6 Dun da Ghaoithe
Enjoy spectacular sea views and fine ridges on a great circular route of Mull’s second highest peak. Kirstie Shirra is your guide.
Dun da Ghaoithe is Mull’s second highest peak after the far more famous Ben More, and it’s the island’s only Corbett (2,500-2,999 footer). Mull, Scotland’s fourth largest island, definitely lives up to its Gaelic name, Muile nam Mor-bheann, which translates as ‘Mull of the big mountains’. Dun da Ghaoithe, meaning ‘fort of the two winds’, is also apt, given the two castles that adorn its flanks.
Starting straight from the ferry in Craignure itself, the walk up Dun da Ghaoithe passes by the picturesque (but now private) Torosay Castle. The ‘castle’ is in fact a Victorian country home set in 12 acres of garden. Neighbouring Duart Castle, of which you get great views as you climb the shoulder, is more of the real deal.
A track takes you up a good deal of the way, but don’t be misled; this is a wonderfully wild mountain. Once past the track end you won’t come across another path until you get back down to Scallastle woods. Rising up from Craignure Bay, its long ridge and deep corries give it the appearance of being far higher than its 766m and the walk to its summit leaves you in no doubt that you are on an island with its views out to sea in every direction. The Sound of Mull passes by its foot with a view north-east right up Loch Linnhe, the Firth of Lorne is to its south and Loch Scridain gives way to the Atlantic to the west.
And with most walkers heading to Ben More you may well not come across another person either.