard response to over-inquisitive sheep was invariably "Mint Sauce" - seemed to do the trick.

Thanks Charles..liked the mint sauce remedy..might try that as opposed to the lamb jalfrezi thoughts...