Diollaid Mhor

About Diollaid Mhor

Rising above the deep trench of Glen Forsa, this rugged peak is a central pillar of Mull’s volcanic heartland. The ascent involves navigating steep, grassy terraces and occasional scree, typical of the island’s basaltic geology. It offers a quieter, wilder alternative to neighbouring Ben More, with expansive views across the Sound of Mull.

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Did You Know?

• •Derived from the Scottish Gaelic Diollaid Mhòr, the name translates as 'The Big Saddle'. This refers to the sweeping, curved profile of the ridge connecting the summit to its neighbouring peaks, a shape echoed in several 'Diollaid' names across the Highlands.
• •The hill is a remnant of the Mull Super-volcano; its terraced slopes are formed by ancient basaltic lava flows, creating the distinctive 'trap' landscape common throughout the Inner Hebrides.
• •From the summit, the view south is dominated by the spectacular A’ Chìoch ridge and the steep northern flanks of Ben More, while the north provides a clear line of sight over the Sound of Mull to the mainland hills of Morvern.
• •It is often tackled as part of a high-level traverse from the neighbouring Beinn Fhada, a route that keeps the walker on relatively firm ground compared to the notoriously boggy terrain found in the glens below.
• •On a typical Isle of Mull day, the 'Big Saddle' is less a place for a comfortable sit-down and more of a funnel for the Atlantic weather systems that frequently claim the summit in mist.