Dùn da Ghaoithe from Duart Bay

Ferries to Mull run from Oban, Lochaline and Ardnamurchan, arriving at Craignure, Fishnish or Tobermory, with bus links between. The route begins around 2km south of Craignure on the A849. Just beyond a small group of roadside bins on the west side of the road, a narrow tarmac road heads uphill. Follow this to where the gradient eases, where a rough parking area can be found on the right by a fence line and a couple of trees.

If completing the traverse, the route finishes around 2km south-east of Fishnish.

From the roadside, the tarmac road is followed uphill, passing Upper Achnacroish House. The road becomes a track, passes a large shed and reaches a gate.

Cross the rather elaborate metal stile by the side of the gate and continue on the track as it climbs steadily, passing forestry and crossing a couple of cattle grids. The track continues past a lower mast with associated buildings, before twisting higher to a second mast , also with a building, at around 550m.

Beyond the upper mast, a faint path leads across grassy ground, following the crest to the summit of Mainnir nam Fiadh , marked by a conical trig point and overlooking Coire Mòr to the north-east.

Turning north-west, a broad and gently undulating plateau crest is followed for around 1km to reach the summit of Dùn da Ghaoithe, marked by a substantial cairn .

Return by ascent route
The simplest option is to retrace the outward route back down the track to the start.

Traverse to Fishnish
From the summit, the crest is followed north-north-west for around 500m, descending slightly to where the ground begins to steepen. To the left lies Beinn Thunacaraidh, while to the right is the north-east shoulder of Dùn da Ghaoithe.

The north-east shoulder is then followed downwards, with minor crags easily avoided. Below this, a turn north-west leads down over grass and then increasingly over heather into Coire Clachach. The east bank of the Allt Achadh na Mòine is then picked up and followed downstream. Near a small hydro installation and a group of trees, the head of a track is reached.



This track is followed as it hugs the burn, before turning through areas of felled forestry to reach the road near Alltcreich, west of Fishnish.



Possible circular
Looking at recent images of the terrain, a track, likely constructed for a hydro scheme, appears to traverse the north-east slopes of Dùn da Ghaoithe and Mainnir nam Fiadh. The end of this track may be reached by descending the north-east shoulder further and could provide a return to the main track below the lower mast, offering a circular option.