Mull Long Weekend

5th-8th October 2024

There were eight of us for the long sort-of weekend (Saturday to Tuesday). Attendees: Alison, Kenny, Robert S, Alan, Bob, Jane, Moira and Gillie.

Moira, Alan and Gillie travelled together and arrived mid evening, Saturday. Alison arrived on the 12.15 ferry (with Kenny) and followed the Walk Highlands route up Dun da Ghaoithe in the wind and mist but saw a sea eagle! Robert went to the west coast a day earlier and climbed Beinn Fhionlaidh in atrocious weather. He then visited Iona on Saturday. Jane and Bob arrived earlier on Saturday and had a low level bike ride to Croggan and Lochbuie (a great cafe at the latter) and saw an otter at the the former!

The hostel was just near Fionnphort and very well equipped. We had two bunk rooms of four beds each, two very new shower rooms, a well-stocked kitchen and a dining/living room with a lovely big table and armchairs with a log stove. Saturday evening Moira cooked the main course and Jane and Bob provided dessert. Sunday we ate at the pub at Fionnphort and on Monday evening Gillie cooked soup and pasta whilst Alan made the dessert. All yummy.

On Sunday conditions were very wet and windy! Jane, Bob, Alan and Gillie wandered around Iona, enjoying the beaches. Alison, Robert, Kenny and Moira went up Beinn Talaidh and in the afternoon they had a wonderfully boggy walk (an A to B where Robert was chauffeur) from Glen More to Lochbuie via Airde Ghlas and Gleann a Chaiginn Mhoir.

Monday dawned the the weather was much improved - no rain and the promise of some cloud free tops. Alison set off to climb Beinn Fhada and then went up two smaller but still rocky hills: Beinn nan Gabhar and Beinn a Ghraig. She recommends the route and saw deer, mountain hares and even looked down on a sea eagle. All in glorious weather. Bob, Moira, Gillie and Alan hiked up Dun da Ghaiothe and the cloud lifted just as they reached the beginning of the ridge. They saw a peregrine (possibly) and some eagles.... golden/sea??? Robert and Kenny hiked up Ben More but their top was still in cloud - Robert was just glad to get it done! Jane had some wonderful short walks from the hostel, enjoying the beautiful coastline and beaches.