DOLLY’S LAST – BEN MORE, MULL 24 JULY 2025

It's been a long time in the making, but Dolly eventually compleated her full set of Munros on the 24th of July 2025. Ben More on Mull is a reasonable choice for a last Munro though not necessarily in the school summer holidays. However, that's the way the plan and timing evolved.

Dave M with Dolly and Jill, her friend since school years drove to Mull via Edinburgh where we collected Keith, another good friend. The ferry from Oban was on time despite CalMac struggling with maintenance and capacity problems. The journey went well and by the early evening we had arrived in the very pleasant Craignure Bunkhouse.

The weather was expected to be misty in the morning and improving by lunchtime. The forecast proved to be accurate and with mild, calm and humid conditions the midges were set to have a field-day. Our slow, steady pace was insufficient to outrun the hungry insects even in the slight breeze at higher altitude. Undeterred, on we went in a clockwise, circular route up the Gleann na Beinne Fada, the ridge to A' Chioch summit and finally Ben More summit before descending to the Dhiseig car parking area.

The scramble to the summit of Ben More followed a vague line with many options to make life difficult for yourself. Down-climbing and route-finding in the opposite direction appeared to be awkward for a couple of groups and we felt that we had made a good choice to come the way we did.

The sun had still not appeared when we arrived on the summit. None the less there were celebratory plaudits, champagne and photographs to record the historical event before an innocent bystander asked Dolly to make a speech. We figured that we only had minimal food and water and, in addition, there wouldn't be enough daylight for Dolly to thank everyone that had helped her to achieve her compleation. So, with customary grace, Dolly declined to make a speech and our small party retrieved the champagne cork then headed down the main path to Dhiseig.

In the evening we had a celebratory meal in the Craignure Inn which was conveniently located next door to the bunkhouse. A perfect arrangement although the next morning was going to be an early start because our original, return ferry booking had been cancelled. Our new route off the island was via the Fishnish ferry and drive north to the Corran ferry before heading to Edinburgh via Glencoe. The ferries were both first-come-first-served and with Tobermory Highland Games having been held on the 24th we didn't want to get stuck in a queue. Or worse. We made good time with both ferries and the drive in between.

Well done to Dolly. It's a long-term project when you start Munro bagging and something special to achieve the full set of 282. We know how grateful you are for all of the help and companionship that so many kind and knowledgeable people have generously given and hope that you can continue to offer your help to those still on the same journey.

Cheers!

Dave M