It isn't the only way, but it's the only way to get there in any reasonable amount of time. Coming through the next closest rings would add weeks to the journey and still require you to skirt dangerously close to Daonna, as it's located very near to the only nearby place to cross the Luath, and the only option other than that is sailing all the way around the coast and then traveling inland for several days or weeks, depending on where you land.

[wow he really needs to just arrange for another fairy ring or something. jesus christ.]

Just keep in mind that an angry mob can do just as much damage as any monster, if riled up enough.