Ganavan Bay and Dunstaffnage Castle

The walk starts from Ganavan Bay. On a clear day the views from the bay and clifftops are breathtaking. Out to sea, a south-to-north sweep takes the eye across a panorama from the island of Kerrera, over to Mull, Dun Dha Gaoithe (Fort of the Two Winds), and finally to Duart Castle (home of the Chief of the Clan MacLean). Closer to the coast is low-lying Lismore, a green and fertile island, behind which lie the hills of Morvern across Loch Linnhe. Inland to the east rise the twin peaks of Ben Cruachan.

Now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, Dunstaffnage Castle dates from the 13th century, built by the Lords of Lorn (part of Clan MacDougall). First mentioned in 1309 when besieged by Robert the Bruce, he gave it to his supporter Arthur Campbell; it later passed through a branch of the Stewarts back to the MacDougalls before being granted in 1470 to Colin, Earl of Argyll, returning it to Clan Campbell. The castle was extensively restored in the 1980s, featuring a fine 15th- and 16th-century gatehouse and a high Gothic chapel in the grounds containing the burial place of the Dunstaffnage Campbells.

The contrasting characteristics of the walk make it enjoyable at any time of year: wild flowers bloom beneath the cliffs in spring and summer, while winter brings an exhilarating atmosphere with crashing waves and blowing winds.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia and Scotland off the beaten track.