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Brain Marshall

Mull Monsterette Hill Race
8 miles
4500ft of ascent
An inspiring classic mountain race


Next race: TBC

11:30 start


Louise Burt 2006

 


The Start Marquee

Start : Loch Na Keal, Isle of Mull, Fada Bridge
NM 507368
Category AM 12.8km / 1520m
Pre entry £5, on the day £7

The Junior Race

Ben More Ridge

Results

2013
2010
2008 - SHR Championship Race
2007

A'Chioch and Ben

The Course from the first top
Organiser:
John Coyle, Keepers Cottage, Aros Bridge, Aros, Mull, PA72 6JP, 01680 300685
sir_coyle@hotmail.com

on the first ridge

Fada Pool
Course records:
Men: Brian Marshall 01:46:02 (2008)
Women: Jill Mykura 02:03:57 (2008)
Does John's Bum Look Big in This?
Out on the Course

Top of the grass gully

Map

Download Map as PDF

Download Entry form

WORD or PDF


Manned Checkpoint

Course

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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