Ben More run

Peaks: A'Chioch (867m), Ben More (966m)
Area: Isle of Mull, Scotland
As we were staying very close to the Kilchoan-Tobermory ferry, a day on Mull seemed inevitable. We went across to the south of the island two years ago, but had never explored by car. The day dawned even clearer, and we enjoyed a memorable crossing of the Sound of Mull looking up at yesterday's peak of Ben Hiant as we sailed. It was then a very pleasant drive along the shores of the Sound to Salen, then crossing the isthmus to Loch na Keal on the western side of Mull. This feels wilder and more remote, although Ben More is obviously a popular objective, as befits its status as the only island Munro outside Skye. It is a very fine peak indeed, although the normal tourist route is a nasty slog from sea level. Instead, I headed up Gleann na Beinne Fada. This was hot but relatively gentle and runnable the whole way to the steepening before the col between Beinn Fhada and my first objective, A'Chioch. Time was very limited (two hours in total for the full traverse), as the family had gone for a drink in Salen and I'd arranged to be collected opposite the obvious island of Eorsa. Superb views inland as I crested the ridge at the col, then opening out to sea as I embarked on the mild scramble leading to the top of A'Chioch. The ridge is quite distinctive and you can get a reasonable amount of rock if you stick to the crest. From A'Chioch, Ben More looks magnificent: a classic pyramidal peak. Just a few fluffy clouds above as I ran down the broad ridge to the next, narrower col. From here, the scrambling continues in the same vein, although it is better and more continuous. Again, I stuck religiously to the crest and enjoyed the final climb immensely. Fabulous views of sea, loch and mountain as I reached the top. The Paps of Jura immediately obvious, bringing fond memories of the race in 2014. Scarba, Iona and (much closer) Ulva were all clearly visible, as was most of the topography of Mull, a wonderfully varied island. No water or food, so I pelted down the tedious tourist route, joining the path along the Abhainn Dhiseig before branching off north over tussocky moorland to meet the family at the appointed place, very hot by now. Quite tiring to fit all this into two hours, but a wonderful and memorable circuit. We took a leisurely route back to Tobermory and the ferry, stopping at various points of interest along the way.