Flying Ant Attack on Mullach Mor (Holy Isle)

[Chris Mac]

Mullach-Mor---Holy-Isle.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Back home for a long weekend to catch up with friends and locals at the Highland Games for the weekend, I also had plans to finish the main Arran hills with my remaining 2 Marilyns: Mullach Mor and Tighvein.

Thursday saw constant cloud cover on the bigger hills and it would remain this way all weekend apart from a brief moment on Saturday evening post-games. So no A'Chir for me then, back to the smaller hills it would be and with Friday looking like the best forecast it made sense to head for Holy Isle to climb Mullach Beag and Mullach Mor.

Having lived in both Whiting Bay and Lamlash (briefly) over the years I'm annoyed it took me so long to visit Holy Isle as it is already one of my favourite spots on the Island!

I drove through just before 11am and on arrival at the pier we payed our fare and were told we'd have to wait half an hour for the tide to come in some more, not a problem, it was a decent day and the view was good:
DSC_3642 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Some of the bigger hills (Tighvein in the background here) were still misty and cloudy, good thing we're heading up one of the island's smallest:
DSC_3643 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_3655 by djchrismac, on Flickr

Not long after half 11 the wee ferry arrived to collect us:
DSC_3656 20180803_114441 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's just a short 10 minute journey:
DSC_3687 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Arrival sign, behind to the left is the field to head along for the start of the hike up to Mullach Beag:
DSC_3694 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Before we set off we decided to wander along to see the main building, Mullach Beag in the background:
DSC_3695 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lamlash Bay with Tighvein back left, soon to be my remaining Arran Marilyn after this walk... also, a Soay sheep!
DSC_3708 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Pit stop done, we head back towards the pier...
DSC_3713 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

...turning right then heading up the field as a herd of Saanen goats scarper off:
DSC_3715 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

You can read more about the local wildlife at http://www.holyisle.org/the-island/wildlife-on-the-island/.

At the end of the field we pop over the stile and head through the overgrown path:
DSC_3726 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

After a brief ascent a fence is cross and the view opens up to Lamlash Bay:
DSC_3730 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

To the north the Corbetts are covered in clouds, hence our visit to a smaller hill today:
DSC_3735 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A couple we got chatting to after disembarking on the island passed us and blazed the way ahead: He was English but stayed in Spain with his wife and it was there first visit to Scotland, so I had shown them the route for the walk and they followed us initially until we let them pass, Y doesn't like being followed uphill!
DSC_3744 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Down below to the right the two tiny ferries do their work taking people and supplies on and off the island:
DSC_3750 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The path soon levels a bit and Mullach Beag's summit is up ahead, that didn't take long:
DSC_3753 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

To the north and behind us are Clauchland Hills and Dun Fionn in the foreground with Goatfell and Mullach Buidhe still covered in clouds in the distance:
DSC_3761 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's just a short zig-zag path to the tump top:
DSC_3766 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ahead and to our left we were treated to a chopper fly-by as one buzzed past Holy Isle heading west:
DSC_3796 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Corbetts clearing up a little now:
DSC_3814 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking down to the pier and where I was standing not long ago looking up:
DSC_3817 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Approaching Mullach Beag summit with Mullach Mor now visible along with the cliffs of Creag Liath and the Square Lighthouse:
DSC_3828 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Tibetan Retreat down below where would shortly be walking and I would find possibly my favourite spot on the island:
DSC_3833 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Whiting Bay and Ailsa Craig:
DSC_3836 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Y enjoying the view north:
DSC_3837 20180803_125314 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Mullach Beag summit:
DSC_3844 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

THe way ahead and the dip between the two peaks which promises to have a small srambling bit, excellent!
DSC_3848 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view south, superb!
DSC_3854 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Kingscross, many a day spent exploring there as a kid when I lived in Whiting Bay:
DSC_3856 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A'Chir and Cir Mhor can be seen now to the left of Goatfell:
DSC_3865 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lamlash Bay:
DSC_3869 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I take a few more photos as Y trailblazes ahead:
DSC_3873 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_3881 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A young couple arrive just as we head off and we chat briefly before I catch up with Y. Looking back the summit of Mullach Beag is suddenyl in a tiny cloud, poor kids but good timing for us!
DSC_3886 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Standing atop the 236m mark on the OS map where it dips between the peaks a whopping 30m, just enough to give Mullach Beag Tump status! I'll be honest I expected some resistance from Y at this point with a steep path directly ahead hard to miss including the tiny scrambling section, but I lightened the mood and explained that it would be easy, just remember when you were about to do a first scramble on Haystacks years ago only for your doubts to vanish as 4 grey-haired pensioners whizzed past and did it without breaking a sweat!
DSC_3887 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I put the camera away at this point so I could help by taking Y's bag for the scramble which she did no bother at all.

