Ben More on Mull from Dhiseig
Argyll and Bute
Ben More is the highest point on Mull and the island's only Munro, rising to 966 metres directly from the shore of Loch na Keal. This is a serious hill day for a dog, with scree and stony ground hard on paws near the summit and gates lower down. This is the standard route up, a 9.3km out and back from the roadside at Dhiseig that avoids any scrambling. It follows the Abhainn Dhiseig as it tumbles through a small gorge, passes waterfalls, then climbs increasingly stony, eroded ground marked by small cairns, zig-zagging up scree to the summit ridge and a large stone shelter. On a clear day the view reaches Ulva and the mainland hills as far as Ben Cruachan. There is 945 metres of climbing from sea level, on a rough path that is boggy low down and stony higher up, and most walkers take five to six and a half hours.
This is a dog friendly hill for fit, experienced hill dogs only. The scree and sharp stones near the top are hard on paws, so booties are worth carrying, and there is no shade. The Abhainn Dhiseig gives water for much of the lower climb, but the upper mountain is dry. The lower slopes are crossed by fences and gates, so keep your dog on a lead there in case sheep are grazing, and in spring for ground-nesting birds. Deer stalking takes place on the surrounding estates in autumn, so check access arrangements then. Parking is on grass beside the road, with no facilities.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 6 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; nearest shops and cafes in Salen and Tobermory.
- Parking
- Free informal parking on grass on the shore side of the B8035 opposite the Dhiseig track, just east of the bridge.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Ben More on Mull from Dhiseig, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Shepherds Cottage - Loch Linnhe
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £478 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Ben More on Mull from Dhiseig dog friendly?
Ben More gets a 6 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and that rating comes with an important caveat: this is a serious mountain day suited only to fit, experienced hill dogs. The route is 9.3km out and back with 945 metres of climbing, on terrain that is boggy low down and increasingly stony and rough near the summit, where sharp scree can be hard on paws. It's a genuinely rewarding outing for the right dog, but it's not one to take on lightly.
Can dogs be off lead at Ben More on Mull from Dhiseig?
Dogs should be kept on a lead on the lower slopes, where fences and gates mark areas that may have sheep grazing, and in spring when ground-nesting birds are present. Higher up, above the enclosed ground, there is more freedom, though you'll want to keep a close eye on your dog on the rough scree near the summit. In autumn, deer stalking takes place on the surrounding estates, so it's worth checking local access arrangements before you go.
What should I know before visiting Ben More on Mull from Dhiseig with my dog?
A few things are worth planning for before you set off. The Abhainn Dhiseig provides water on the lower climb, but the upper mountain is completely dry, so carry enough for both of you. The scree and sharp stones near the summit can be tough on paws, so it's a good idea to bring dog booties. There is no shade on the route and no facilities at the car park, with the nearest shops and cafes in Salen and Tobermory.
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Roadside parking opposite Dhiseig, B8035, Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull PA72 6JZ
56.4489, -6.0674
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