Ben More on the Isle of Mull

We caught the 22.30 Calmac ferry from Oban to Craignure. Getting this ferry at this time of night guarantees the most fantastic of sunsets. After a stressful week in work there is no better release and reminder about what life is really about!

After the hour to Fidden Farm we jumped in the back of the van for a well deserved nights sleep. This was less eventful than last time when I was wrestling with the tent in the sea breeze! Once again we awoke to the most amazing view of turquoise seas and white sand.

The plan for the weekend was to circumnavigate Iona by Sea Kayak and climb Ben More for a spot of 'Munro Bagging'. The weather had other ideas. We decided to go for Ben More and hope that the weather improved for the next day.
We decided to park at the finishing point in the Cicerone guide to walking the Munros. This has to be one of the best guide books I have used in terms of clarity and accuracy. A short walk along the road it wasn't long before the ascent began.



The views out towards the Treshnish Isles were spectacular and well worth the effort. The wind was blowing quite strong at this point and the idea of scrambling the east ridge became an exciting prospect! Once on the ridge the route was clear and very enjoyable.



This was a walk with a quality 360 degree view throughout. The last scramble section became more exciting and route choice was interesting! The views took our minds off the constant howl of the wind. Compared to the tourist path which we descended, this was like being on a different mountain.

At the top we were rewarded with an even better view. As we had left late it was early evening when we topped out.

The descent was down the ever popular tourist route yet for the whole walk we saw no one. We had had the mountain and views to ourselves. This is definitely a walk to do again if given the chance. This for me epitomised why I like to climb mountains.

Fell Running Fun

Pen Y Fan

Ascent: 530m

Miles: 5

Going home always starts with the same ordeal, M6 traffic from Cumbria to South Wales! It was in the queue that I had the urge to run up Pen Y Fan the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. H agreed that this would be good to blow out the Saturday morning cobwebs. It was then time to convince Neil (my brother). So after much selling it was a 9am pick up to avoid the crowds up the most popular mountain in South Wales. The ascent was more tough as you could see the path all the way up.



A small respite on the ridge before tackling some steep rock steps. Then on to the summit. It was quite busy already on the mountain and this meant lots of words of encouragement and looks of 'you must be mad!'. Standing on the summit was unreal, a feeling of personal accomplishment!



After admiring the view it was time to descend. Back at the car all decided that it was well worth the effort! Bring on the next one!

CatBells and Maiden Moor

Ascent: 1032m

Miles: 10 miles

This was a last minute Sunday afternoon decision. I have always wanted to run CatBells as the view is always stunning from that side of the Lakes. We started at Portinscale for a warm up before hitting the first fell. H did not listen to the distance or ascent figures until she asked getting out of the car, this prompted her not speaking to me until we hit Catbells!



The ascent was steep but you gained height quickly. The view over Keswick and Derwent water was stunning and well worth the effort. Soon we hit the top and spent time admiring the view.



It was then time to head for Maiden Moor. A small section of descent followed by gentle ascent.



Just before the top we decided to drop off the side and explore the steep grassy slope! It wasn't long before we were on the Lake path on the way home. Legs were starting to feel tired now and we still had a fair distance back!

back at the car we were buzzing! 3 hours of great views and physical challenge were an excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Blencathra

Ascent: 687m
Miles: 5.5m

It was decided that Blencathra would be the target after a weekend of work. We decided to go the scenic route to Scales Tarn and tackle the steep side to the summit. The first stage was Mousthwaite Comb.

After encouragement from the groups on their way up it wasn't long before we topped out on the comb. Scales Tarn was the next target. A welcomed relief along the valley.

The ascent to the top was steep from the tarn. Again the view was well worth effort. Getting to the summit is always a great part of the run.

After the usual team pic it was time to descend. A great run and excellent views, just what is needed after a weekend of work!

Sea Kayaking Mull

We left work at 4pm and made our way for the Ferry at Oban. It was a special day for H turning 30! We celebrated with a meal at the Inn at Inverbeg on the way up. The steak is worth every penny!

After a great meal we headed for Oban to catch the 22.30 ferry. This was a great time to sail with the sun setting over Oban and the small Isles. We boarded the Caledonian Macbrayne ferry heading for Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

40 minutes later we were driving the single track roads to Fidden Farm campsite on the Ross of Mull. We were greeted with a fairly strong coastal wind which did not help putting the tent up! As it was H's birthday and she was suffering from severe sun burn she elected to stay in the van and laugh at me and my Dad holding on for dear life to the tent! Soon it was off to bed at 1.00. Learning about the golden hours of light off Colin Prior I could not resist setting the alarm for a 4.00 shoot. So I did and it was totally worth it!

Back to bed for a couple of hours hoping the wind would drop for our paddle. After breakfast it was time to assess. Having ordered a double sea kayak it had not arrived in time for the trip so we were in singles. H elected to take the ferry across to Iona not fancying the trip in a force 4-5. So it was me and my Dad to brave the crossing to the Abbey. It was fun!

Once across the other side we put on our tourist clothes and had a guided tour around the Abbey. Although not religious I felt that there was something special about this place. The history of St Columba is fascinating. Soon it was time to head back to the campsite. Surfing all the way wind against tide! Back at the campsite the rain visited, so it was tea then off to bed to catch up from my early morning shoot. Dad was very proud of his shelter that proved invaluable when cooking tea in the rain!

When we awoke from our evening siesta we could not believe the conditions or the view. H was itching to go for a paddle so we decided to visit the southern tip of Iona for the sunset.

We were not disappointed. I decided to take the DSLR on land for a view over the western side of Iona only to find myself lost with fading light! The picture was worth it ! We made our way back under moon light, marks and head torch light. It was an experience to remember!

It had been one of those days you live for! In the morning it was time to visit Tinkers Hole. A popular mooring place for any sailor in these waters.

Dad decided to do a bit of fishing and as usual caught nothing. The sun was beating down so me and H made the most of it!

Soon it was time to head back to pack up and catch the ferry at 17.00 from Craignure. Dad had fond memories of the chocolate cake at Duart Castle so we had to visit! A cup of tea and cake later we headed for the ferry home.

On the ferry we all agreed that Mull would hold many adventures in the future.

Dedicated to H and her milestone of a birthday!