Scotland
An Dun
827M
2715FT
About An Dun
Rising as a striking, steep-sided fortress between the deep troughs of Loch an Duin and Loch Bhrodainn, this Corbett dominates the remote Gaick Forest. Its distinctive flat-topped profile resembles a massive man-made earthwork. Reaching the summit requires a long, atmospheric approach through the desolate glens south of Dalwhinnie.
Key Statistics
Rank
29th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
232
Nearest Town
Data coming soon
Geology
An Dun is built from the Gaick Psammite Formation. This hardy rock began as ancient sand that was squeezed and hardened deep within the earth.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NN716801
Latitude
56.8948°N
Longitude
4.1086°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Gaelic for 'The Fort', a nod to the hill’s remarkably symmetrical, steep-sided appearance that mimics a prehistoric defensive earthwork when viewed from the floor of the Gaick Pass.
- •The hill sits in one of the most remote parts of the Grampians, famously associated with the 'Gaick Catastrophe' of 1800, where an avalanche destroyed a nearby hunting lodge.
- •From the summit plateau, there are exceptional views looking straight down the glacial trench of the Gaick Pass toward the Minigaig, with the sprawling plateaus of the Atholl Forest visible to the south.
- •The surrounding crags and high-altitude scree provide a habitat for dotterel and mountain hares, while golden eagles are frequently sighted hunting along the ridges of the neighbouring Gaick hills.
- •Despite the name suggesting an ancient stronghold, the only things currently defending the summit are a few weather-beaten hares and whatever wind has been funnelled up through the pass.