Dun Breac Fort

Located on the lower slopes of Beinn nan Gobhar, Dun Breac sits atop a rocky boss about 460 meters north of Ardvergnish farmhouse. The fort is oval in plan, enclosing an area of approximately 39 meters by 25 meters. Its position takes advantage of the natural topography, with steep slopes on the south side providing a significant defensive advantage, while the northern approach is more gradual, rising only about 10 meters above the surrounding terrain.

The defensive wall of Dun Breac is a substantial structure, varying between 2 and 4 meters in thickness. Although time has taken its toll, numerous stretches of the wall and individual facing stones are still in place, allowing visitors to trace the original perimeter of the fortification. The entrance is located on the north-east side, measuring about 1.5 meters wide, a typical width for controlling access in such defensive structures.

An interesting feature of the site is a relatively recent enclosure wall that crosses the ancient fort wall on the south-east side. This layering of history—from Iron Age defence to later agricultural use—is characteristic of many sites on Mull. Dun Breac provides a clear example of how the island’s inhabitants have adapted and reused the landscape over thousands of years.