Beinn Fhada, A' Choich and Ben More Loop

This difficult mountain circuit on the Isle of Mull links Beinn Fhada, A’ Chìoch, and Ben More in a compact but serious day out of roughly 14 km / 8.7 miles with about 1,200 m / 3,940 ft of ascent. It is a route for strong hillwalkers who are comfortable on steep, rough ground and who can cope with bog, loose stone, and short sections of easy scrambling. Ben More rises to 966 m / 3,169 ft and is the highest mountain on Mull as well as the island’s only Munro, while the ridge to A’ Chìoch gives the outing its most dramatic terrain. (en.wikipedia.org)

The usual start is on the B8035 at Dhiseig, near Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull, using the parking area on the north side of the road between the bridges over the Abhainn na h-Uamha and the Scarisdale River. That is the nearest clear landmark and practical trailhead for this loop. From there, the route heads into open moorland and quickly feels remote despite beginning close to the road. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Expect a day that changes character several times. The lower ground can be wet and peaty, especially after rain, before the route steepens onto the ridge of Beinn Fhada. Higher up, the terrain becomes rockier and more broken, with a much more rugged mountain feel. The traverse toward A’ Chìoch and Ben More is the most committing part of the outing, where hands may be needed for balance and progress can slow considerably in wind, rain, or mist. This is why the route is best treated as a full mountain day rather than a simple 14 km walk. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

What the route feels like on the ground

From the roadside start, the opening section is often soft underfoot, with boggy patches on the moor above the river. After about 1 km / 0.6 miles, the line turns more decisively uphill onto the ridge leading to Beinn Fhada. This climb is steep in places and gains height quickly, but it is straightforward in dry, clear conditions. A minor top at around 563 m / 1,847 ft gives an early sense of the day’s exposure and opens wider views over Loch na Keal and the surrounding island landscape. From there, the ridge continues in a rocky, undulating line toward Beinn Fhada itself. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The ridge to Beinn Fhada is one of the most attractive parts of the circuit. It has a rough, broken profile, small lochans tucked into the higher ground, and a distinctly wild feel. Although the line is generally obvious in good visibility, this is not gentle walking: the ascent is sustained, the ground is uneven, and wind can be a major factor. Hikers should allow time for careful foot placement rather than relying on average pace estimates from easier trails. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Beyond Beinn Fhada, the route works toward the bealach with A’ Chìoch, whose name is often translated as “the breast,” a reference to its distinctive shape. This section introduces more serious mountain terrain. The ridge narrows in places, the rock becomes more prominent, and the sense of exposure increases. The continuation toward Ben More is the crux of the day, with steep rocky ground and short scrambling sections that can feel much harder in descent than on ascent. Some route descriptions specifically note that many walkers prefer to do the circuit in a direction that avoids down-scrambling the steepest ground. (en.wikipedia.org)

On Ben More’s summit, the reward is a huge island panorama in clear weather. Views can extend across Loch na Keal, Ulva, Gometra, Staffa, the Ross of Mull, and even toward Iona. The summit itself is broad enough to pause and regroup, but it is not a place to linger casually in poor weather because cloud, wind, and navigation difficulties can arrive quickly. (en.wikipedia.org)

Navigation, hazards, and preparation

This is a route where strong navigation matters. In clear weather the ridges are intuitive, but in mist the mountain becomes much more serious. Ben More is known for **magnetic rock near