8th September 2025 - Beinn nan Gabhar and Beinn Fhada
Walk Details
Distance walked: 6.2 miles
Total ascent: 2857 ft
OS map used: 375 - Isle of Mull East
Time taken: 7 hrs
Route description: B8035-Scarisdale-Scarisdale River-Beinn nan Gabhar-An Cruachan-Beinn Fhada-Scarisdale River-Scarisdale-B8035
I've got a forecast of sunshine, showers, and a strong wind for my second day on Mull. The route I've chosen from my guidebook visits two hills, Beinn nan Gabhar and Beinn Fhada, that are just to the north of Ben More. Starting next to the B8035 by the south shore of Loch na Keal, it heads up by Scarisdale River to the moorland above to ascend Beinn nan Gabhar, then makes its way across to Beinn Fhada for a walk along its ridge and back down to the start. I didn't have any problems following it, although crossing Scarisdale River below Beinn nan Gabhar could be an issue after a lot of rain. It was quite cloudy when I set off with the tops of A' Choich and Ben More covered, and it stayed that way until during the afternoon when the cloud lifted off Ben More and there was more in the way of sunshine. The views from Beinn Fhada across Loch na Keal were fantastic. I consider myself lucky that I got caught by no more than the odd fleeting light shower, especially given the downpours that I drove through on the way to Tobermory afterwards.
From where I parked my car next to the B8035 just to the north of the bridge over Scarisdale River, I crossed the road and made my way uphill by the north bank of the river. I found a thin path to follow as the river flowed down an increasingly steep-sided and rocky gorge to my right, then above the gorge the gradient eased off and I was able to follow the path down to and across the river. Once across I made my way across the moor and up Beinn nan Gabhar to reach its summit, where I stopped for lunch. After this break I made my way south from the summit, passing a lochan, down to the bealach below, and up the other side before heading east to An Crucahan. Once I'd taken in the view from here I made my way back west across the moor and then up to the summit of Beinn Fhada. The walk along the ridge of Beinn Fhada was next, and as I reached its end there was a steep descent down towards Scarisdale River, with a path to follow at times. Once down I made my way across the moor by the south bank of the river and out to the B8035. A short walk north along the road brought me back to where I'd parked my car.
Total ascent: 2857 ft
OS map used: 375 - Isle of Mull East
Time taken: 7 hrs
Route description: B8035-Scarisdale-Scarisdale River-Beinn nan Gabhar-An Cruachan-Beinn Fhada-Scarisdale River-Scarisdale-B8035
I've got a forecast of sunshine, showers, and a strong wind for my second day on Mull. The route I've chosen from my guidebook visits two hills, Beinn nan Gabhar and Beinn Fhada, that are just to the north of Ben More. Starting next to the B8035 by the south shore of Loch na Keal, it heads up by Scarisdale River to the moorland above to ascend Beinn nan Gabhar, then makes its way across to Beinn Fhada for a walk along its ridge and back down to the start. I didn't have any problems following it, although crossing Scarisdale River below Beinn nan Gabhar could be an issue after a lot of rain. It was quite cloudy when I set off with the tops of A' Choich and Ben More covered, and it stayed that way until during the afternoon when the cloud lifted off Ben More and there was more in the way of sunshine. The views from Beinn Fhada across Loch na Keal were fantastic. I consider myself lucky that I got caught by no more than the odd fleeting light shower, especially given the downpours that I drove through on the way to Tobermory afterwards.
From where I parked my car next to the B8035 just to the north of the bridge over Scarisdale River, I crossed the road and made my way uphill by the north bank of the river. I found a thin path to follow as the river flowed down an increasingly steep-sided and rocky gorge to my right, then above the gorge the gradient eased off and I was able to follow the path down to and across the river. Once across I made my way across the moor and up Beinn nan Gabhar to reach its summit, where I stopped for lunch. After this break I made my way south from the summit, passing a lochan, down to the bealach below, and up the other side before heading east to An Crucahan. Once I'd taken in the view from here I made my way back west across the moor and then up to the summit of Beinn Fhada. The walk along the ridge of Beinn Fhada was next, and as I reached its end there was a steep descent down towards Scarisdale River, with a path to follow at times. Once down I made my way across the moor by the south bank of the river and out to the B8035. A short walk north along the road brought me back to where I'd parked my car.
