Climb through the Atlantic Oakwoods past an archaeological site to reach the hilltop of Dunan - locally known as the Camel's Hump - for its superb views over Dunoon, the Clyde and the Holy Loch.
Bog Factor
Woodland paths, can be muddy in winter, and a fairly steep ascent path. Return route via forest tracks.
Car park near Sandbank.
Bus to Sandbank.
NS161796
There is a rough parking area for this walk signed as a picnic area up a track from the A885 in Sandbank. To reach the car park, keep left part way along the rough track and the car park up to 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 Atlantic oakwoods that would once have clothed much of this area.
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.
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 when you reach a path junction, bear right.
The path climbs gently through the trees, with more open ground to the right. It then starts to descent once more, and comes closer to a fence. Turn right at a junction to go through a gate in the fence.
The path now begins the climb to Dunan. This climbs more steeply, with good views opening up back over Dunoon and the Clyde. The path passes 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. Perhaps the pleasantest route back is to retrace steps, but for an alternative, you can keep ahead along the path, descending at first and then climbing gently, to reach a phone mast. Follow the track to the left from here to meet a forest track, then turn right along this. Ignore a turning off left, and keep right at the next two junctions. The track eventually swings round and rejoins the outward route above the car park.
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