BEN HYNISH AND DUN SHIADER – BEINN HAOIDHNIS AND DÙN SHIADAIR
A CIRCULAR WALK OVER BEN HYNISH AND DRAMATIC IRON AGE FORT
With over 700 structures recorded on Ben Hynish, Dun Shiader sits on a conspicuous rocky crag at the foot of the hill, offering spectacular 360-degree views out to the Atlantic and along the rugged coastline. It is one of the best examples of the more than twenty Iron Age fortresses on our island. The oval dry-stone fort has original outer walls remaining up to 1m high, with Leabaidh an Fuamhaire (the Giant’s Bed) nearby. Together with the extensive prehistoric field systems and medieval hill farm on the hill, we get a sense of how Tiree’s early inhabitants used the landscape for settlement, defence … and a place to hoard Viking silver.
Start / End: West Hynish. Nearby, Tyree Distillery run distillery tours with a shop and visitor centre.
Park and Meet: Parking on corner as the road turns sharp left at the bottom of road up Carnan Mor and the Golf Ball.
Walking Distance: ~5km (round trip) following the coastal path – 2.5 hours.
Terrain: Moderate climb, steep in places, rocky with some wet, boggy and uneven ground.
Special note: The route is exposed and steep in places. We will keep a close eye on the forecast before and during the walk. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss the walk’s suitability for you.