Isle of Rum: Part I of III
Hill: Mullach Mor
Date: Friday 6th May 2011
Company: Myself, Chris, Malcolm and Kevin


From Friday 6th May 2011 to Monday 9th May 2011, I attended a Club trip to the Isle of Rum - thanks to Chris for organising.

I last visited Rum in 2005 when I ascended Hallival, Askival and Ainshval in rain and mist with zero views.
On that trip I skirted below Trollaval and didn’t ascend either of the two Sub2000ft Marilyns on the island - Mullach Mor and Orval.

The highlight of this trip, and one of the best walks I have undertaken, was on Saturday – a traverse of the Rum Cuillin, inc. Barkeval - report to follow.


On Friday, fourteen Club members set out from Mallaig to join two other members who were already staying in Rum.
The ferry crossing was quite calm. The view towards Inverie was nice but the weather didn’t look so nice on Rum .

Small Isles ferry arriving at Mallaig:


Looking towards Inverie from ferry:


Approaching an overcast Rum:


On landing on Rum we were met by a nice welcoming sign and by Kinloch Castle staff who transported our bags to the Castle.

Welcome to Rum:


Some of Rum’s fine wildlife become visible literally within minutes of leaving the ferry.

Grey Heron near pier:


The short walk from the pier to the castle was nice.

After sorting out our bags and squeezing our food into the fridges myself, Chris, Malcolm and Kevin set out for Mullach Mor (Marilyn). Leslie, Iain and Morag also set out for Mullach Mor – we all met up at the summit.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

Kinloch Castle:


By the time we set off the weather had improved .

From the castle, we followed a good track leading to the Isle of Rum General Store.

Isle of Rum General Store and Community Hall:


Beyond the store we followed a track through a field containing a couple of horses.

View towards Hallival:


In the field we passed a strange crystal ball. None of us knew what it was. On closer inspection the device was found to be a sunshine recorder.

Sunshine recorder:


Nice horse:


After leaving the field, we followed a good footpath through a small wood.

Footpath along Kinloch Glen leading towards Mullach Mor:


After about 2km, on reaching the end of the wood, we took to the slopes of Mullach Mor.

Looking back to Kinloch from lower slopes of Mullach Mor:


I was quite surprised to find that the rock on Mullach Mor was Torridonian Sandstone as much of the Rum Cuillin is Gabbro.

Chris:


Rum Cuillin from Mullach Mor:


As we ascended, we added interest by scrambling up various sandstone outcrops.

Ascending Mullach Mor:


Optional scrambling - Chris and Malcolm:


It didn't take long to reach the trig point and the summit which is 8m from the trig.

Kevin at summit trig point:


Chris approaching summit:


After having a bite to eat at the summit, we made our way back down the hill towards the Kinloch glen. During the descent Chris spotted a Common Lizard .

Common Lizard:


On reaching the path, myself, Chris and Malcolm opted to cross the Kinloch River and follow the good track back to the castle.

Looking back to Mullach Mor from Kinloch Glen track:


A pleasant half-day walk in good company .