An exploration of the south west coast of Gigha where the walking is fairly tough but the scenery out of this world. As well as stunning coast it also visits the standing stones of Bodach and Cailleach, the windfarm, the beach at Grob Bay, the spouting cave and south pier, before returning along the road past Achamore Gardens.
Summary
Paths and farm tracks, pathless sections which can be very wet, minor road, one farm gate to be climbed.
Terrain
NR653490
Grid ref
10.5km/6.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
1. This walk is described from the ferry terminal, but can easily be picked up in Ardminish. From the ferry follow the road along the coast and at the cairn turn left to reach the Boathouse cafe. Cross in front of the cafe by the sea and climb a small stile and follow a faint path along the shore to the right. Cross the small beach at Port a' Chinn Mhoir and follow the clear path from the back of the beach up towards the village and the main road.
2. Turn left along the main road and follow it until you turn right at a sign for Achamore Gardens. Pass the village hall and then a cemetery on your right and keep left to pass a house on the right and then a newer one on the left. The track ahead leads eventually to Cuddyport beach and the quern stone quarry. However this route turns left just below the new house to follow a faint track through the field, keeping the woodland and gorse just to your left.
3. Continue on the faint track across the field. The first windmill of the small community-owned windfarm now comes into view. Climb the gate and continue ahead across very boggy ground to go through another gate below Achamore Farm. Keep close to the wall through this field and then climb up to the, pre-Christian standing stones Bodach and Cailleach (man and woman). From the stones descend and go through the gate and pass the two wind turbines and go through another gate on the far side of the field. Turn right here and go through another gate and pass the third turbine to a gate onto the open ground along the shore. Follow a faint path to the left and head towards the sea.
4. The next section is rough and pathless, nearer the coast is wetter, there is a stile near the sea when you reach a fence, after which there is a small beach, or you can keep to the higher ground which is easier going but with less chance of seeing seabirds, otters and seals. Eventually the sands at Grob Bagh are reached with the large building at Leim Farm visible to the left. After crossing the bay climb a stile over the wall and head straight uphill heading for the highest ground where there is a small cairn.
5. From here you can detour out to find the small spouting cave, a blow hole cave which makes an impressive rumbling sound as the waves pass over the pebbles trapped inside - during stormy weather sea foam and water spout from the hole at each large wave. To reach the cave continue straight ahead out to the headland from the cairn and descend carefully slightly to the left towards Stony Bay. Bear left, you should now be able to hear the roar of the cave which has only a small triangular hole visible, take care here. Afterwards either retrace your steps to the top or follow the coast for a short while and then turn left to climb up a boggy area to the cliff top.
6. Here turn right to follow a stone wall along the coast with good views of Cara Island and the smaller Gigalum Island just offshore. Head down to where the stone wall meets a fence and pass through a gateway. Now aim straight for the shore and if the tide allows follow the beach round to the south pier, or stay on the foreshore. Just before the pier bear left to go through a kissing gate and onto the road. Turn left to follow the road all the way back to Ardminish where you can take the right turn near the Post Office to return to the ferry terminal.
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