Now just another short trip along the good path to the summit...
DSC_3899 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking north again at the path travelled so far:
DSC_3903 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Tighvein to the west, about to become my remaining Arran Marilyn! The fish farm can be seen in the bay below:
DSC_3904 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Almost at the summit now, looking back...
DSC_3909 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

...because I didn't quite fancy what I saw up ahead of me!!
DSC_3916 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Flying beasties! Millions of them!!!

Hmm this could prove trickier to get Y through than any scramble!
DSC_3921 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

They were big though, definitely not a swarm of midgies although i'd bet my life that there were more than a few in the stramash, along with flies and clegs! As a few swarm scouts did a recce on me they looked like flying ants, oh well nothing for it but to burst through which I did with an Indiana Jones style aaaaarrrrgh... I battered through, over the summit and touched the trig point before moving to the side and brushing handfuls off of me, then even more caught in my hair, then shorts, they were everywhere!

I was relatively clear though and stood off to the side and waited for company to arrive...
DSC_3922 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I can see my old house and Primary School from here:
DSC_3925 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Y arrived and unsurprisingly was a bit apprehensive about proceeding! I explained they were flying ants and that you can just run through and brush them off as they were harmless, it didn't make it any easier but I assisted with the brush down and we sat just along from the trig point to enjoy our lunch snack away from the swarm.

Flying Ants... this wasn't in the brochure!!
DSC_3929 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

You can visit flickr for a closer look at the alates if you're into that sort of thing. Flying Ant Day, typical, although it can sometimes last for weeks in warm weather so I guess we'll need to get used to them:
DSC_3932 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Flying Ant photobombing:
DSC_3941 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Distant Beinn Tarsuinn still hiding:
DSC_3949 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Goatfell and a container ship in Brodick Bay:
DSC_3953 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Although sitting outwith the trig point swarm we were stil under bombardment so after our break we set off south again and approached where the path gets nice and steep, looking like a cliff edge from here:
DSC_3961 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ailsa Craig and Largybeg:
DSC_3970 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Whiting Bay again with two of Arran's southern Tumps sticking out, Cnoc na Comhairle on the left and Cnoc na Garbad on the right:
DSC_3972 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Tighvein again and I was already plotting heading up there to finish what we started a few years ago and also finish the main hills on the island, still plenty of smaller ones to keep me busy though along with some of the bigger tops:
DSC_3974 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

From this walk onwards it gets even more interesting and scenic, starting with a very steep path for which I advise Y to deploy a pole for which turns out useful:
DSC_3976 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lighthouse and Monastery below:
DSC_3980 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back to the right towards A'Chruach in the clouds with the Ross, Benlister Glen and Lamlash below:
DSC_3984 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking east to Ayrshire:
DSC_3985 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Aye it's fairly steep but Y managed fine, even mastering the bum shuffle at one point!
DSC_3987 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Stunning views and they would still improve!
DSC_3993 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Showing the steepness:
DSC_3998 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I wonder how often the wind blows these down and the monks rebuild them?
DSC_4005 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

the worst of the path down from Mullach Mor summit was now over:
DSC_4017 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Things were about to get interesting again...
DSC_4020 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Up the Firth of Clyde towards Cumbrae and co.:
DSC_4024 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Mullach Mor summit from the south:
DSC_4026 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As we walked along the roped section of path Y questioned if there really was a crevasse... so I duly obliged and quickly pointed one out to her...
DSC_4030 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

That's a long way down, back on the path we go:
DSC_4031 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4046 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4047 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We passed a fair few people heading up our descent route:
DSC_4048 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Pillar Rock Lighthouse down below on the left:
DSC_4053 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Some more people taking the anti-clockwise route. We noticed later on that a couple we had briefly chatted to around this section would end up backtracking and not heading down the small scramble between the summits, so clockwise is the route to do if you're more comfortable climbing up the way than down:
DSC_4055 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reach a junction in the path and turn right to head back around the shore towards St. Molaise's Cave. Looking back up at the summit along with some of the Tibetan retreats:
DSC_4080 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4083 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

No bother, we don't fancy staying the night anyway...
DSC_4088 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Heading west again now we're at the southern end of Holy Isle, we then turn right at the lighthouse:
DSC_4091 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

