Ben More ...... & no more!
Route: Ben More (Mull) from Dhiseig
Munros: Ben More (Mull)
Date walked: 10/09/2022
Time taken: 5.5 hours
Distance: 9.25km
Ascent: 945m
Fisherfield was now behind me and only Ben More, Mull, lay in wait. Probably like many folks, I had thoughts of a grand climax to my round, once I started to see the finishing line i.e, the last few miles heading back to Corrie Hallie Big ideas of family, friends coming along, champagne summit, overnight stay etc, went through my mind, but considering everything, that just seemed too much, too slow to arrange. The months and weather are running out, people have their own plans, Mull isn't so accessible, accommodation not so easy, etc, etc.
I only had a few weeks till 10 years plus became 11 years plus and the forecast looked good for Saturday, 10th September, 2022, so that was to be the day, come what may. My usual buddies, Jasper and Lawrence, who have been with me the majority of the journey had already done Ben More, but I was delighted two good hiking chums, Barbara and Andy, could also manage along to share my special day.
Caught first ferry out of Oban. What a beautiful morning for the crossing to Craignure. Virtually flat calm, as the sun rose beyond Ben Cruachan and the large bulk carrier, Yeoman Bontrup, sitting at anchor, to satisfy my interests in ship spotting, too. Lovely drive, down to Dhiseig, which was identifiable due to the already large number of cars sitting there. After getting the gear on and devouring a block of Jane MacKenzie's famous tablet, we were on our way, just about 9am.
It isn't long till very special views over Loch na Keal, to Eorsa and Ulva Sound begin to open up. In fact, we must have walked for ages looking back the way There's a few paths here and there lower down, but we generally kept near the burn. At times, I was having to rein Andy in. He thinks he's a mountain goat, when in fact, he's just a goat Sorry, Andy I don't think Andy, will be too hard on me for divulging that he had major heart surgery only a few years ago and even now, his heart functions around 60% of capacity This is only his second Munro, hence the neeed for some caution.
There were a lot of folk out on the hill today, so wasn't much chance of us getting too lost. Ben More gradually emerges ahead, looking a bit of a tough haul, but in reality my friends made good progress, with only a wee stop now and again to rehydrate. Yes, it was warm, even for September. It looks as though the gradient will ease off once on the broad, main shoulder of the hill, but this seemed to us, like a bit of an optical illusion. The track here is generally loose scree and marked by many substantial cairns. Can't say, I see the need, or attraction of that, but hey ho
By now we were meeting some of the early ones descending, but at least that meant the summit was less crowded, as we made it onto the last stretch of ridge to the large summit shelter and little remains of trig point, at 966m. Yay, we had made it, not only Ben More, but another 281 lay behind me. I felt a few pangs of emotion, when I considered some of the many people who had helped me get to this point and life events which had happened during the last 4000 and six days - I know, who's counting Strangely, I think I felt "higher" and more emotional during my round of the Fisherfield, for some reason?
Anyway, it was great to have some friends along and I much appreciated their congratulations, along with various others on the hill, who Andy and Barbara, were more than happy to tell of my compleation Enjoyed the great views from the summit, looking back to my homeland in Mid Argyll, Paps, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Skye, Mull hills and so much more. By now we had the summit wholly to ourselves and what a truly great place to end my round! The only Munro I can see from my back door, well just about - need to use my neighbours doorstep
Took some photos and enjoyed a spot of lunch before getting back on our way down. Then I remembered what I forgot. Yes, the small hipflask of whisky, I'd stashed in my rucksack. Sacrilege! Don't worry, we found a use for it later! Had hardly went a few hundred yards when my left knee, which had suffered badly toward end of Fisherfield, began to tell me it had not gone away. Perhaps, good timing finishing the Munros now!? Likewise, poor Barbara, was suffering from a nasty blister on her heel, but not a moan did she make. I should add, Barbara is even older than my 61 years and has only done about half a dozen Munros, so, well done, Barbara!
Enjoyed a nice drink of Mull water from the burn and Andy, even took some home for that flask of whisky I mentioned Took various wee diversions, crossed the burn a bit lower than on the way up and took rougher track over grassier stuff, nearing Dhiseig, but that didn't present any problems and we were soon back at the car, taking best part of five and a half hours. Well pleased with ourselves, despite our various handicaps
And so, that was it, Munro #282 in the bag. Well, not quite it, as you might guess, as we still had the trek home and a bit of celebrating to do. Andy and Barbara, did the celebrating, as we enjoyed another beautiful sail back to Oban, then drove home. I really must get this driving rota right Once home it seemed only right to have a few pints in the Club and use up some of Andy's genuine Mull water, in a dram, or two. It was great to see my mum there and give her the biggest hug, after all, without her I could never have done it (don't worry, I'll get round to paying tribute to the vital others, at some point.)
