Ben More (April)

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.



Distance 12.1km (7½ miles)
Total ascent 1130m
Time 6 hours
Start / Finish NM506367
Nearest town Salen
Terrain this route has very narrow exposed rocky and scree ridges with the need for some scrambling; the approach and return routes can also get pretty boggy in wet conditions.

Accommodation Salen Hotel (01680) 300324 www.salenhotelmull.co.uk; camping and hostel in Craignure www.shielingholidays.co.uk (01680) 812496; Craignure Inn www.craignure-inn.co.uk (01680) 812305; many B&Bs and self-catering cottages; options in Tobermory or on mainland
Public transport local buses to Gruline, 6.5km from the start, from ferry ports of Craignure, Tobermory and Fishnish: Bowmans Coaches (01680) 812313; ferry www.calmac.co.uk
Guidebook The Munrosed D Bennet, pb Scottish Mountaineering Trust
Tourist info Craignure Tourist Information Centre (01680) 812377 
While the Gaelic language is rightfully considered a rich and poetic one, few could argue that its full beauty and cultural heritage were brought to bear in the naming of some of Scotland’s peaks. To the non-speaker, mountain names likes Sgurr Dearg, Meall Dearg or Ruadh-stac Beag may well have a lyrical or romantic quality. But consider that when translated they mean simply ‘red hill’, ‘rocky red peak’ and ‘small steep red hill’, and you may well think them more literal than literary. And somewhat of an understatement to boot, given that Sgurr Dearg is the Inaccessible Pinnacle and Meall Dearg the central top of the Aonach Eagach!

Ben More on Mull is no different; it simply means ‘big mountain’. And, while it is undeniably a ‘big mountain’, that doesn’t come close to doing it justice.  Slap-bang in the middle of Mull, Ben More is not only the island’s sole Munro but it’s also the only island Munro outside of Skye. Often saved by Munro-baggers for their last top, its slopes rise right up from sea-level to a lofty height of 966m. And with nothing else of comparable height around, the views from its summit are tremendous. On a clear day you can see right out to the Outer Hebrides as well as inland to Ben Nevis and Glen Coe.

While the summit can be approached directly, this route takes in neighbouring A’ Chiochand the fantastic ridge that joins the two. Spectacularly narrow and rocky in places, this ridge is not for the faint-hearted. But,should you like it, you might just want to check out a few more ‘big mountains’. There’s Ben More in Crianlarich, Ben More Assynt, oh, and Ben More Coigach…

NM506367 There is space to park just off the B8035 road on the grass to the side of the bridge over the Abhainn na h-Uamha. From there follow a small, and sometimes very boggy path, up the right-hand side of the burn. This climbs very gently, passing pretty pools before a brief steep climb up the side of an impressive waterfall.

NM516357 From the top of the waterfall, you can see the col between Beinn Fhada and A’ Chioch straight ahead. Continue south-east again climbing very gently until you reach the foot of the final steeper slope up to the col, now over 3km from the start.

NM528348 Cross over the burn here and head directly to the 
col up fairly easy grassy slopes. Now at 525m with great views back down the glen to Loch na Keal, head south to begin the rocky ascent of A’ Chioch.
NM537344 While the lower slopes are reasonably broad the ridge soon narrows to a dramatic and rocky point that requires sure footing and a good head for heights, with steep drops on either side into Gleann na Beinne Fada and Glen Clachaig. After scrambling along the top of this narrow ridge you reach the small top of A’ Chioch and fantastic views over to Ben More.

NM535333 From the top descend down easier slopes on a clear path to the narrow col between A’ Chioch and Ben More. From here the route is at its most challenging, climbing the extremely narrow and very rocky ridge to the summit of Ben More. Sections of path to the left of the ridge top avoid scrambling over some rocky outcrops but do traverse loose scree on steep slopes, so pick which option you’re most comfortable with to emerge onto the surprisingly large and rounded summit of Ben More.

NM525330 With the hard work done for the day you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit, not least back over the ridge from A’ Chioch. To descend, follow the clear path down the north-west ridge, above Coire nam Fuaran. The path then drops to meet and then cross the Abhainn Dhiseig. Once over, the path becomes less rocky but more boggy as it heads down the east side of the burn before joining a track by a cottage and descending to the B8035.

NM494359 Walk right along the road for just less than 2km to return to the start.