Dun na Cuaiche Watchtower – Inveraray, Scotland - Atlas Obscura

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Dun na Cuaiche Watchtower

Inveraray, Scotland

An 18th-century viewpoint across the surrounding highlands. 

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The Dun Na Cuaiche Watchtower is a familiar site for those traveling down the A83 through Argyle. Standing high on the hill above the town (248 meters to be exact), it offers breathtaking views over the town and adjacent Loch Fyne. On clear days you can see across to the surrounding mountains and snowy forests.

The tower was built as a folly in 1756, by the owners of the land and castle. Its purpose was purely decorative, and its position was very specifically picked. Instead of being located on the highest point of the hill, it cleverly sits on the edge of the steep face of the hill and therefore when being viewed from the town or castle it is silhouetted against the sky. Despite having been struck by lightning on multiple occasions, it continues to stand strong after all these years.

Most visitors will start the walk at Inveraray Castle, also very much worth a visit. It then takes a beautiful woodland walk up to the viewpoint. You will pass by decorative bridges, old lime kilns, and trees that were planted by Queen Victoria to commemorate her visit to the Castle in 1875. Take time to smell the country air, and get back to nature.

Know Before You Go

This hike is well sign posted, on even paths and is one of the nicest easy hikes in Argyll. Plenty route guides with instructions can be found online.

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July 2, 2021

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