A fairly straightforward hill walk with panoramic views. Wet underfoot, the out and back route is easy to navigate and looks down on Loch Frisa.
Bog Factor
Moorland path, pathless in places and very boggy.
Parking area west of Loch Carnain an Amais on B8073.
Bus between Tobermory and Dervaig passes the start.
NM465523
There is a parking area with space for 3 or 4 cars just beyond the western end of the last of the Mishnish Lochs, Loch Carnain an Amais on the Tobermory to Dervaig road (B8073). The parking area is just at the top of a winding descent to Loch Frisa so is a good viewpoint in itself. From the parking area a clear path leads through the bracken to a gate, follow the path - when it forks either branch will do just keep heading for the highest ground.
After climbing the first small rocky knoll, the path keeps aiming for the high ground up the broad ridge. The three Mishnish Lochs can look fantastic strung out below as you climb; even in dull weather they have good reflections.
Once Loch Frisa comes into view, the route keeps slighty to the right (southwest) of the top of the ridge and crosses a number of areas of bare rock which provide relief from the wet peat and make the going much easier. Ben More can be seen in the distance.
Eventually a line of old fence posts is reached, follow this across extremely soggy ground, as the summit and the final climb come into view. Before this is tackled the route dips and crosses a burn flowing from Lochan Dearg which can be seen on the northeast to the left.
Keep following the fence posts, there is a faint path, pass a lonely metal gate as the climb steepens. When the gradient of the line of fence posts eases off and the line starts to traverse the side of Speinne Mòr , aim left (east) directly for the ridge and then keep making for the highest ground. Tobermory comes into view on the final stretch. The summit is marked by a trig point surrounded by a large shelter and is a fabulous view point.
Although it is possible to descend to the track alongside Loch Frisa at Lettermore to make a circuit, the descent is very steep and requires very careful route finding. The more attractive return is to retrace your outward route and on a clear day you will be rewarded with views to Coll, Tiree and the Outer Hebrides. Follow the outward path all the way back to the start.
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