Dùn da Ghaoithe, near Craignure

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Dùn da Ghaoithe is the second highest hill on Mull and the only Corbett. It guards the approach to Craignure on the ferry from Oban, and offers perhaps the finest views on the island.

Terrain

An excellent track leads up to the two masts. From the second mast the walk is pathless hillwalking on mostly grassy ridges with some rocks.

Public Transport

None to start - to walk from Craignure follow paths to Torosay Castle to reach the start.

Start

Tarred lane leading to Upper Achnacroish. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Heading south along the road from Craignure, after passing the turning to Torosay Castle take the next lane on the right, 250m further on. The tarred lane swings sharply right and climbs steeply through the woods; it levels off at a final row of massive oak trees. There is some room to park here with great care on the grassy verge. Begin the walk by continuing along the road - after passing Upper Achnacroish it becomes a track and soon reaches a locked gate. A high iron ladder stile climbs over on the right. Now continue on the track as it swings right and then back left, climbing gently. Already there are excellent views looking back, with Castle Duart prominent, backed by the southern end of the Isle of Lismore with Argyll beyond.

Stage 2

The track climbs rather uneventfully, at one point passing close to a forestry plantation, but the views looking back get better and better. Oban is backed by the twin summits of Ben Cruachan , with the Calmac ferry plying to and fro. To the left the mainland includes mountain after mountain, across to Ben Nevis, whilst to the right are the islands of Luing, Scarba and finally Jura with its Paps. After another zig-zag the track climbs up to pass to the right of the complex of masts and subsidiary buildings at Maol nan Uan. At this point there is a first view to Dun da Ghaoithe - the right hand peak of the two visible summits.

Stage 3

Take the track that forks off to the right (the main track enters the mast complex). Another steeper section is ascended by a whole series of zig-zags before the slope eases and the track continues more easily to reach the second, higher complex of masts. Pass to the right of the fence; from here onwards the route is pathless - a proper hillwalk at last! There is a brief steep grassy rise before the wide ridge levels off for a time, passing a couple of tiny lochans.

Stage 4

A couple of broken rocky ribs run across the ridge before it begins to rise more steeply (again still mostly grassy) towards the prominent summit of Mainnir nam Fiadh. At the top of this steep section the ridge narrows and the ground falls away steeply on either side. The ridge keeps climbing up to reach the top. The cylindrical trig point is situated on the edge of the drop a little short of the highest point which is marked by an enormous cairn. This isn't the Corbett summit however - Dun da Ghaoithe lies 1km away to the NNW.

Stage 5

The excellent ridge crosses a minor bump and then broadens as it leads on to the bealach. Continue ahead up the stony slope which soon levels off and then reaches the summit of Dùn da Ghaoithe. The cairn here is almost equally massive, and the views are perhaps even better than those from Ben More. The stunning view of Argyll and the Islands has already been described - it is best seen from a few metres to the east, together with a swathe of the Sound of Mull and Morvern beyond. Looking across the island, Ben More itself looks magnificent, with the A' Chioch ridge facing.

Stage 6

It is possible to continue along the ridge, or make an (initially extremely steep) descent to reach the Scallastle Forest Walk. These routes involve much rougher going, however, and it is far more pleasant - with better views - to retrace your steps back along the ridge and return the way you came. Once at the upper mast the track is picked up once more; it feels much easier walked in this direction!

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