Ben More (Mull)
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 10:51 am- Good Scottish weather
- Dhiseig, a few cars/campers even in early January
- Loch na Keal
- Following the Abhainn Dhiseig
- Poss An Gearna
- 650 or 700m
- Gentle walk in the clag on final approach
- Ben More summit
- Shelter wall
- Best view of cliffs above Lag a' Bhasdair
- Between layers of cloud
- One of many poss pools for summer swimming on lower slopes
- Dull but serene
- Blustery return
Summary:
Spent night in Oban, decent cheap guesthouse/hostel. Ferry at 9 or 10. Not promising weather. Rain showers but not too windy. Bacon roll and tea on Calmac. Nostalgic trip. Soon left queue of disembarked cars on way to Dhiseig. Surprised to find several cars/vans at lay-by on shore. Some patches of blue sky gave hope, but generally dull with some light drizzle on ascent. Wet underfoot. Little in the way of views. Straightforward nav, following the Abhainn Dhiseig. Scouted several pools for swimming. V mild for January, not much wind. Met one German couple descending on final approach, words exchanged re making light of the weather. Summit reached at 13:26. Not much to see, but some sense of corries on all sides. Occasional glimpses between levels of cloud on descent. Very still and quiet. Back at car for last good light of approx 15:30. Initially stunning drive round coast before very dark and miserable drive through Gleann Seilisteir and Glen More to hostel at Craignure as bad weather set in. Two other guests (one of whom a walker, a geo photographer or something, good chats had) so lots of space. High winds forecast for next day, but ferry still ran. Calmac breakfast roll and tea again. Same Scottish weather on return. Spent night at Oban SYHA where more good chat had with a Mancunian (?) here for job interview. Comfy stay. Satisfied with the trip, quiet and serene walk in the clag but def worth a return trip in better weather. Tick.
Start: 11:35
Finish: 15:32