Ganavan and Dunstaffnage

OBAN AND NORTH LORN


Summary :	Beautiful coastal walk with great views, this route visits Dun Staffnage castle before returning by the same route.
Terrain :	Paths, indistinct and boggy in places with steep up and down sections.
Grade :		Distance :	7km/4.25 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1.5 – 2.5 hours
Start :	Car park at Ganavan beach	Grid ref :	NM862326
Map :	View an OS map showing this route Buy Explorer 376 – Oban online	Ascent :	150m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open in Virtual Highlands Tell me more Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	[Click for timetables - choose Area 3]

1. From the car park at Ganavan Beach take the path past the play area and up the steps at the far end of the beach. Follow this path for a short distance and go through a metal kissing gate. After another 200 metres there is a clear gap in the cliffs on your right. Turn right here and then head left, uphill, keeping to the inland side of the gorse bushes. The steep path crosses a small stream and continues to climb until it reaches the top of the cliffs and levels off somewhat. There are good views across the sea to Mull and Lismore.

2. The path undulates along the clifftop. After a short while the path descends steeply and crosses a fence with a makeshift stile. Continue straight ahead on the path as it climbs steeply over another hummock keeping inland from the shore. The path then descends again but less far and climbs another hill to keep to the high ground. There are good views across to Dumbeg and towards Connel and the peaks of Ben Cruachan and Taynuilt Peak.

3. After the next hummock you descend towards a pond surrounded by a fence and a clear view of the marina and Marine Science building at Dunstaffnage. Keep to the left of the fence and once past the enclosure, head to the shore on a faint path to the left. The path becomes a pebbly track and then a narrow path which skirts the shore turning to the right before reaching the sea. The path passes a number of tiny bays and has lovely views out to sea and the chance to watch oystercatchers and other wildlife.

4. After crossing a small pebbly bay the path reaches a wire fence. Cross this to the left of the corner post and follow the path to the left of a small crag with a couple of distinctive cave-like features. Soon the path descends to the semi-circular bay of Camas Rubha na Liathaig. Walk across the sand and pebbles of the bay to the far side. From here cross an old pipe-line and turn right to follow the pipes inland keeping to the edge of the wood.

5. After passing the college building on the right, the path emerges at the car park for Dunstaffnage Castle. Turn left here and follow the track from the car park to the Castle. A charge is payable to enter the castle which is built on an impressive plug of rock and has a great strategic position at the head of the natural harbour at Dumbeg and looking out across the straits.

6. After exploring the castle and ruined chapel, the return to Garavan is by the same route as the outward way. Heading in this direction gives good views of the island of Kerrera and often the Oban to Mull ferry can be seen plying across the waters ahead.

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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Argyll Hotels and Inns
Self catering cottages in Argyll
Argyll and Oban hostels and bunkhouses