One last shot of Ailsa Craig before it vanishes again:
DSC_4094 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The lighthouse/retreat has a load of signs and seeds etc. when you reach it, then the path heads right and north again:
DSC_4099 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I was about to be blown away by the view...
DSC_4104 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4105 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Wow!
DSC_4108 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4110 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4112 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Creag Liath:
DSC_4114 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lamlash Bay and Holy Isle:
DSC_4117 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We follow the path north...
DSC_4127 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

...soon reaching the cave marked on the OS map:
DSC_4130 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The right hand side cave looks like the bottom of one of the crevasses seen earlier:
DSC_4134 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Time to explore!
DSC_4136 20180803_143232 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Head torch on, here goes nothing...
DSC_4147 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Camera phone shot as I enter, you jcan go really far into it, I pass a small water trickle and get soaked on the way past:
DSC_4148 20180803_143421 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Quite far in now!
DSC_4149 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking further in, I decide not to proceed, but reviewing this image later reveals what looks like a small wooden or metal frame on the floor:
DSC_4150 20180803_143507 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A few shots looking back, great cave, i'll not say what nickname we gave it, should be obvious...
DSC_4150 20180803_143529 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4150 20180803_143532 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Happy after some minor caving, we continue along the shore below Creag Liath, passing the first of many painted rocks:
DSC_4153 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn Tarsuinn behind Lamlash, only Beinn a'Chliabhain is visible today though:
DSC_4170 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

There is something magical about this section of shoreline:
DSC_4177 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

More paintings:
DSC_4178 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We pass more people on the way along, some wlaking past as we faff about exploring the shore and rocks, some jogging the other way and clearly staying on the island:
DSC_4187 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4208 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lots to see during the walk:
DSC_4221 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4230 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4245 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Continuing along, we soon pass the healing spring which is just before St. Molaise's Cave:
DSC_4250 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4252 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4254 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Compared to the last cave this one was a bit disappointing...
DSC_4255 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4260 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4267 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Under the crags:
DSC_4279 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back south along the shore:
DSC_4281 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Basalt columns similar to Staffa, Holy Isle was definitely born during a major upheaval:
DSC_4282 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4284 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lamlash getting closer now:
DSC_4290 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Ross, i've always loved the single tree halfway up, it has been there since I can remember!
DSC_4300 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Clauchland Hills up ahead again as we near the pier:
DSC_4302 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lamlash, Beinn Tarsuinn still hiding:
DSC_4314 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another Soay sheep:
DSC_4318 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Saanen goats again, almost mythical looking!
DSC_4335 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4340 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4341 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The goats and sheep were out in force back at the main Tibetan retreat:
DSC_4344 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Past the boat house we poped into the Organic Garden for a wander. Back at the pier, we hang around for a while and relax, enjoying the view over to the Ross:
DSC_4383 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Tighvein next up in a few days time...
DSC_4391 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The last boat off Holy Isle was at 4pm but with each ferry only taking about 12 people and around 40 waiting to escape, we waited until the last boat run so we could spend a little longer on the island. We got chatting to the English guy and his wife again and while queuing for the last boat a Tibetan Nun disembarked and walked past. After she did, he told us that he'd read about her and in the 1960's she was a well known model who dated Georgfe Best! So there you go, some local gossip too!

Our ferry finally arrived and we set off back to Lamlash for the 10 minute crossing:
DSC_4393 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_4398 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A final look back at Mullach Beag:
DSC_4407 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Back on shore in Lamlash we were hungry and it was dinner time, the Drift Inn had new owners so we popped in for tea to check it out, only to be joined by a good friend and his family minutes later who just so happened to choose the same venue for dinner! The food was outstanding and I recommend it.

We were both buzzing after our adventure and still had the highland games to enjoy the following day. Y loved Holy Isle as it was right up her street being a short Marilyn next to water and not involving bogs or anything scarier... even a swarm of flying ants couldn't stop this being one of our most enjoyable walks to date!

I was glad just to finally visit it at last, think i'll make it a regular thing now whenever I get the chance, I'm still owed a good view of the Corbetts from the summits and want to explore the caves some more...

[johncarr50]

We visited the island mid september and decided to only do the easy lower walk to the lighthouse and back. some of our party did the full one over the top and were advised by the ferryman to do it clockwise as the path is easier to find on the far side when descending not ascending. also, not to attempt to walk round the shore on other side of the isalnd past the second lighthouse, as, inspite of warnings, a walker did so a few days earlier and had to be rescued by mountain rescue team and helicopter.

[weaselmaster]

Hi Chris
We were on Arran that day and we also got clouds of flying ants - just at the summits - of caisteal abhail and cir mor
Mullach Mor is the only Arran Marilyn I've still to do (though Allison did it on her own during a holiday there)