Route map
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Views across Loch na Keal from the side of the road at Scarisdale Point..
The bridge over Scarisdale River with the cliffs of Creag Mhor and the island of Eorsa behind
I set off by following the north bank of Scarisdale River uphill towards the moors. The top of Beinn nan Gabhar can be seen through the gap in the hills.
Looking back across Loch na Keal as I head uphill
I found a thin path to follow as Scarisdale River flows down an increasingly steep sided gorge to my right
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An impressive waterfall comes into view..
I was able to cross Scarisdale River upstream of that waterfall, and take in the view across Loch na Keal to Beinn na Drise
The steep slopes of Beinn nan Gabhar await
Beinn a' Ghraig to my left
As I gain height I get a great looking back down Scarisdale River to Loch na Keal
A cloud-topped Ben More behind Beinn Fhada
On the north top of Beinn nan Gabhar. It's a bit windy.
Looking north to Beinn a' Ghraig
To the east, the Dun da Ghaoithe ridge and the dome of Beinn Talaidh in the distance, and the eastern end of Loch Ba below
Looking across Loch na Keal, and to Beinn a' Ghraig from the main top of Beinn nan Gabhar..
Morven in the distance to the northeast across the Sound of Mull
and the Dun da Ghaoithe ridge and the dome of Beinn Talaidh in the distance, and the eastern end of Loch Ba below
The hills of Cruachan Dearg and Corra-bheinn to the southeast
Beinn Fhada and Ben More to the south
Leaving Beinn nan Gabhar I pass a lochan on the way down to the bealach to the south..
Looking down Coire nan Gabhar as I climb up the moorland on the other side of the bealach
and back across to Beinn nan Gabhar and Beinn a' Ghraig
Before heading up Beinn Fhada I make my way east to the hill of An Cruachan
The Dun da Ghaoithe ridge and the dome of Beinn Talaidh to the east from An Cruachan
Looking across Glen Clachaig to Cruachan Dearg
and Creag MhicFhionnlaidh
A' Chioch, Ben More, and Beinn Fhada
Retracing my steps from An Cruachan, and heading for Beinn Fhada..
Looking across to A' Chioch and Ben More as I make my way up Beinn Fhada
Reaching the top of Beinn Fhada and I get a fantastic view to the northwest along its ridge
Taking in the view from the summit of Beinn Fhada. Starting with looking east to the Dun da Ghaoithe ridge and Beinn Talaidh.
and across Glen Clachaig to Cruachan Dearg and Corra-bheinn, with Ben Buie behind to their right, and Creag MhicFhionnlaidh below
A' Chioch and Ben More to the south
Looking north to Beinn a' Ghraig, with Aros on Mull in the distance on the left, and Morven on the mainland on the right
I've got a great view ahead of me as I set off along the ridge
A' Chioch and Ben More to my left
Looking back to the summit of Beinn Fhada
Views across Loch na Keal to Ulva and the northwest of Mull as I make my way along the ridge...
Passing a small unnamed lochan
After passing the lochan the ridge rises to a high point
I stop at a small cairn to take in the view. Looking across Loch na Keal to Ulva, Eorsa, and the northwest of Mull.
Looking back along the ridge to the summit of Beinn Fhada
Beinn a' Ghraig on the left, and Beinn nan Gabhar across Coire nan Gabhar
A' Chioch and Ben More
The top of a crag gives me a great view of Ulva, Eorsa, and Loch na Keal
I spot a small cairn on the hillside ahead as I make my way down the ridge
I stop to take in the view. Looking north across Loch na Keal to Aros.
and down Loch na Keal to Eorsa and Ulva. I can't help but notice the shower clouds that are approaching.
Making my way down and Scarisdale comes into view below
Beinn a' Ghraig, Scarisdale River, and Beinn nan Gabhar as I make my way down
As the gradient eases I head for the south bank of Scarisdale River..
Sunshine on Beinn a' Ghraig from by Scarisdale River
A view across Loch na Keal as I make it back to where I parked my car by the side of the road at Scarisdale Point
After the walk it chucked it down as I drove to Tobermory. It cleared to give some good views across the harbour...
