Climb through the Atlantic Oakwoods past an archaeological site to reach the hilltop of Dunans for good views over Dunoon, the Clyde and the Holy Loch.
Summary
Woodland paths with a fairly steep final ascent
Terrain
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1. There is a dedicated parking area for this walk signed as a picnic and walking area from the A885 in Sandbanks. To reach the car park, turn left part way along the track and the car park is on the right hand side just before the barrier. Begin the walk by passing the barrier and turning left at the information board. The path climbs gently into the oakwoods, a small remnant of the great forest that would once have clothed much of this area.
2. A series of numbered marker posts correspond to information points in a leaflet for this walk, available from the local Tourist information centre. The path, which is excellent at first, undulates through the woods and crosses a couple of small wooden bridges to reach the Ardnadam enclosure. This is an archaeological site that was in use for over 5,000 years. The only structure visible to the layman are the scant remains of a chapel at just 1,000 years old. The site of an iron-age house, 2,000 years old, and a rectangular 5,000 year old neolithic house are marked out by short posts. There are several information boards giving information on the settlers who once lived here.
3. The walk continues in the same direction, soon crossing a wooden footbridge over an attractive burn, heading through a gap in a drystone dyke and up some steps. Pass a bench and then reach a cross-roads of paths; turn right here. The path climbs gently, passing a platform which had been cut for an ancient hut. There are views down through the trees to Loch Loskin on the left. The Dunloskin oakwoods are now left behind as the path continues through a conifer plantation, emerging in a gap left for a line of overhead cables. Turn left along this clearing, keeping to the left of the cables on a path which descends a little. Eventually follow the path under the cables as it bears right and begins climbing uphill.
4. Good views open up back over Dunoon and the Clyde as the path climbs steeply, passing a large boulder before reaching the grassy summit of Dunans, marked by a stone plinth. This is a superb viewpoint, with the views taking in the Holy Loch and the mouth of Loch Long as well as across the Clyde as it merges with the sea. Return back down the path to the line of overhead cables. Until recently it was possible to continue to the track just below and turn left before picking up an alternative return path; however this has been destroyed by the bulldozing of the track so it is now best to return the way you came.
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