Preamble
I was looking forward to this trip for a while, at some point last year I had in my mind to go have a look at the Tranter’s Round as an eventual goal to run around, but wanted to get some recce of the route done to know what’s in store. I also thought it would be a good opportunity to explore the area of Glencoe, and then also try my hand in some Scottish Islands activating which seems to have become a bit popular in the SOTA world. Due to the relatively short distance, and with plenty to explore we chose Mull as the island we would visit.
Day 1 - May 2nd, Ballachulish Horseshoe
Summit(s) covered: GM/WS-042, GM/WS-057
Distance hiked: 15.3km
Elevation gain: 1341m
Time taken including operating: 6h41m
The forecast was not brilliant for the afternoon this day, so I opted for a biggish day that would prepare me for my biggest one the following day. We had set up the night prior at the Red Squirrel Campsite, that despite being busy with the bank holiday crowds was quite peaceful. I opted for starting my hike at 7am, aiming to get around before the showers were forecast.
The initial walk through Ballachulish was pretty peaceful, parking just near the community centre and going through the village. You then get onto a farm track which then you split off up to the Schoolhouse Ridge. This soon warmed me up and I was soon sweating buckets. Most of the way up to the ridge is steep but not technical, but with the sight of the Schoolhouse Ridge I was somewhat nervous but excited to do my first scramble of the trip.
The scramble itself was not too bad, not being that exposed, but the crux did involve what felt like climbing up a 15ft steep bit that maybe could have been bypassed, but I could not see in the mist that well at this point. After this it soon petered out and after another short climb I was at the summit of Sgorr Dhearg, GM/WS-042. I started off on 40m, earning a respectable 6 QSOs with the skip being quite wide. I then put out a call on 2m and managed to work Robin GM7PKT and Colin GM0HBK, who would become regular chasers on my trip.
It was then a drop down and a rocky climb up to the second summit of the loop, Sgorr Dhonuill, GM/WS-057. I managed to work Robin and Colin on 2m again. Then set up on HF, getting a surprise call from Tim GM5OLD/M, who had parked up in Glencoe enroute to the Knoydart Hills.
I then set down, and headed back to the col, now most people usually go left here down towards the A road but I opted to follow Stuart M1HAX’s route and go right, that eventually took you to a forest track. This route was STEEP but grassy, a bit awkward as you had to slightly contour down the hill. Eventually, you reach the bottom of the valley and a long footpath takes you back to Ballachulish, which does seem a quicker route than going down to the A road and following it, and was more peaceful. (He has uploaded the route to Sotlas).
As I was reaching Ballachulish, I was approached by two young people asking which way was it to get up the mountain, their choice of having a relatively empty trainer bag and setting off relatively late was interesting, but I directed them anyhow. I’m sure they are fine but you see all sorts!
Day 2 - May 3rd, Mega Mamore
Summit(s) covered: GM/WS-020, GM/WS-037, GM/WS-011, GM/WS-049
Distance hiked: 27.5km
Elevation gain: 2625m
Time taken including operating: 11h54m
I had decided that I wanted to push the limit a bit this trip in terms of what I could do in a day, so I had originally set out to do 5 SOTA summits in the Mamores, which would also help me recce some of the Tranter’s round including the Devil’s ridge which sounded very scary.
A 6am start this time from Kinlochleven, I parked at the Grey Mare’s Waterfall car park which advertised scanning a QR code and paying £4 to park there, but did not work which confused my early start brain. I soon set off, heading up the West Highland Way out of Kinlochleven. A small path then splits off from the motorway of a hiking trail, and takes you up between Am Bodach and my first summit of the day Sgurr a’Mhaim GM/WS-020. The climb up was boggy and involved some stream crossings, but I made good pace up despite the big day yesterday.