Next day, I had my "compleation party," not in usual style up a Munro, but on Dunadd Fort, a famous wee hill in these parts. This meant I could be joined by a few more friends and family. Alas, my wife Pam, had too good a retiral party the night before, so chose to opt out, but thank you my darling, for all you and my family have had to put up with on my wee journey
Finally, as one who likes figures, playing about with statistics and spreadsheets, some stats, if only for my own interest. For everyone else ..... yawn
Chief mentor - Big Jasper. Wouldn't have managed without him. 103 together, plus 36 with Lawrence. 103 solo, 4 with guide, 3 with "amateur" guide.
4007 days start date to the end date, included. Or, Â 10 years, 11 months, 20 daysÂ
Total trips 136. Busiest year, 2014, 37 Munros. Busiest month for Munros, July, 50. Total distance 1619 miles, Total ascent 166926 metres, Total time 843 hours. Most trips, 21, in 2018.
"Winter Munros, Nov =16, Dec =5, Jan = 3, Feb=4, March = 15. Total 43.
Bike hikes, 18 trips, 44 munros.
Average trips p.a. = 12, average Munros p.a.=26, average miles p.a., 147, average ascent p.a. = 15175 metres, average time p.a.=76.6hrs, average time per trip 6.2hrs.
Average speed = 1.9 mph, avarage rate of ascent 198 metres per hour,
Most miles, 247 in 2018. Most ascent in year 2018 23952 metres.
68% good weather, 26% okay weather overall.
Approx 95 "repeat munros" - so far
Longest bike hike - Alder 4, 32.5 miles. Longest hike 28.5 miles Fisherfield 6. Shortest trips, Sgurr na Banachdich and
Bla Bheinn, 5.1 miles.
Least ascent Beinn na Lap 591 metres. Most ascent 2950 metres, Fisherfield 6.
Quickest trip, Beinn na Lap, 2.9 hrs (plus train) Longest duration 16.5 hrs, Fisherfield.
Slowest trip Sgurr A' Ghradaidh/Mhadaidh 0.9mph and Sgurr Alasdair 0.9 mph.
Fastest hike A' Bhuidheanach Bheag & Carn na Caim, 2.8mph.
Fastest bike/hike Carn an Fhidhleir (Carn Ealar) and An Sgarsoch, 4mph.
Fastest rate of ascent 298m per hour, Meall Ghaordie. Slowest rate of ascent, Sgurr nan Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor, 125 metres per hour.
Yawn
I only had a few weeks till 10 years plus became 11 years plus and the forecast looked good for Saturday, 10th September, 2022, so that was to be the day, come what may. My usual buddies, Jasper and Lawrence, who have been with me the majority of the journey had already done Ben More, but I was delighted two good hiking chums, Barbara and Andy, could also manage along to share my special day.
Caught first ferry out of Oban. What a beautiful morning for the crossing to Craignure. Virtually flat calm, as the sun rose beyond Ben Cruachan and the large bulk carrier, Yeoman Bontrup, sitting at anchor, to satisfy my interests in ship spotting, too. Lovely drive, down to Dhiseig, which was identifiable due to the already large number of cars sitting there. After getting the gear on and devouring a block of Jane MacKenzie's famous tablet, we were on our way, just about 9am.
It isn't long till very special views over Loch na Keal, to Eorsa and Ulva Sound begin to open up. In fact, we must have walked for ages looking back the way There's a few paths here and there lower down, but we generally kept near the burn. At times, I was having to rein Andy in. He thinks he's a mountain goat, when in fact, he's just a goat Sorry, Andy I don't think Andy, will be too hard on me for divulging that he had major heart surgery only a few years ago and even now, his heart functions around 60% of capacity This is only his second Munro, hence the neeed for some caution.
There were a lot of folk out on the hill today, so wasn't much chance of us getting too lost. Ben More gradually emerges ahead, looking a bit of a tough haul, but in reality my friends made good progress, with only a wee stop now and again to rehydrate. Yes, it was warm, even for September. It looks as though the gradient will ease off once on the broad, main shoulder of the hill, but this seemed to us, like a bit of an optical illusion. The track here is generally loose scree and marked by many substantial cairns. Can't say, I see the need, or attraction of that, but hey ho
By now we were meeting some of the early ones descending, but at least that meant the summit was less crowded, as we made it onto the last stretch of ridge to the large summit shelter and little remains of trig point, at 966m. Yay, we had made it, not only Ben More, but another 281 lay behind me. I felt a few pangs of emotion, when I considered some of the many people who had helped me get to this point and life events which had happened during the last 4000 and six days - I know, who's counting Strangely, I think I felt "higher" and more emotional during my round of the Fisherfield, for some reason?
