This short forestry circuit visits some fascinating archaeological remains including a hill-top Dun or iron-age fort with stunning views.
Summary
Waymarked forest tracks and paths, muddy in places. The ascent up to the Dun is very steep and can be slippery.
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1. The walk begins from the Torinturk Forestry car park which is up a rather rough and rutted lane from Torinturk village - be careful not to ground your car! Start the walk along the waymarked left hand track from the car park. This runs across the forested hillside and gives glimpses over to West Loch Tarbert, with the Islay or Jura ferry often waiting at Kennacraig on the far side and, if the day is clear, the mountains of Arran beyond. A bench is reached which gives ample opportunity to enjoy the view.
2. The track (really no more than a broad grassy path) ends at a turning area, and the walk continues uphill to the right on a much smaller path. This soon climbs to reach the Achaglachgach Cairns. The larger of these two ancient burials is neolithic, thought to date back as far as 4000 - 2000 BC. The smaller cairn, which is known locally as Diarmid's Grave after a Celtic hero, is bronze age - 2500 - 600 BC, and is marked by a distinctive triangular upright stone. The grassy path continues to the right of the cairns.
3. The path climbs up past a bench and bears right once more level ground is reached; not much further on, it starts to descend. Soon an interpretation board is reached giving information on the iron-age fort of Dun a' Choin Duibh. To reach the Dun, turn left up a very steep grassy path. The detour is a short one but care is needed due to the steep slope and the grass which can be slippy. It soon leads up to a bare, heathery hilltop crowned with the impressive remains of the stone fort. Along the wall to the left is a small doorway which may have led to a small chamber. Local legend has it that this housed a black wolfhound bitch which guarded the Dun and gave it its name, which means the Fort of the Black Dog.
4. Pass around the wall to the right to reach the inner part of the Dun where a bench seat enjoys truly stunning views over West Loch Tarbert. The only descent route from the Dun is back the way you came, taking care on the steep grass. Once back on the track by the information board turn left to continue the walk. Turn right when a larger track is reached and follow this back to the car park at the start.
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