It was then a quick up and over a subsidiary summit, then the first crossing of the Devil’s Ridge. Despite being a claggy day, the steep drops either side made me feel on edge despite the path being very easy. In terms of technicality, the crux really comes at an easy small gully that is part of the bypass path. I think the difficulty is that I had a pretty big pack on, and I am used to scrambling in a smaller running pack, so the weight difference made me feel a bit more nervous. Despite this, I still made good progress to the first summit, GM/WS-020, and operated on 2m and 20m, getting Robin and the usual 20m chasers. I opted to only do one HF band per summit to save time, as I was on a pretty big schedule!
It was then back over the devil’s ridge, and I had a gut feeling I could not get away, so I had decided to cancel visiting a summit An Gearanach GM/WS-069, as it would mean doing the An Garbanach scramble twice. At time of writing, I am happy with the decision I made as it would have meant at least another two hours to the day, but slightly annoyed I could not recce it for the Tranter’s round.
A relatively short time later, I reached my second summit of the day, Am Bodach (GM/WS-037). I managed 3 QSOs on 2m, including Jack GM4COX who I knew from my last Scotland Trip in the Killin area, and a good handful on 40m.
From here, it was a long old trek to GM/WS-011, after the cancellation of GM/WS-069. All I can really report is that there were grassy bits, rocky bits, steep ups and down. A bonus is that I managed to add 2 non SOTA munros which is good.
Eventually, I did reach GM/WS-011, Binnein Mor, where I met 2 ladies who were quite interested in the Amateur Radio, and I explained it. Turns out one knew Ben GW4BML, and took a video which Ben later sent me that day! Small world. The summit did involve a bit of a snow patch to cross, but nothing that required the spikes nor was steep.
It was then down and up to my final summit, where it started to finally clear, and I could see my last target Sgurr Eilde Mor (GM/WS-049). Unfortunately, due to a cornice, I had to go the long way around to it delaying my ETA to the summit by 30 minutes. The final climb up it was super steep climb after 2000m+ already in the legs. I soon reached the summit, and managed to work on 2m and 40m before being showered on.
As I was packing down, I was joined by two young people around my age, and asked where they had been and were going. They said they were going to Kinlochleven so I decided to tag along and had a good natter about running, mountains, climbing, hiking which made the time fly past. We then parted ways and I headed back to the campsite for a bit of footcare TLC and reward myself with lots of food!
Day 3 - May 4th, The Empire (cake) strikes back
Summit(s) covered: GM/WS-341
Distance hiked: 3km
Elevation gain: 237m
Time taken including operating: 1h51m
It was a recovery day, so decided on a small easy hill after two big back to back days. A recommendation from MM7MOX, this hill starts at Duror Community Centre. On previous dog walks around Glencoe with mum a few days back, we noticed people putting out red markers. It turns out the Scottish Six Days Trial was passing the community centre! As we turned up the volunteer parker man was a bit confused when we said we were not interested in the bikes and just wanted to do the hill, so he said it was fine to park as long as you pay the £4 also, swings and roundabouts I guess.
The climb up Ardsheal Hill (GM/WS-341) is easy going, a nice track takes you up to the top where there is a great view of the lochs and the surrounding hills. With it being a sunny day, I took my time operating, and managed to work a good amount on HF. I noticed Tim G5OLD had alerted for a similar time, and whilst I was packing away the HF kit I heard his call and we had a pretty strong exchange each way over to the Knoydart Hills.
We then headed down and headed to Cuil Bay, where we had a coffee and enjoyed some time at the beach. It was then a visit to raid Ballachulish Co-op, where I had saw a confectionary called “Empire Cakes”, I had never had one before but I can now confirm they are a lovely treat after days out on the hill.
Day 4 - May 5th, The Glencoe Ski Centre double, and Pap of Glencoe
Summit(s) covered: GM/WS-017, GM/WS-019, GM/WS-200
Distance hiked: 20.6km
Elevation gain: 1962m
Time taken including operating: 8h33m
Another early start due to a questionable forecast, I set off from the Glencoe Ski Centre at 7am. The climb up was pretty tough going to GM/WS-017, and I was sweating buckets in the sunshine, however it was pretty straightforward. I soon reached the top and did HF, and to my surprise managed to work W4JKC on 20m! I then set down and headed down and up to the second summit, Creise GM/WS-019. It was pretty cold up the tops, with a layer of frost.
