Ganavan Sands and Dunstaffnage Castle

Summary

This superb circular starts with a rugged but beautiful moorland walk above the coastline, with truly stunning views. The route then visits the dramatic Dunstaffnage Castle before returning by following the cyclepath.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Outward paths are informal and boggy in places, with steep up and down sections. Only faint paths in the woods at Dunstaffnage. Return route follows surfaced cycle path.

Getting there

Start

Car park at Ganavan beach.

Public Transport

Bus to Ganavan from Oban.

Start Grid Ref

NM862326

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 177m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the car park at Ganavan Sands (charge); there are public toilets here. Start by taking the path across the grassy area alongside the beach; a path starts at the far end with a few steps. Follow this path for a short distance and go through a metal kissing gate.

Stage 2

Beyond this the path reaches a tiny burn with a smoothy grassy area beyond it and the crags of Aonadh Mòr ahead. Don't cross the burn but instead fork right to climb the grassy slope. As the slope eases fork left to head up onto the rough ground atop the coastal cliffs of Aonadh Mòr. There are stunning views looking back to Ganavan.

Stage 3

Continue along the rough and sometimes boggy path above the coastal cliffs. There are stunning views across the sea to Mull and Lismore. The path undulates along the clifftop crossing Ganavan Hill - there are a number of paths, whilst this route stays on the clearest one, as long as you continue along above the coast they will end up at the same place.

Stage 4

The path descends steeply and passes through a gap in a fence before climbing over a couple more hummocks keeping to the higher ground of Aonadh Beag. There are good views across to Dumbeg and towards Connel and the peaks of Ben Cruachan and Taynuilt Peak. Soon there is a clear view of the modern housing and Marine Science Park at Dunstaffnage.

Stage 5

Keep to the left to descend a rough path, and eventually meet a well constructed cycle path. Turn left along this. The cycle path eventually reaches the back of Camas Rubha na Liathaig - continue ahead round the back of the bay to pass the science buildings, ignoring the cycle route off right. At the far end of the bay take a narrow path into the woodland head.

Stage 6

The path through the woods is indistinct and can be hard to follow - keep the coast nearby to your left. Eventually emerge at a more open area - the path bends right here away from the sea. Keep straight ahead into the woods, with a narrow path through the trees, until you emerge on a constructed path. The walk turns left here, but first a short detour to the right visits the ruins of Dunstaffnage Chapel, which was built together with the castle in the 13th century.

Stage 7

Return to the constructed path and follow it to reach Dunstaffnage Castle. Built in the thirteenth century atop an enormous rock outcrop, this impressive fortress was the stronghold of the MacDougalls; it was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1308. A charge is payable if you wish to enter the castle itself; there are also toilets beside the ticket office. Otherwise, turn right along the approach track, with lovely views over Dunstaffnage Bay to your right.

Stage 8

After a car park follow the road, soon beside the loch shore. There's a cafe in the Ocean Explorer Centre to your right. Keep along the road by the bay for another 400m, then turn right up Dunstaffnage Avenue into the new housing area. Take the next left into Stuart Way, then right at the T, following the road to its end. From the parking pass the two white blocks to continue on a surfaced cycle path, with another path joining in from the right. Continue for 300m or so until a cross-paths - now turn right. The cycle path soon leads into some attractive native woodland.

Stage 9

After a good deal of height the route continues through the trees before finally descending, passing a sports field before returning to reach the car park and beach at Ganavan at the start of the walk.

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