Senior
A circular
run starting on wild Loch Na Keal. A mile along the
road takes you to the steep climb of the first top of
the day clearly seen from the start (manned checkpoint
1). A short hop takes you to Beinn Ghraig and to a breathtaking
path (not that you will be admiring the views) to the
col at 547362. Contour Beinn nan Gabhar and then climb
the obvious grassy gully (obvious if not misty) to Beinn
Fhada summit (manned checkpoint 2). Descend the Fhada
scree slopes (taking particular care with the rocky
crags) direct south to the ‘Scottish Island Peaks
race’ col at 538344 (manned checkpoint 3) and
then take the direct route up to A’Chioch (manned
checkpoint 4). Descend to the Ben More col and head
straight for the summit by following the path as it
meanders and climbs the south facing slopes then meets
a ‘chimney’ that takes you almost to the
top (manned checkpoint 5). NOTE THE A’CHOICH AND
BEN MORE RIDGES ARE ‘RUNNABLE’ BUT REQUIRE
ATTENTION AND CARE. THE BEN MORE RIDGE CAN BE TAKEN
DIRECT BUT REQUIRES SOME DIFFICULT SCRAMBLING. Take
the ‘tourist track’ down from the summit
to the Dhiseig burn and either contour the boggy hillside
or head to the road and to the Finish/Start at the Fhada
Bridge. Take a well deserved jump from the rock into
the beckoning deep fresh water pool!
The alternative weather route (gales) will follow the
usual race to the ‘Scottish Islands Peaks Race’ col
and then run directly to the start/finish at Loch Na
Keal (missing the scramble of A’Chioch and the
Ben).
Registration
Registration will be at the start on the Loch Na Keal
shore 507368 from 1030 until kick off at 1130 (or very
soon after).
Transport
The race start time allows for runners to take the
0930 Oban ferry arriving at Craignure for 1015 where
they can meet John and the minibus to take them to the
start. NOTE: those that book a seat with John will get
on the bus first and those who don’t can get the
Bowmans public bus to Salen and wait for John to return!
There is an earlier ferry if people prefer or alternatively
there is the more frequent and scenic Lochaline/Fishnish
ferry. Slagging off will be at the finish for around
1500 and then John will start shipping people back to
Salen and then Craignure. In the highly unlikely event
that the weather will be inclement (!!!) then alternative
arrangements will be made
All a bit rushed but John made the mistake that the
Calmac 1900 ferry doesn’t commence from May and
therefore needs to start that bit earlier to allow everyone
the possibility of arriving and departing on the day.
Therefore there is no need to bring the car on the Island
although if you intend to bring the car and even make
a weekend trip then remember to book the Ferry in advance
if coming from Oban on 01680 812 343.
Weather
Wish we could arrange that one! The
first Mull Monster (the full length of Mull) was a real
pea souper form head to tail. The second run of the
Monsterette called for the alternative route to be run.
The third and fourth races gave idyllic sunbathing around
the Fhada pools. So be prepared…be really prepared!
Accomodation
Wild camping at Loch Na Keal is amazing although there
is a camp site on the other side of the shore at Kiliechronan.
As it’s the Mull Music Festival that weekend,
B&B will be busy so phone the Tourist Board now
if required 08707 200 610.
Important information
1. Apart from the 5 Manned checkpoints, the course
will not be marked.
2. Experience and navigational skills required.
If there is mist then confidence with a map is paramount
(there
are some magnetic anomalies especially around Ben
More so compass direction is not always dependable).
3. There will be an alternative adverse weather course
(gales) that will follow the usual course but turn
at the ‘Scottish Islands Peaks Race’ col and
head directly for the Start/Finish.
4. There will be a basic marquee at the Fhada bridge
Start/Finish but no toilet facilities (although plenty
of open hill side!).
5. The following equipment MUST be carried (there
will be checks):
•
Windproof complete body cover (including hat & gloves).
•
Other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions.
•
Suitable map and compass.
•
Whistle
6. If you ‘retire’, PLEASE report to the
start/finish.
No tea & cakes
No showers
No village hall
No nice prize giving
Just raw lung bursting island hills.
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