Dun Deardail Hillfort
Explore the ancient vitrified fort of Dun Deardail for breathtaking panoramic views of Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Dun Deardail Hillfort
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient vitrified fort of Dun Deardail for breathtaking panoramic views of Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis.
"Heart-stopping views over the Great Glen from this ancient fort."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking at Braveheart Car Park costs £3 for the day. Machines may be covered in winter, making it free then. :moneybag:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The path has short, steep sections. Good walking shoes or boots are essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vitrified Fort Ramparts
Summit of Dun Deardail
Explore the ancient, fire-hardened ramparts of this unique Iron Age fort, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Panoramic Glen Nevis Views
Summit of Dun Deardail
Behold breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Glen Nevis, with Ben Nevis often dominating the stunning landscape.
Ancient Woodland Trail
Path from Braveheart Car Park
Enjoy a scenic walk through enchanting ancient woodland, a peaceful prelude to the summit's grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Understanding the 'Fort' Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking at Braveheart Car Park costs £3 for the day. Machines may be covered in winter, making it free then. :moneybag:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The path has short, steep sections. Good walking shoes or boots are essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
On clear days, the views are spectacular. Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning panoramas of Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Follow the Signposts
The route to Dun Deardail is well-signposted, primarily following forestry roads, making it easy to navigate. :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking at Braveheart Car Park costs £3 for the day. Machines may be covered in winter, making it free then. :moneybag:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The path has short, steep sections. Good walking shoes or boots are essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
On clear days, the views are spectacular. Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning panoramas of Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Follow the Signposts
The route to Dun Deardail is well-signposted, primarily following forestry roads, making it easy to navigate. :compass:
⚠️ Watch for Walkers
If cycling, be mindful of West Highland Way walkers, especially on the descent. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dun Deardail for its absolutely stunning panoramic views, particularly of Ben Nevis, and the palpable sense of history from the ancient vitrified fort. The walk through the woodland is also a highlight, though some note that the 'fort' itself is largely ruins, with the views being the main draw. Parking is straightforward, and the trail is generally well-maintained.
"Great walk from braveheart carprk through the forest and up into the mountain! It's the remains of a fort from 2000 years ago so very impressive qith what's left!
If you like walking this is a great walk to do. Parking in the winter months is free as the machines are covered up otherwise £3 for all day .
Walk is around 6.9 miles in total and we'll worth it."
Chris
"A short but steep climb through ancient woodland leads to this vitrified fort on Spean’s summit. The 2,500-year-old fire-hardened ramparts offer heart-stopping views over the Great Glen. It’s easy to imagine Iron Age sentries scanning for rivals here. The sense of history is palpable, especially under brooding skies."
Arman Khachatryan
"Park in braveheart car park £3.00 for full day no overnight parking . Follow clearly signposted mainly forestry road to dun deardail .Great views over to Ben nevis on clear day .fantastic views all round
Couple short quite steep sections to reach Fort but well worth the effort ."
david smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point is the Braveheart Car Park in Glen Nevis. From there, follow the clearly signposted forestry roads leading up to Dun Deardail. The walk is approximately 6.9 miles round trip.
Yes, there is parking at the Braveheart Car Park. It costs £3 for a full day. In winter months, the machines might be covered, potentially making parking free. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Yes, cycling is possible, and some visitors use e-bikes to tackle the climb. However, be aware of West Highland Way walkers on the trails, especially when descending.
Public transport options directly to the trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car to the Braveheart Car Park.
The path is mainly a forestry road, which is well-maintained. There are a couple of short, quite steep sections as you approach the fort itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Dun Deardail Hillfort. The main cost is for parking at the Braveheart Car Park.
Dun Deardail is an outdoor historical site and is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee for Dun Deardail Hillfort itself. The only potential cost is for parking at the Braveheart Car Park.
Yes, you can visit Dun Deardail in winter. The forestry roads are generally accessible, and parking may be free. Be prepared for colder weather and potentially shorter daylight hours.
No booking is required to visit Dun Deardail. It's a natural historical site that you can explore at your own pace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dun Deardail is the remains of a vitrified fort dating back approximately 2,500 years. It features fire-hardened ramparts and offers incredible views over Glen Nevis.
The primary attractions are the ancient ramparts of the fort and the stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Glen Nevis and the surrounding mountains, including Ben Nevis.
The walk from Braveheart Car Park is around 6.9 miles in total. Allow 2-3 hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
There are no facilities directly at the fort itself. Basic facilities like toilets are usually available at the Braveheart Car Park.
The walk is manageable for children, but the steep sections require supervision. The historical aspect and the expansive views can be very engaging for younger visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis. The ancient ramparts themselves also make for dramatic historical photos. Golden hour light is particularly stunning. 
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets can be particularly spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of Ben Nevis. A tripod can help with low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset. :iphone:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and any restrictions in place for the Glen Nevis area before flying a drone. :drone:
Yes, the surrounding woodland and hills are home to various wildlife. Be patient and respectful if you're hoping to capture images of local fauna. :bird:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
The ancient ramparts of the fort also offer unique opportunities for historical and textural photography. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a telephoto lens to focus on distant peaks like Ben Nevis. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Dun Deardail
The site's location on a prominent hill provides not only a defensive advantage but also spectacular panoramic views. This strategic placement highlights the importance of the Great Glen as a historical route. While much of the original structure has eroded over millennia, the remaining ramparts and the sheer scale of the site offer a compelling glimpse into the past. It’s a place where history and landscape intertwine beautifully.
Visiting Dun Deardail offers a chance to connect with Scotland's ancient heritage. The walk through the woodland and the ascent to the summit are part of the experience, leading you to a place where ancient sentries once stood guard. The combination of historical intrigue and breathtaking scenery makes it a memorable destination for any visitor interested in Scottish history and natural beauty.
Navigating the Trails and Views
Many visitors highlight the stunning 360-degree views from the summit. On a clear day, you can see for miles, with Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, often a dominant and awe-inspiring feature in the landscape. The expansive views over the Great Glen are equally captivating, offering a sense of the vastness and beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
+1For those who enjoy cycling, the forestry tracks are suitable for bikes, including e-bikes, which can make the climb more accessible. However, it's important to be mindful of other trail users, particularly walkers on the West Highland Way, especially during descents.
The overall experience is a rewarding blend of physical activity, historical exploration, and unparalleled natural beauty.
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