Ben More (Mull)

Ben More
Beinn Mòr

Ben More from the shores of Loch na Keal
Highest point
Elevation 966 m (3,169 ft) [1]
Prominence 966 m (3,169 ft) 
Ranked 7th in British Isles
Parent peak none - HP Mull
Listing Marilyn, Munro
Coordinates 56°25′29″N 6°00′48″W / 56.424732°N 6.013333°W / 56.424732; -6.013333Coordinates: 56°25′29″N 6°00′48″W / 56.424732°N 6.013333°W / 56.424732; -6.013333
Naming
Translation Big mountain (Gaelic)
Pronunciation Scottish Gaelic: [ˈpeiɲ ˈvoːɾ]
Geography
OS grid NM525330
Topo map OS Landranger 47, 48

Ben More (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Mhòr, meaning "great mountain") is the highest mountain and only Munro (mountains in Scotland that reach an elevation of 3000 feet or more) on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

It is the highest peak in the Inner Hebrides apart from those on the Isle of Skye. The mountain is situated in the south of the island, above the shores of Loch na Keal.

Access and climbing route

The peak is easiest reached from Loch na Keal, the walk up from the B8035 road following farm tracks, the side of a stream; Abhainn Dhiseig, and ultimately up scree slopes to the top. From the summit on a clear day, the view encompasses the Sound of Mull, Staffa, Ulva, the Ross of Mull and Iona in the distance. From sea loch to summit is approximately a four-hour walk.

The more demanding but rewarding route follows a boggy path up the banks of Abhainn na h-Uamha to the bealach between A' Chìoch ("The Breast") and Beinn Fhada (not to be confused with its namesake in Kintail). From the bealach the route follows South West along a steep and rocky ridge first to the peak of A' Chìoch then on and up to Ben More itself. There is respite at the top in a circular refuge of stones. This route starts and ends on the B8035 road and is approximately a 6-hour walk and scramble.

Climbers should be cautious when using a compass in misty conditions since there is magnetic rock in places, especially near the summit of the mountain.

Geology

Around 60 million years ago, the region was volcanically active, with Ben More being the remnant of a volcano, and it was in this period that the famous rock formations of Staffa and the basaltic columns of "The Castles" on Ulva came into being.[2] The lava flows are known as the "Staffa Magma Type member" and can also be seen on Mull at Carsaig, Ardtum, and near Tobermory on its east coast. They are particularly rich in silica.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ben More (Mull)". walkhighlands.co.uk. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  2. ↑ "Ulva — Geology". The Isle of Ulva — A world apart. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  3. ↑ "Mull-Staffa". Scottish Geology Website. Hunterian Museum. Retrieved 2007-11-05.

External links

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