Alternative route Via A'Chioch
Distance : 10km,ascent : 1060m
The route described on the left is direct and on an obvious path all the way. However a finer route over a longer circuit can be done taking in A'Choich and some easy scrambling.
Start by a bridge over the Abainn na h-Uamha at NM507367. Follow the path up the west side of the burn and its waterfalls to the col between Beinn Fhada and A'Chioch. Turn south, up loose ground to A'Choich. Easy down the west side, then occasional easy scrambling up Ben More's east side, particularly higher up. Reach the summit and take in the views !
From the summit, head north-west, following the edge, once the descent steepens, the boulders become more difficult to progress over. The boulders are left behind, the ground levels and becomes grass covered. Reach the large cairn at An Gearna, then pick up a faint path to follow down to some loose ground to a wet area prior to reaching the path back to the route start.
Dun da Ghaoithe - the only corbett on Mull
Ascent : 900m, distance : 14.5km
Although this corbett requires starting from just above sea-level, the route is obvious, easy and very runnable.
On the A849, 2km south of the Craignuire ferry terminal, a sign marks the way up to the Bird of Prey centre. Roadside parking near the entrance is not possible, but, with permission, you could park up the track at the centre. From the centre, just follow the track all the way past the first mast to the second mast. Beyond this mast, a faint path crosses the grassy ground and follows the crest to the summit of Mainnir nam Fiadh above Coire Mor. Turn north-west and cross the wide plateau to reach the Dun da Ghaoithe's summit.
The easiest return is by the same route. Alternatively, you could head north from the summit and drop into Coire Clachach and follow the Allt Achadh na Moine. You might find a compass that I dropped somewhere near the burn ! Upon reaching the forest, the terrain becomes troublesome - tree stumps hiding in the rush will trap the unwary ! Pick up the forest track and turn right to eventually reach the road west of Alltcreich.
