Craig Phadraig, overlooking the city of Inverness was the stronghold of a Pictish Chief, King Brude, in the 6th Century. The local forest provided the wood for the vitrification of the hilltop fort. King Brude held court from King Brude's Chair.

To find the starting point, leave Inverness by the A82 road to Fort Augustus. One mile after crossing the Caledonian Canal, turn off to take the right at Kilrean Cemetery and Craig Dunain Hospital. At the turn off take the left fork and go for three quarters of a mile. Park and start out at Craig Dunain Hospital.

The walk itself follows a hilly forest route round the base of Dunain Hill then onto its summit. From there the route then heads to the summit of Craig Phadraig an Iron Age vitrified fort.

The walk first takes you through mixed woods and climbs through an old pine and larch forest to the summit of Dunain Hill (281m). From here, the views are dramatic. You can see across to the Cairngorms, along the Great Glen and across Moray Firth.

Take the timber extraction track for just over a mile and it will take you to Craig Phadraig, the vitrified fort. After exploring this, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Inverness as you take the the road back to the car park.

Perfect Walks, Craig Phadrig, Highlands