Dun da Ghaoithe. July 2015

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.


Distance 16.5km (10¼ miles)

Total ascent 830m

Time 5½ hours

Start /finish by the A849 near turno to Duart Castle (limited spaces) NM726349

Terrain easy vehicle track to start, then open hillside with frequent boggy ground and intermittent paths.


NM726349 Follow the track for Upper Achnacroish, immediately taking the right fork where it splits. The track zigzags steeply uphill through woods, then crosses open ground to pass the farmhouse. Beyond a locked gate and stile the track winds uphill, passing a forestry plantation and then climbing more steeply to the transmitter station on Maol nan Uan. This may not be pretty but the sea views more than compensate.

NM702358 Beyond the first transmitter the track continues up a broad, grassy ridge with an outlook across the huge bowl of Dun da Ghaoithe’s eastern corrie. Dun da Ghaoithe is the right-hand of the mountain’s two peaks, though from here the lower but sharper Mainnir nam Fiadh looks the more attractive. A steady plod soon brings you to a higher transmitter mast.

NM692352 Leave the high-tech clutter – and the track – behind now and strike west up pathless grassy ground. Beyond a broad minor top the ridge gets narrower and rougher underfoot. Pass through some distinctive rock bands, then climb more steeply up onto the well-defined crest that leads to the massive cairn on the summit of Mainnir nam Fiadh.

NM676353 Follow the broad, grassy ridge northnorth-west along the corrie edge for the short descent into a slight col, and then the easy climb onto Dun da Ghaoithe. This translates as Fort of the Two Winds, and it’s well-named. The summit is often said to have the best views of any on Mull, and the outlook over the island’s mountainous interior hints at the wealth of wild walking to be found here away from the sole Corbett and Munro.

NM672362 It is possible to descend the east ridge, Maol nan Damh, but its initial craggy slope is not obvious from above. Instead head roughly north, before bearing right onto the broad north-east ridge, Beinn Chreagach. This gives an easy descent, with an occasional little outcrop to negotiate. As the ridge loses definition, trend east down rough, tussocky ground. A very vague trail descends the left bank of a burn past a waterfall, then drops through open woodland to join a muddy track near the Scallastle River. Pass through Scallastle farm to reach the A849, and a long, easy road walk back to Craignure.