On Creise I decided to do only 20m as 40m was pretty dire. I also worked Jack GM4COX who asked if I called on VHF earlier, I did not so I agreed as it was an out and back I would spot on VHF as you do Meall a’Bhuiridh twice. As I was leaving Creise, a small but chilly snow shower came in! It was then a relatively easy walk back to the Ski Centre, including stopping off at GM/WS-017 again and working 2 on 2m, before then realising as I got halfway down to the ski centre, the lifts are still operating! Damn I thought, I could have had an easier time, but then as I passed the lift station I looked at the price and £20 return seemed a bit steep so was glad of hiking instead.
It was then back to the campsite for a short rest, before then deciding to add in another summit, the Pap of Glencoe, GM/WS-200 as I could get up it by just walking from the Red Squirrel Campsite, and the weather had improved.
The climb up is pretty steep, and got a bit technical towards the top and was another warm one as it was sunny with clouds. It was a relatively busy summit, so I set up HF after working Colin slightly lower down to not ruin anyone’s view. Luckily, 40m had improved so I had managed to get some inter-g that day. A brilliant summit to wrap up my time in Glencoe.
Day 5 - May 6th, Over to Mull, Lochbuie, and then up Druim Fada
Summit(s) covered: GM/SI-109
Distance hiked: 11.7km
Elevation gain: 466m
Time taken including operating: 3h15m
Today was a restock visit to Tesco in Oban, and then settling in on Mull. Oban is a brilliant place to get supplies if you are around the area, where I had to source a tick remover (For anyone with dogs or enjoys wearing shorts, this is a must have for Scotland), and more empire cakes.
I had decided it would be good to stop over at Lochbuie for the night, where I could do GM/SI-109 the one evening, and then Ben Buie the following day, with it only costing £5 a person per night. I set off from the campsite, admiring the castle, mausoleum and grey beach as I passed them. It was then up the hill, where I got my taste of proper rugged Scotland terrain. There was no paths, and it was pretty tussocky. The odd deer track did help but I soon ended up going at a snail’s pace. Eventually, I did reach the summit and despite the wind it was a lovely view.
I set up, working Robin and Jack on 2m, before getting a good handful on 40m including Fabio IK2LEY, who would somehow manage to work me on all of my Mull summits. It was then a tussocky but downhill walk back, which was almost as long as out. On the descent, I did find a snapback cap, which I could not sadly find the owner.
Day 6 - May 7th, Ben Buie and a hunt for G5OLD’s antenna support
Summit(s) covered: GM/SI-029, GM/SI-180
Distance hiked: 10.3km
Elevation gain: 1023m
Time taken including operating: 5h4m
It was then a get up and head up Ben Buie (GM/SI-029), opting for an early start as I was naturally getting up when it was getting light. The way up from Lochbuie is tussocky, but not as bad as Druim Fada. However, it was a relatively long way up. The climb up was sunny luckily, but chilly in the wind. It was peaceful up the hills in Mull, being the only one out on them. Eventually, it does get rockier, and as you reach towards the top you have to be careful in route choice as there are steep cliffs and boulder fields.
Unfortunately, it was claggy at the top, which I was optimistic would lift. And quite wet clag at that. The operating was also a challenge, my phone struggled with reception for some reason so had to walk around the summit and hope no one would jump on my frequency whilst sending out spots. Despite this, I persisted and got a good amount across all bands.
I then headed back down and had a coffee break and breakfast at Lochbuie before parting ways with Mum and go to do Carn Ban (GM/SI-180). I parked next to a gate that says to not block, with plenty of space for a van to not block it. I then headed up Carn Ban slowly, the ground was not tussocky at all but I had to keep an eye out for Tim’s antenna support and follow a GPX line within a few metres, which was an interesting additional challenge.
