On the rather large, sprawling Isle of Mull there lies a great amount of diverse outdoor adventures that I think is largely overlooked by outdoor adventurers much preferring to run big rivers or climb hard routes on the mainland, but i think Mull is the perfect all round package for any and all outdoor adventurers.
The geography
The Isle of Mull was a volcano that cooled millions of years ago. The peak of the island forms the illustrious summit of Ben more, or "Big peak" in Scottish Gaelic. Ben more is the only Munro outside of the Scottish mainland and north Cymru, that makes it a memorable munro in a peak bagger's journey.
With over 300 miles of coastline there is lots of opportunity for sea kayaking both inland and out to Coll or Tiree, there are also plenty of lonely, desolate, deserted islands inhabited only by sheep and the occasional sea eagle or puffin just waiting to be discovered and explored in the most organic sense of the word.
The major population centres can found on the eastern coast of the island in the villages of Craignure (that hosts the ferry to the mainland and has the islands major hospital) Salen and the Islands quaint capital of Tobermory.
Climbing
The main centres for climbing on the island consist of the many sea cliffs hosting multi pitch climbs that are scattered around the coast mainly around the north and western edge of the island giving a real, rustic hardcore feel to the climbing at hand. Balancing wildlife, athletic endurance, and the unforgiving Scottish weather. But the most magical spot on the island is in my opinion present on the southern coast near the small, eerie village of Bunessen. The pink basalt rock proposes a number of different opportunities for simplistic but thrilling single pitch and objectively terrifying deep water soloing over the dark, bible black sea waiting to swallow any ill fated mad-man (or woman!) brave enough to attempt the traverses across it.
Winter itself gives a gift to any budding winter mountaineers wanting to tick off a grade 1,2 or 3 winter gully climbs on ben more, with its white blanketed summit and plateau. However care and experience is imperative to attempt there is currently not a mountain rescue team on the island with the closest mountain rescue team being in Oban.
Walking
For those wanting to attempt something a little gentler mull is a hidden gem for those wanting to take a wander amongst our glens and modest hills located in the south and centre of the island, but alas anywhere on the Isle is good for walking wherever you'll be you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views and many different breeds of birds ranging from the mighty sea eagle to the spirited puffin, and don't even get me started Alba's most iconic creature, no not the ranger's fan but the triumphant stag.
Mull is lucky enough to have a bothy 4 miles up a well worn gravel track used for quick access up the glen by the ben more estate. The bothy is situated at the foot ben Talaidh that's well weathered dome serves as a memorial to an unlucky crew of a Dakota transport plane that crashed back in the second world war. In the last 200 meters to the bothy there lies the propeller of the plane and often a wreath laid by the local community to commemorate the tragic loss of those lives. Enclosed in the bothy are two fireplaces 3 rooms and several raised sleeping platforms, a perfect place to escape the hostile yet charming weather.
Kayaking/canoeing
As i said earlier there are around about 300 miles of coastline, with waters ranging from wild, whirlpooling torrents to gentle, mellow, shallow crystal clear blue waters perfect for a bit wild swimming to feel the chill. A particular favorite stretch of coastline of mine is Calgary beach That when the tide is right provides a exhilarating, adrenaline inducing surf that is neatly sheltered in a cove.
If your wanting a sea kayaking expedition then there are plenty on coves, hidden beaches and caves that are waiting for explorers to come, who know you might even have a little seal come up, perplexed asking "what on earth are you doing here?" .
There are also many, many wee burns littered around, that when it rains ( and when it rains... it rains) turn these once placid streams into raging highways of water for any hardcore white water paddler. (elbow pads recommended!)
Lochs such as loch Ba (the same that features in the poem) also provides the fisherman and Canoeist amongst us with the calm and tranquility that can often be found upon the loch's surface.
A Favour
If after reading this your intrigued to visit please support the local economy, buy local, spend local. Our Islands future depends on tourists choosing to come to our Island. Please also refrain from touching the wildlife (I know they're cute but still) and please look after our environment, after all there is no place like it.
Keep exploring folks!
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