Hiking Ben More’s only Munro is an absolute pleasure for the 360 degree views, but is not the easiest climb!

Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 966 metres (3169 feet)
Terrain: Can be boggy at the lower parts, slippery with loose rocks underfoot and increasingly steep at the top
Location: Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Start: Dhiseig car park
End: Dhiseig car park

Hiking Ben More on the Isle of Mull

Known for its distinctive pyramid shape, Ben More is the highest peak on the Isle of Mull, standing at 966 metres tall.

I hiked Ben More as part of a week-long girl’s trip to the Isle of Mull. We were blessed by the most beautiful weather for early April. In fact, it was almost too hot at times. Luckily, we had the opportunity to cool off in one of the many natural pools on the mountainside. Although the water looked inviting, it was freezing!

There are three paths to the summit of Ben More, and we chose the most popular (and easiest) route from Dhiseig car park. Most of the track is unmarked, but fairly logical. We slowly coursed our way up the mountainside and remembered to turn back and take in the views every once in a while. 

However, it was tough going and certainly one of the steeper mountainsides I’ve hiked – at least towards the end. There were also many times when I felt my feet slip from underneath me on the way down. The loose rocky gravel can be treacherous. 

But, if you have a decent level of fitness, I wouldn’t let this put you off. It’s a highly rewarding hike and 100% worth it for the panoramic vista overlooking the steep hillsides of Mull and out towards Loch Na Keal and the smaller islands, including Ulva, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. 

As we hiked out of peak tourist season, the mountain offered a quiet walk. We reached the top to find a couple catching their breath. Once they left, we were the only ones at the summit, offering a nice feeling of remoteness. This is considered a popular walking and running route, but if you go out of season, you can enjoy some solitary splendour.

Highlights:

• Ben More summit
• Views over Loch Na Keal, the Isle of Ulva and the Treshnish Isles.
• Ben More pools

Ben More Isle of Mull Photos

Mull’s mountainous landscape with the Isle of Ulva in the background.

Don’t forget to look back every now and again on the way up to enjoy the beautiful views of Loch Na Keal and the Isle of Ulva.

Stunning views on the way back down.

It gets a bit steep at the top!

Photo of Ben More captured en-route back from the Isle of Iona.

Iconic view of Ben More and its pyramid shape.

Amenities & places to eat:

There are no cafes, restaurants or toilets on this route, so make sure to pack a wholesome picnic. As this hike tends to be a quieter one, you should find opportunities for nature toilet stops if needed.

Places to stay near Ben More: 

If you want to stay within the dramatic landscape that Ben More has to offer, you can book the Derryguaig Smiddy on the lower slopes, available to rent through Isle of Mull Cottages. If you’d rather stay in a town, I’d recommend Tobermory or Salen.

Getting to Isle of Mull from mainland Scotland:

The main ferry connection between mainland Scotland and Isle of Mull runs between Oban and Craignure which you can book through the Caledonian MacBrayne website.  

However, there is another smaller ferry service that runs between Lochaline and Fishnish which runs on a first come, first served basis. We discovered the latter option after our Oban ferry got cancelled due to engine failure! While we eagerly waited for the Fishnish ferry, we spotted a pod of dolphins – a perfect way to end our nature-fueled holiday. 

Places to park:

The parking is perfectly placed at Dhiseig and it’s free. You may get caught up in local traffic en route (I’m talking about the free-roaming sheep!)

Can you get to Ben More on the Isle of Mull by public transport?

To get to Ben More, we’d recommend driving, hiring a taxi or renting a car or bicycle. There are no buses that travel to Dhiseig car park.

Is the hike dog friendly?

If your dog can handle a challenging hike, then it’s fine for you to take them to the summit. 

Best time to do this walk: 

Anytime between April and August are considered the best times of year to hike up Ben More. The views are weather dependent, so it’s worth checking the weather forecast before you go.

What to wear & pack:

• First aid kit
• A fully charged phone
• A waterproof coat if rain is forecast
• Hiking boots (Comfortable, watertight shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.)
• Hiking boot socks
• Trousers or leggings that you don’t mind getting muddy
• Walking sticks (for people with knee aches)
• Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Hat and gloves in the winter
• Sunhat, sunglasses and sun lotion in the summer
• Blister plasters
• Quick-dry towel, swimwear and change of clothes

Staying safe:

This hike was not without its challenges. I slipped and grazed my hands on the rocks on the way down. Luckily my friend had a first aid kit so was able to sanitise the wounds and provide plasters. I recommend taking a basic first aid kit as a precaution.

If you’re planning to take a dip in the mountain pools, make sure you have a dry set of clothes to change into. As an avid wild swimmer, my friend insisted that I change into dry clothes, despite me wanting to stay cool and damp to avoid overheating in the sun. Apparently staying in cold, wet swimwear is how hypothermia sneaks up on you!

Around the pools and waterfalls there are some steep drops, so take care.

Fancy more walks in the area?

If you’re looking for something more relaxing to do after your challenging climb, I can recommend Iona or Ulva – both must-visit, peaceful islands off the coast of Mull.

Quiet Roams rating:

⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️

4/5 – This route almost bagged itself 5-stars for the views alone, but the tricky terrain lost this route a star. However, for hikers that don’t mind a challenge, this mountain hike is a real treat.