Dùn Ara and Glengorm Castle, near Tobermory

Summary

This out-and-back walk leads from the splendid Glengorm Castle across the pastures to the site of an old fort at Dùn Ara on the coast. There are wide sea views, with perhaps the opportunity to spot an otter or - for the brave - try a dip in the open sea 'bathing pool'.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Mostly a grassy track, wet underfoot in places. The final very short ascent to Dùn Ara is steep and rocky.

Getting there

Start

Cafe and Gallery at Glengorm Castle steadings.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NM441571

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.75km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 92m (Profile)

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Explorer 374 - Mull North

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Glengorm Castle is at the end of a signed minor road from the outskirts of Tobermory. Drive through the white gates and take the right hand fork to reach a car park just short of the coffee shop and gallery in the steading building. From the patio area outside the coffee shop cross the bridge and then follow the track to the right - signed for Dùn Ara and the Bathing Pool. Go through the gate and follow the track across the grassy pastures below the castle.

Stage 2

There are great views to the right across the sea towards Ardnamurchan Point at the end of a very wild stretch of coastline; the lighthouse remains out of view around the corner. To the left Glengorm Castle looks on in stately grandeur. Follow the track as it continues and eventually passes through a second gate. Just beyond here fork right onto a fainter grassy track that soon reaches a larger track at a T-junction. A little beyond and over to the left here are a group of three standing stones.

Stage 3

Turn right on the track towards a gate. Cross a stile and head down the grassy field, keeping the drystone dyke on your right. As the slope levels off continue through the next gate (or over the adjacent stile). The next section can be wet underfoot but soon becomes drier and more of a clear grass track once again. Pass through another two gates as the track curves left and right. After a third gate it swings to the right to pass behind two rocky knobbles. A short distance beyond is another rocky knob; a wooden sign at the bottom indicates that this is Dùn Ara.

Stage 4

To visit the remains of the fort follow the path to the right which climbs briefly but steeply on rock to reach the summit. The most obvious remaining structure is a square outline at the far end, but it is the views over the sea to Ardnamurchan, Coll and Tiree that are likely to command more admiration. After enjoying the views return back down to the track. The return walk to Glengorm is the same way, but before doing this you can follow the track a short distance further to reach what was once a bathing pool, sheltered from the worst of the waves. If you keep quiet, you might see a seal or perhaps even an otter.

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