Snow on Ben More
Snow on Ben More, Mull
Ben More on the island of Mull is the only island Munro outside of Skye. Ben More lies between Loch na Keal to the north, and Loch Scridain to the south. The mountain’s summit is formed where three ridges meet.
Ben More is a popular hill for hillwalkers. There are stunning views from the summit, which is 3169 feet above the lochs. On a clear day it’s possible to see out to Coll and Tiree to the west, and Morvern and Ardnamurchan to the north.
The commonest route for walkers to take is from the north side, starting out at Loch Na Keal, and taking the track which passes by Dhiseig, a house on the northern slopes of the mountain. Since the route starts from sea level, it takes several hours to climb the hill to the top and back.
I love the winter colours on Mull. There’s been some dramatic winter storms recently, with snow then heavy rain in the middle of the week. There’s often a cap of snow on the summit of Ben More at this time of year. This photo was taken from the south side, by Advergnish farmhouse near Pennyghael.
Mull
Trip to Mull
On a recent brief trip to Mull the weather forecast changed from looking pretty abysmal to unseasonably warm sunshine. We decided it was worth a trip up Ben More. I’ve only ever been up it from the South side before, so was looking forward to trying out a different route.
The weather certainly didn’t disappoint us!
There was some cloud, but it stayed dry and sunny all day. The few clouds that appeared disappeared just as fast. Ben More is the highest mountain on Mull, and at 966 m (3,169 ft), is classified as a Munro. The panoramic view as we climbed the last section of the hill was spectacular. I’m blaming that for the walk taking so long! We could easily identify Ulva down in the loch below, and, Coll and Tiree on the horizon. Looking north and east we could see across to Morven, Moydart, Knoydart and a wee corner of Skye. It’s absolutely stunning landscape on a day like this.
For me, the best views came when we reached the summit. The cloud was sitting on the top as we climbed the last rise, so we arrived to almost no view at all. It very quickly disappeared, leaving the ridge to the east bathed in sun – what a beautiful sight. And I was lucky enough to see my first Brokenspectre at the top!
Camasunary bothy on Skye
Camasunary bothy, Skye
I fell in love with this tiny wee bothy in such an enormous landscape. Camasunary is near Elgol on Skye, at the foot of Bla Bheinn, and right by the sea. Perfect!
View from Bla Bheinn
We were lucky to climb Bla Bheinn on a hot, still, cloudless day this week. The munro is on the Strathaird peninsula on Skye, and gives stunning views over the Cuillin ridge on a clear day. This was one of my favourites – looking down over the Cuillin ridge, Loch an Athain and Ruadh Stac, with the path that heads out to Sligachan clearly visible.
Buy this photo as a print from the Photography Scotland website shop
Camasunary Bay, Skye
Bothy at Camasunary bay, Skye
At the foot of Bla Bheinn (Blaven) on Skye, there’s a cracking wee bothy which is maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association. The bothy is at Camasunary on the Strathaird peninsula, which lies to the South of Bla Veinn. It’s a completely stunning location. The bothy can be used as a base for climbing Blaven, and the Cuillin Ridge. We were surprised we didn’t meet any munro baggers on our short trip, but there were people staying in the bothy each night, despite it still being fairly early in the season.
We camped on the shore for a couple of nights, and took refuge in the bothy on the final night of our trip when the wind was threatening to collapse one of the tents.
you can buy prints of this photo from the Photography Scotland website shop
Loch Achtriochtan in the Scottish Highlands
Looking across Loch Achtriochtan, Glencoe
I love the drive down Glencoe in the Highlands. The expanse of Rannoch moor changes abrubptly as as you pass Buachaille Etive Mor towering above the road. Suddenly the moodiness of Glencoe is all around. At some point I’ll be heading back up there with my bike, as there’s not many options for stopping in a car at the most scenic spots.
I do like the loch at the foot of the glen. This wee house must be endlessly photographed when it’s reflected in the flat calm surface of Loch Achtriochtan.
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Not so long now…
If you happen to love Christmas, and are feeling ultra organised, I’ve just been updating the website shop with some wintery Scottish photos that would make lovely Christmas cards.
Only 91 days to go, I believe…
Ben More on Mull, capped with snow
And if you happen to find you’re not so organised, you can email any of the images as free e-card…
Buy winter prints, cards and digital images from around Scotland
