The monument on Dùn na Cuaiche is a prominent landmark from Inveraray; it is a wonderful viewpoint and visiting it makes a great objective for a walk.
Bog Factor
Good path; the route includes a steep ascent and is incompletely waymarked.
Car park at Inveraray Castle.
Regular bus services to Inveraray a short distance from the start of the walk.
NN095093
There is a large car park at Inveraray Castle. This impressive stately home has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll - chiefs of Clan Campbell - for nearly 200 years. Today it is a very popular tourist attraction. There are several walks starting from here; the most obvious objective is to make the ascent to the prominent monument on Dùn na Cuaiche. Begin the walk along the tarmac lane that runs to the left from the far end of the car park. Soon the lane passes a monument. Dating from 1754 the monument commemorates the execution of seventeen Campbell leaders in 1685 by the Marquis of Atholl. Continue the walk by crossing the ornate Frew's bridge.
On the far side of the bridge a cross-roads of tracks is reached; there is also a path heading diagonally to the right into the woods. Take this path - the next section through the trees is delightfully carpeted with bluebells in the spring. Soon the path leads to a gate giving access to an open area and a track - continue straight across the track aiming for another gate ahead. Pass through this gate and follow its track into the woods once more. Soon it passes to the right of some old stone ruins - remains of a series of lime kilns. Ignore a waymarked path which doubles back to the right, and then further on continue straight ahead when another waymarked track curves to the right.
Ignore any turnings left and right until the track levels off; here take a well graded path forking off to the right that continues uphill. This passes the remains of a once-substantial stone wall in the woods before doubling back to the right and continuing uphill, once again passing through the wall. Eventually the path levels off and reaches a more open area - a saddle behind the summit of the hill. The path curves right and begins to head up to the summit of Dùn na Cuaiche, zig-zagging uphill with fine views.
The monument stands on the open hilltop close to the site of an iron-age fort. Being close to the edge of a steep drop, the view is superb on a good day. Inveraray Castle is far below with the town nestled on the shores of the loch to its left, whilst Loch Fyne itself stretches away towards the horizon.
After enjoying a well-earned rest the return route is by reversing the ascent. It used to be possible to make a circuit but the alternative descent route is now closed.
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