Isle of Mull
1 NM717371
From the tourist information centre in Craignure walk southeast along the road (A849) on the pavement on the left-hand side. Once the pavement runs out it is possible to take a small path off to the left through woodland towards Torosay Castle to keep off the road. However, as the castle is now private this access may be closed, in which case stay on the road. The path, if open, passes through lovely mixed woodland and brings you out onto the main drive to the castle. Go right up the drive to rejoin the A849. Head left along it briefly then take the first turning to the right. 2 NM726350 This climbs to Upper Achnacroish, where the road ends and a track begins. Follow the track as it climbs steeply in places past the mast on Maol nan Uan with great views back to the Sound of Mull and Duart Castle. The track ends at a second mast.
3 NM692352
Continue straight on past this second mast to climb a grassy slope and continue along the broad shoulder. As you walk heading roughly west, without a path, there are views out to sea on both sides. The shoulder, which begins broad and gentle, steepens and narrows as it climbs to the trig point and cairn that mark the top of Mainnir nan Fiadh. It is an easy walk west-of-north
along the ridge from here round to the main summit of Dun da Ghaoithe.
4 NM672362 From the summit head north-west briefly to reach and descend by way of the Beinn Chreagach shoulder. A descent of Maol nan Damh would be down very steep rock and is not advisable. As you descend there are a couple of rocky outcrops but these are easily avoided or negotiated and the rock
soon gives way to grass. Keep to the right of the shoulder, aiming east-north-east for where a fence crosses the Allt an Dubh-choire. 5 NM687375 Here cross the burn and pass through the gate immediately on the other side. Follow the burn downhill, keeping well to its right, across very rough ground, making this the least pleasant section of the walk but thankfully a short one. Once the terrain levels, follow a fence to your right to reach a gate.
6 NM695372 A path on the other side of the gate leads onto a wider path where you turn left to come to a bridge over the Scallastle River. Cross the bridge and follow the track on the other side as it takes you into the forestry plantation. Ignore a turning to your right and continue to reach the Scallastle woodland car park. 7 NM712375 Turn right out of the car park to walk right along the A849 back to the start.