Despite my best efforts, unfortunately, I could not see the antenna support, so I set up, and got a good amount. It was windy on the top so I set up just below the ridgeline and it was glorious with the sun out!
I then headed back, and headed to my final campsite of the holiday, Killiechronan, a pleasant campsite that was also cheap.
Day 7 - May 8th, Ulva and Beinn Chreagach
Summit(s) covered: GM/SI-145
Distance hiked: 14.7km
Elevation gain: 598m
Time taken including operating: 3h57m
Originally I was going to do my Mull Monsterette route today, but with a better forecast for the following day and also finding out the day before about the Ulva ferry, I made last minute plans to visit Ulva and activate from another Scottish Island!
The summit is a lot of effort for just 1 point, including getting a foot ferry for £8 return and a long hike out and back. However, you can treat yourself after at the Boathouse, a lovely place which does a great lunch. I had the Cullen Skink.
The hike is a made track for most of the way, where you pass interesting sights including Sheila’s Cottage, the Thomas Telford built church and Ormaig, a historic village. Eventually, it does then turn into bracken bashing, which was hard work compared to the long walk out, and was tough in the heat! Eventually I did reach the top where once again I was the only visitor.
I did put a call out on 2m, but due to the nature of where the summit lays, I would be surprised to get anyone. However, I did have a good run on HF, including a S2S over to Ireland and getting a S2S with Iratxe EA2DNO for her 5th MG. I soon set down, quite keen to get back for my lunch at the Boathouse.
Despite it being a long way for 1 point, I thoroughly recommend this one as a day out. It was arguably one of the best days 
Day 8 - May 9th, the Mull Monsterette
Summit(s) covered: GM/SI-043, GM/SI-034, GM/SI-003
Distance hiked: 17.3km
Elevation gain: 1610m
Time taken including operating: 7h01m
My final day in Scotland, so I thought to make it a big one. One final early start from the “Ben More trailhead” car park on Google Maps started off in a long hike down the road to the foot of Beinn a’Ghraig, GM/SI-043. The initial climb up was pretty tussocky, but soon ramped and was just steep more than anything. Eventually, I did reach the top and was welcome to a clear sky view of the following summits. The wind had died down too, but was still quite chilly. I managed to get 3 on 2m, and then tried 40m but it was chocka due to the weekend traffic, so decided to just do 20m.
It was then a relatively easy descent down and then over to climb GM/SI-034, Beinn Fhada, where an obvious grassy gully takes you to the summit as you skirt a subsidiary summit in between the two. I managed 5 QSOs on 2m, a record for the trip, before then getting the same amount on 20m before being stepped on. The descent off this one was interesting, with some scree slopes to navigate.
A scramble took you up and over A’Choich before a relatively easy scramble up Ben More (GM/SI-003) before reaching the summit. I was surprised by the amount of visitors to the summit, probably being the busiest one of the trip, so I called on 2m from the top where it was very windy and saying my farewells to the regular chasers, before picking a spot out of the way to do some HF. It was then a jog down the tourist track back to the van, where I was content with what I had covered over the last week.
Conclusion
A fantastic trip and a great way to explore the Highlands and Mull, I was lucky with the weather and was glad with my decision making to get the most out of it. I definitely want to visit the Glencoe/Fort William area again, probably taking in different summits, and also want to do another Scottish Island!
Thanks to all those who called in, especially those on 2m, @GM4COX @GM7PKT and others. It was also great to get Tim @G5OLD and Fabio @IK2LEY who managed to work me on each summit on Mull.
I have not attached any photos to this report, but have instead made a separate YouTube video with photos of the trip that can be viewed here - G5JFJ’s Scotland SOTA trip May 2026
I look forward to the next SOTA trip.
73s,
Jared G5JFJ
