And so the Club after a few years absence made a very welcome return to the Isle of Mull under brilliant blue skies.This was my first ever visit and the weather was as glorious as when I first set foot on Skye and Rum,indeed the crossing from Oban to Craignure was so calm and idyllic we had amazing views on the top deck to the west coast up to Ben Nevis and also Mull itself.

Around 25 Glenmorons and guests turned up to sample the delights of Arle Lodge,a very spacious and comfortable hostel with en-suite rooms that would not have looked out of place in a hotel affording great views across to the mainland.Confession time here folks,this was to have been my last Munro but owing to unforeseen circumstances,most of them my own fault, I failed to bag the distant outposts of A’Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mor the previous weekend.Tell you what,I’ll blame it on the late season snowfalls……well that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.Though please feel free to join me at the Glasgow Fair weekend as I attempt to finally summit these two hills at the third time of asking.Guess I’ll find out who my friends really are for that trip.

Anyway quite a few people took advantage of the glorious weather on Friday with Dave F,Henry,Liz Maitland,Dave H and Alice bagging Beinn Talaidh. I know Dave W,Isobel and Brian did a coastal walk though I don’t have a route card……..perhaps one for next years AGM ? On Saturday morning under cloudless skies most people rather unsurprisingly headed west to sample various routes on Ben More .John McP, Enid,Suzanne and Alice opted for the ‘tourist’ path while ,Sue,Gordon,Mary C Arthur,Gill,Henry,Liz,Ania,Dave F,Dave Watson,John D completed a circuit via the Ben Fhadda ride.The remaing group consisting of Isobel,Dave Webster,Mandy,Brian,Dave H,James and myself enjoyed a great days’ walking via the A’Chioch traverse with most if not all meeting on the summit of Ben More at the same time.Contemplating how this would have been the perfect day for a completion as I looked South to Jura ,North to Rum and the snow capped Black Cuillin on Skye, Ben Nevis and Cruachan looking positively Alpine I could at least console myself that I had indeed got McDaid up the hill with a view at the top.Some of us stopped at Salen on the way back for a well earned pint in the sunshine though the proprieter had obviously appeared to have failed his exams at charm school.

Back at the Lodge on Saturday night a great time was had by all with Dave and Isobel organising a barbecue and I tell you what…..Mr Webster does a very tasty line in Venison burgers……..

Don’t seem to have many route cards for Sunday though everybody was out and about enjoying the scenic delights amidst perfect weather condtions.Several Glenmorons booked themselves onto a Sea Eagle nature watch while others took to the hills again.Dave and Isobel headed for Iona and within seconds of setting foot there were on a boat to Staffa where they explored the delights of Fingals Cave,now that’s what I call enterprising.Brian and myself drove North to Calgary beach,a truly delightful setting followed by a coastal walk to Treshnish point where there are some of the best preserved sheilings to be seen anywhere.

All good things etc…………Several Glenmorons took in the peak of Dun da Ghaoithe,the Islands’ only Corbett en route to the ferry at Craignure.James and myself pottered around the grounds of Tordsay Castle before boarding for the mainland and the drive home via Inveraray.All in all this was a fantastic weekend with something for everyone.Mountains,coastal trails,wildlife and the scenery in general all enjoyed in the most favourable weather conditions imaginable.A special thanks to Dave and Isobel for securing Arle Lodge for our very enjoyable stay there.I’m sure most Club members present would jump at the opportunity to go back .That goes for Mull as well as far as I’m concerned.

Dave B