Dunain Hill & Craig Phadraig, Inverness

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
4.5 kms	04:10 (hrs:mins)	240 metres	Explorer 416: Inverness, Loch Ness & Culloden

Description

A hilly forest walk near Inverness, round the base of Dunain Hill then to the summit [281m]; then to the summit of Craig Phadraig [150m], a vitrified fort.

Beginning at Craig Dunain Hospital the walk is first through mixed woods then climbs through an old pine and Larch forest to the summit of Dunain Hill (281m), where there are views to the Cairngorms, along the Great Glen, and across Moray Firth. A timber extraction track leads to Craig Phadraig, a vitrified fort a mile and a quarter away. (There are many paths on Craig Phadraig hence the numerous waymarks in a short distance). The road back to the car park gives panoramic Views of Inverness.

Access Info

Car: Leave Inverness by the A82 (T) road to Fort Augustus. 1 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 (up hill) fork and go for three quarters of a mile.

Additional Info

Craig Phadraig 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.