Dun Da Ghaoithe seen from the Ferry to Craignure

The Ardgour and Morvern peaks seen from the ferry to Craignure

My last trip to Scotland was done back in June. I was well overdue in going back to the highlands. I thought my final year at university would be extremely busy - indeed it should be but there are times when I just decide to put the brakes on work and get away from the pressure of everyday life. This is one occasion when I feel like that and then my mind it set on getting to Scotland a lot more often.

The forecast for Saturday was one of fine dry weather though sadly Sunday would revert back to default mode. I slept well on the overnight coach from Manchester - I seem to be getting used to sleeping well on the coach. It makes the journey go by a lot quicker. Unfortunately most of Saturday was spent traveling rather than hiking though there were some excellent views on the coach to Oban and some even better ones on the ferry to Craignure.

These views were all new to me and even the mainland summits around Glen Coe looked unrecognizable. There was snow above 1000m on the mainland summits though it was only a tiny dusting and no doubt it would melt away on Sunday.

Looking towards the mainland peaks of Glen Coe

Ben Cruachan seen clearly with some snow on top

I arrived at Craignure and it felt like traveling back in time to a more desolate country. The coastline was far more desolate compared with neighbouring mainland coast. The moors were golden in the November sun and I was just glad to be here.

Looking south to the Altantic

The bus to Salen left 10 minutes after the ferry arrived - there was no wasting time here! The coach driver seemed very keen to get to the destinations quickly - he certainly seemed to be driving quickly! I arrived at Salen and waited 45 minutes for a hitch to the bottom of Ben More. While I waited there was a wedding at the local church. Two rally minis screamed by scaring the life out of me! I heard a screech at the road junction followed by clapping and then bagpipes!?! What was going on??? I was told one of the minis was carrying the bride - not like any wedding I've heard of!

The Roadside along Loch na Keal with Beinn Ghraig seen in the Background

Ben More seen from the road

I set off walking from the coast of Loch na Keal at 2.30pm giving me two hours of daylight to play with. The scenery was wild. If it wasn't for the road then the place would have an even greater wow factor to it.

The cliff edge of Creag Mhor

Beinn Fhada seen before rising up to An Gearna

I made steady progress up the spur of An Gearna to the camp spot at Coire nam Fuaran. I had 1/2 hour of daylight left upon finding a spot to camp. Oh the views were magic! Islands and coastline of beauty unmatched by anything south of the border kept me in awe of my surroundings. Yes this place would certainly rank highly as a place to camp.

The Isle of Eorsa and Loch na Keal

Coire nam Fuaran and the final rise to Ben More

I didn't have my usual tent available but thankfully one of my friends came to the rescue with their tent shortly before I left for Scotland. It wasn't the strongest tent but it managed to stay up OK in the overnight breeze that developed.

Sunset over Coirc Bheinn

I got up at 8.00am. I was hoping for nice weather but the rain seemed to have set in so sadly no views from the summit. I was hoping to do the A' Chioch ridge today though I asked 'what's the point?' In hindsight I should have done the ridge and continued over to Beinn Fhada though my mind was set to the mentality of getting back to the road - I didn't know how easy it would be to hitch to Salen. I admit I missed the best part of the mountain but at least I climbed the summit. It was my first time on Mull. Indeed it was my first time on any Scottish Island. I loved Saturday - shame about today though.

I arrived back to the road at 11.30am and got a hitch at 12.00am - it was the first car to pass me in the direction of Salen! I arrived at Craignure at 1.00pm. I contemplated an ascent of Dun da Ghaoithe (777m) though that would have cut it very fine with the ferry departure at 5.00pm. It was raining anyway! Instead I spent the four hours in the pub. That proved expensive for me but at least it was dry. The pub - The Ceilidh Place - didn't convey an ambiance feeling welcome to stay without spending much. I was afraid I would be kicked out if I didn't regularly go to the bar for more food!

I arrived back home at 4.00am for bed. Wow! Out to Mull and back! Well I would be up again at 8.00am for 9.00am lectures. My god did I feel tired!

Would I want to go back to Mull? Very much so though not for a weekend - it's a bit too far for that. I think I'll do a proper expedition of the island later on and visit the many natural features found on the Island. My advice: go there! If you haven't been to a Hebridean Island then you don't know what you're missing! For now I think I'll continue with the mainland Munros.