Inselbergs of assynt

Jim Perrin remembers the giant of Mull, an elegant outlier leaning seaward

DOUBLE MUNRO SCRAMBLE

Alastair MacDonald Jackson spent two years visiting as many of Scotland’s west coast islands as possible. Here he showcases some of the greatest wonders of the west – and offers practical advice on how to see them

Runners-up rarely get the attention they deserve, but two days on Britain’s second-highest peak BEN MACDUI will show you why this is the king of the Scottish hills.

BEN HOPE’S status as the most northern Munro on the British Isles is an irresistible draw. It’s a long way to go, true, but this scramble to its summit more than makes up for the effort spent getting there.

From gnarly ridge traverses to relaxing strolls along silvery beaches, these island hikes lend themselves to the long days of Summer