Ben More
With a peak of 966 metres (3,169 feet), Ben More is the highest mountain on the Isle of Mull and is a must-do for all visitors to the island.
The mountain is located on the shores of Loch na Keal and Loch Beg where it offers spectacular views from two very different approaches on the north and south sides. Discover everything you need to know about Ben More with this complete visitor guide.
Virtual Tour
Overview
Ben More, located on the Isle of Mull, is the highest peak in the Inner Hebrides, standing majestically at 966 meters. It’s a popular attraction for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the island from its summit. The mountain’s challenging terrain, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty make it a must-visit for those keen on outdoor adventures.
No visitor to the Isle of Mull can fail to be slightly awestruck by the enormous mass of Ben More. As the highest mountain on the island (rising to an impressive 3,169 feet), this mountain (actually a Munro) dominates the landscape for miles around and offers amazing views from the summit.
Not only is Ben More the highest peak on the island but it’s one of the highest in the entire Inner Hebrides with only the peaks on the Isle of Skye beating it for height.
But although the mountain can’t take credit for being the tallest I personally think it wins the award for having the best hiking experiences, with the view from the top encompassing the Sound of Mull, the islands of Staffa and Ulva, the Isle of Skye, and the Highlands over on the mainland.
There are two routes to reach the top of Ben More, one from the shore of Loch Na Keal on its northern side and the other from the shore of Loch Beg on its southern side. Both are equally enjoyable although the second route from Loch Beg is much steeper.
Both routes will take you approximately 4 hours to get to the summit and it would be a good idea to have prior mountain walking experience before you attempt the climb. One word of warning – the mountain is formed from a magnetic volcanic rock so compasses might not work in certain areas.
The Highlights
1: The views across Mull from the summit of Ben More are amazing.
2: There are many different wildlife habitats to discover on this walk and you’ll likely see sea eagles and red deer during the ascent. Binoculars (link to my recommended optics) are a must.
3: It’s worth making the journey to Ben More even if you don’t get to the top as several flat plateaus offering stunning views.
Visiting Tips
1: This route from Loch Beg is very tough due to the steep and rough terrain. Don’t attempt it unless you’re reasonably fit.
2: Much of the route is very boggy. Make sure you’re wearing a good pair of waterproof walking boots (my recommended boots).
3: It would be easy to get lost without some form of navigation so take an OS map with you. Buy OS Landranger maps direct from Ordnance Survey.
Tourist Information
As the only Munro on Mull, Ben More offers a perfect opportunity to get your boots on if you’re into Munro bagging. The trails leading into the mountain are few and far between but once you get towards the summit you’ll be rewarded with the best viewpoint on the entire island.
One of the attractions of this mountain is that it has such a diverse landscape.
On your way up you’ll find a mixture of thick grassland, waterfalls, muddy bogs, scree-strewn cliff faces, woodland (at the bottom), rocky tracks and car-sized boulders, and there’s a fair amount of wildlife to keep an eye open for as you make your way past each section.
Remember to bring your binoculars with you because there are several herds of wild red deer roaming about the lower sections of Ben More while at the summit you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of white-tailed eagles on the hunt for their next meal.
Although the route to the summit is relatively easy heading from the north on the Loch Na Keal side, you can follow the much more challenging route from Loch Beg on the south side if you really want to go wild.
If you’d like suggestions for other hikes on Mull I recommend Carsaig Arches and Quinish Point.
And when I say wild I really do mean it – I didn’t see another person during the entire day I visited Ben More so this difficult ascent might be worth making the effort if you fancy getting away from it all for a few hours.
Beware that it gets very boggy in places so unless you’ve got a good pair of walking boots you’re going to find this walk nigh-on impossible, and forget it if it’s summer and you’re wearing flip-flops.
My advice would be to pack for every possible scenario because the weather can dramatically change in an instant once you get near the top so make sure you’ve got a decent map with you as well.
Buy OS Landranger maps direct from Ordnance Survey.
On a clear day you’ll get fantastic views across to the smaller islands of Ulva and Iona and the mighty Ben Cruachan mountain can also be seen on the mainland.
Things to Do
Climb Ben More: As the only island Munro outside of Skye, Ben More offers a challenging but rewarding climb. As you ascend the 3,170-foot (966-metre) route to the summit you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and Scottish mainland.
Wildlife Watching: Ben More is surrounded by diverse habitats that are home to a rich variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for golden eagles in the skies above, red deer on the lower slopes, and otters on the shorelines of Loch Scridain and Loch Na Keal.
Stargazing: With low light pollution, Mull offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Scotland. Set up camp near Ben More and watch as the Milky Way unfurls above you. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Photography Walks: The stunning landscapes of Ben More provide endless photographic opportunities. Capture the raw beauty of the rugged mountain and the serene surrounding lochs. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual snapper, you’ll find lots of inspiration at Ben More.
Wild Swimming: If you’re a fan of outdoor swimming, the lochs at the base of Ben More offer a unique experience. While the water can be chilly, the thrill of swimming in such a scenic location is worth the initial shiver. Just remember to wear a wetsuit to lower the risk of muscle cramps.
Things to Do Nearby
Loch Na Keal.
A large sea loch to the north of Ben More. The loch is a popular destination for cyclists thanks to the B8073 and the B8035 that follow the water’s edge to the north and south respectively.
Dun da Ghaoithe. Isle of Mull PA65 6BB.
A 766-metre-high curving ridge that looks over the ferry terminal at Craignure. Relatively easy-going although the rough path is unmarked.
Loch Spelve. Inverlussa, Isle of Mull PA65 6BD.
A sea loch that is almost landlocked apart from a narrow opening to the Firth of Lorn. Easily accessed via the A849. Due to its protection from the sea, Loch Spelve is often used by kayakers and it makes a good location for paddleboards to explore the Southeast region of Mull.
Aros Castle. Isle of Mull PA72 6JP.
A ruined 13th-century castle that mostly comprises a few walled sections. Good views across the firth to the mainland. There are lots of paths that follow the coastline to the north and south.
Loch Scridain and Loch Beg.
Sea lochs that cut into the southwest tip of Mull. The larger loch, Scridain, is over nine miles in length and stops at a small peninsula that separates it from Loch Beg. There is a multitude of walks in the area, especially to the south on the Ross of Mull.
Frequently Asked Questions
How steep is Ben More?
Ben More is the highest peak on Mull and one of the most prominent in the UK. Its steepness can vary depending on the route you take, but it’s generally quite steep and challenging, especially its northeastern face which slopes at an angle of about 30 to 40 degrees. The most popular route, starting from Dhiseig on the shores of Loch na Keal, is a direct ascent to the summit and includes a steep, sustained climb with a gradient of approximately 20-25 degrees in parts. However, this varies across the route, with some sections being steeper than others.
How difficult is Ben More on Mull?
Ben More on the Isle of Mull is either moderate or hard depending on the side climbed. From Loch Beg heading north, the summit is a steep and difficult climb with lots of rough, boggy ground to cross.
The climb in the opposite direction from Loch Na Keal heading south is easier thanks to a narrow ridge that is longer, but shallower and firmer underfoot.
How long does it take to climb Ben More on Mull?
Expect to take 6 hours for the return climb to the summit of Ben More from Dhiseig.
What height is Ben More?
The height of Ben More is 3,100 feet (945 metres).
