Dunagoil

Nearest town:
Rothesay (11km NNW)
OS reference:
NS0847953127
OS sheet:
63
Latitude:
55° 44' 0.55 N
Longitude:
5° 3' 2.52 W
Added to TMA by

Sites within Dunagoil

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Images

Image of Dunagoil (Cliff Fort) by GLADMAN

Vitrification... don’t you just love it?

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Jun 4, 2016
Image of Dunagoil (Cliff Fort) by GLADMAN

To be fair, Nature provided just about the optimum landward defences.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Jun 4, 2016
Image of Dunagoil (Cliff Fort) by GLADMAN

The seaward flank still retains remnants of a formerly dry stone wall.... subsequently fused to I-know-not-what through the intense heat of vitrification. The more I see of this enigmatic Scottish idiosyncrasy, the more I’m convinced this was a metaphysical act.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Jun 4, 2016
Image of Dunagoil (Cliff Fort) by GLADMAN

Brief interludes in Bute’s inclemental assault reveal innumerable details... the impregnability of the site... the flora The Mam C would instantly recognise were she here... the geology accentuated by muted colours. I liked this place.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Jun 4, 2016
Image of Dunagoil (Cliff Fort) by GLADMAN

Some chieftain clearly had a good eye for siting a fort back in the day. Or had good advisors.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Jun 4, 2016

Articles

Dunagoil

thelonious
thelonious Jun 14, 2018

05/06/2018 – What to say about Dunagoil to do it justice? I just loved it. Two forts to look at, a burial chamber and just wonderful scenery. This really is a must visit site if you’re on Bute.

Good parking and access from NS 0888 5354. Short stroll to Dunagoil Bay and the first fort (Little Dunagoil). There is a small cave at the front of this one where a shell midden has been found. Walking between the forts, don’t forget to keep a look out for the small burial chamber (it’s good). After that, a little climb brings you to the top of Dunagoil.

The main fort is just great. I love a fort with a bit of vitrification and the walls on this one have loads. It’s one of the best I’ve been too. Such a mystery as to why and how.

The geology of this place is pretty special too and the views!!

Lots to see here. If you are thinking of going, I thought I’d mention two little books I bought at the tourism information centre in Rothesay which I found most useful whist on Bute. They are pretty cheap too.

Reading the Landscape of Bute – Hill & Buist (great for short walks looking at geology)
Archaeological Landscape of Bute – Geddes & Hale (great for prehistory)

We were only supposed to make a flying visit here as part of a longer walk but Dunagoil was too good and we ended up staying far too long. Very hot and sunny day.

Sites within 20km of Dunagoil

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