Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point, Fiskavaig

Summary

Ardtreck Point is the northernmost part of Minginish, and an automated light guards the entrance to Loch Harport. The highlight of this enjoyable short moorland walk is the stunningly situated remains of Dun Ardtreck.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Grassy footpaths, then rough moorland walking, boggy in places; unprotected cliff edges. The route passes through livestock grazings so dogs are requested to be kept on a lead.

Public Transport

Bus to Portnalong, stops around 1km from start.

Start

Parking area at road end at Portnalong pier. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.75km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 148m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG342359

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There is a parking area at the B8009 road end at Portnalong pier - please use this as there is no suitable parking at the Ardtreck road end. From the pier head back along the road very briefly, then turn right onto the track that leads down to the pontoons - signed as a path to Ardtreck Road. When the track forks, ignore the right hand branch right down by the pontoons, and take the slightly higher track ahead that runs past the front of the modern houses.

Stage 2

The track reaches a gated storage area, and then swings left. Soon afterwards it reaches a gate - don't pass through this, instead turning right and crossing metal footbridge. On the far side a narrow path climbs up through the trees, passes through a pedestrian gate and then slopes up through a field, giving great views back over Loch Harport. Livestock are grazed here so dogs must be on a lead. After another gate, the path eventually emerges on a minor road. Turn right here. At the signed turning area, fork half right onto a gravelled track - there's a makeshift sign for the broch and lighthouse.

Stage 3

Go through a gate, and follow the track as it curves round to the right. There's a second gate as it climbs, keeping well to the right of a crofthouse. Keep ahead until a wooden fence at the end, then turn left (white sign) to head across the narrowest part of the field to a gate on the other side. Pass throughm, and follow the rough moorland path left to another gate and the open moor. At this point there are two paths - take the one that keeps just to the right of a small grassy mound. It leads down towards the west side of the peninsula. Take the lower path when it forks. The remains of Dun Ardtreck can be seen atop a rocky promontory. Head up to visit it.

Stage 4

Dun Ardtreck is a D-shaped structure, with galleried walls on the inland side, known as a semi-broch; it is thought to date back around 2,000 years. There are guard cells either side of the entrance passage, and the walls stand to several feet in places. Return back down from the broch and then bear left to follow a path that runs atop the coastal cliffs.

Stage 5

Eventually the small automated light at Ardtreck Point comes into view; follow faint paths to reach it. There are views across to Bracadale, with Macleod's Tables prominent in the distance.

Stage 6

This is the turning point of the walk; from here, take a path that leads just to the right of the prow-like rocky hill to the southeast, passing the ruins of an old settlement. Once past the steep section, it's worth detouring to visit the summit of the hill, giving great views back over the point.

Stage 7

Retrace steps briefly, then cross the moors, keeping to the highest spine of the peninsula; there's a faint path but it's boggy. It rejoins the outward route at a gate; bear left here and retrace your steps all the way back to the start.

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