An t-Slat-bheinn

About An t-Slat-bheinn

This rugged shoulder of the Ben More massif offers a quieter, technical alternative to the island's higher peaks. Forming the southern anchor of the spectacular A’ Chioch ridge, its steep, rocky slopes provide a grandstand view across Glen More toward the basalt terraces of the Burg and the distant Treshnish Isles.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Gaelic 'An t-Slat-bheinn', which translates as 'The Mountain of the Rod' or 'Wattle Mountain'. This likely refers to the straight, slender profile of its southern spur, though some local interpretations suggest it refers to the historical gathering of hazel rods used in building.
• •The summit marks a critical junction for walkers traversing the A’ Chioch ridge from Ben More. While the ridge provides some of the finest scrambling on the island, the descent from this peak into the boggy reaches of Glen More requires careful navigation in poor visibility.
• •From the summit, the view south-west extends over the pink granite of the Ross of Mull toward the sacred isle of Iona, while to the north, the massive volcanic amphitheatre of the Beinn Talaidh range dominates the skyline.
• •Like much of central Mull, the hill is a remnant of a massive volcanic complex active 60 million years ago; hikers can observe distinct tiered basalt flows and dark gabbro rocks that characterise this dramatic landscape.
• •Despite being one of the highest points on the island, it suffers from being the 'middle child' of the massif, usually only visited by those who have lost their way off Ben More or those who are compulsively ticking off every Tump on the map.