Beautiful walks, starting directly from Ardnoe House: (1) "Castle Dounie Walk"
Many people prefer to leave their car at home, once they arrive on holiday. Two exceptionally scenic walks, starting from the property itself allow you to do just that.
The "Castle Dounie Walk" (6km) takes 2 – 3 hours for the circular route, allowing time for a picnic, maybe up to 4 hours with younger children.
Map acknowledgement: www.walkhighlands.co.uk
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/map3_7ao.shtml
Starting from the end of our garden, walk down the steps and path to the shore below
Looking north-east to Duntrune castle, and further east our house is just visible on top of the near side of the further hill overlooking Loch Crinan
There are a number of well positioned benches and picnic tables along the route.
Although it requires some imagination to picture it in its entirety – there are clear sections of outer wall remaining complete with some small chambers on the east side. It is easy to appreciate the significance of the position as a look-out in ancient times. Ships could have been spotted many miles away, allowing enough time for evasive action.
The summit is steep on most sides, allowing for impressive views up and down the coast, as well as across the Sound of Jura to the islands of Jura Scarba and the Gulf of Corryvreckan. In the further distance is Mull and on a clear day Ben Cruachan on the mainland, the highest mountain in Argyll is visible.
A view from the summit
Further view at the summit under conditions of temperature inversion
Following the circular route, clockwise, from the western part of the circular route, there are terrific views west and north west, to the islands.
If you continue following the circuit, and then join the path you walked up from the harbour, you will return to the shore line at Crinan Harbour.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/map3_7ao.shtml