Willie’s View: To Castle Dounie
This week, Willie’s off to Castle Dounie, an old ruin in the hills of scenic Argyll.
The sun was still burning off the mist over the Sound of Jura when I arrived at Crinan this morning.
Usually, when I stop off at Crinan I’ll take a look around the Canal Basin, then have a walk along part of the towpath. Today, though, I was heading into new territory with a walk from the harbour to Castle Dounie.
At 7 a.m., everything was so still and quiet – apart from the spluttering engine of one wee boat preparing to set sail. Having driven for over three hours to get here, it felt so good to get the boots on and stretch the legs.
Cracking views
There’s not much left of Castle Dounie, but it’s no shame to it as the old hilltop fort has been standing for around 1,500 years.
What cracking views it enjoys looking over the Sound to the islands of Jura, Scarba and Luing – and north to Ben Cruachan.
Although it’s seven miles away, you might even hear the roar of the world’s second largest whirlpool, the Corryvreckan. It lurks between the islands of Jura and Scarba.
The panorama certainly makes up for the long steep climb. On a day like this, it’s surely one of the finest viewpoints in the whole of Argyll. Especially when you have it all to yourself!
This may have been my first visit to Castle Dounie, but it hopefully won’t be the last.
Catch up with more from Willie and the PF staff on our Team blog.