Anyway, it was great to have some friends along and I much appreciated their congratulations, along with various others on the hill, who Andy and Barbara, were more than happy to tell of my compleation Enjoyed the great views from the summit, looking back to my homeland in Mid Argyll, Paps, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Skye, Mull hills and so much more. By now we had the summit wholly to ourselves and what a truly great place to end my round! The only Munro I can see from my back door, well just about - need to use my neighbours doorstep
Took some photos and enjoyed a spot of lunch before getting back on our way down. Then I remembered what I forgot. Yes, the small hipflask of whisky, I'd stashed in my rucksack. Sacrilege! Don't worry, we found a use for it later! Had hardly went a few hundred yards when my left knee, which had suffered badly toward end of Fisherfield, began to tell me it had not gone away. Perhaps, good timing finishing the Munros now!? Likewise, poor Barbara, was suffering from a nasty blister on her heel, but not a moan did she make. I should add, Barbara is even older than my 61 years and has only done about half a dozen Munros, so, well done, Barbara!
Enjoyed a nice drink of Mull water from the burn and Andy, even took some home for that flask of whisky I mentioned Took various wee diversions, crossed the burn a bit lower than on the way up and took rougher track over grassier stuff, nearing Dhiseig, but that didn't present any problems and we were soon back at the car, taking best part of five and a half hours. Well pleased with ourselves, despite our various handicaps
And so, that was it, Munro #282 in the bag. Well, not quite it, as you might guess, as we still had the trek home and a bit of celebrating to do. Andy and Barbara, did the celebrating, as we enjoyed another beautiful sail back to Oban, then drove home. I really must get this driving rota right Once home it seemed only right to have a few pints in the Club and use up some of Andy's genuine Mull water, in a dram, or two. It was great to see my mum there and give her the biggest hug, after all, without her I could never have done it (don't worry, I'll get round to paying tribute to the vital others, at some point.)
Next day, I had my "compleation party," not in usual style up a Munro, but on Dunadd Fort, a famous wee hill in these parts. This meant I could be joined by a few more friends and family. Alas, my wife Pam, had too good a retiral party the night before, so chose to opt out, but thank you my darling, for all you and my family have had to put up with on my wee journey
Finally, as one who likes figures, playing about with statistics and spreadsheets, some stats, if only for my own interest. For everyone else ..... yawn
Chief mentor - Big Jasper. Wouldn't have managed without him. 103 together, plus 36 with Lawrence. 103 solo, 4 with guide, 3 with "amateur" guide.
4007 days start date to the end date, included. Or, Â 10 years, 11 months, 20 daysÂ
Total trips 136. Busiest year, 2014, 37 Munros. Busiest month for Munros, July, 50. Total distance 1619 miles, Total ascent 166926 metres, Total time 843 hours. Most trips, 21, in 2018.
"Winter Munros, Nov =16, Dec =5, Jan = 3, Feb=4, March = 15. Total 43.
Bike hikes, 18 trips, 44 munros.
Average trips p.a. = 12, average Munros p.a.=26, average miles p.a., 147, average ascent p.a. = 15175 metres, average time p.a.=76.6hrs, average time per trip 6.2hrs.
Average speed = 1.9 mph, avarage rate of ascent 198 metres per hour,
Most miles, 247 in 2018. Most ascent in year 2018 23952 metres.
68% good weather, 26% okay weather overall.
Approx 95 "repeat munros" - so far
Longest bike hike - Alder 4, 32.5 miles. Longest hike 28.5 miles Fisherfield 6. Shortest trips, Sgurr na Banachdich and
Bla Bheinn, 5.1 miles.
Least ascent Beinn na Lap 591 metres. Most ascent 2950 metres, Fisherfield 6.
Quickest trip, Beinn na Lap, 2.9 hrs (plus train) Longest duration 16.5 hrs, Fisherfield.
Slowest trip Sgurr A' Ghradaidh/Mhadaidh 0.9mph and Sgurr Alasdair 0.9 mph.
Fastest hike A' Bhuidheanach Bheag & Carn na Caim, 2.8mph.
Fastest bike/hike Carn an Fhidhleir (Carn Ealar) and An Sgarsoch, 4mph.
Fastest rate of ascent 298m per hour, Meall Ghaordie. Slowest rate of ascent, Sgurr nan Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor, 125 metres per hour.
Yawn
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JimboJim
- Location: Lochgilphead
- Occupation: Retired Psychiatric Nurse
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