walkhighlands

Islay


Islay

Islay is famed for its distinctive whiskies, and is home to eight working distilleries. Known as the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is fertile and its hills - though rugged - are small. Amongst outdoor enthusiasts, the island is perhaps best known amongst birdwatchers, being a wintering ground for a huge population of geese, as well as a breeding ground for rare corncrakes and chough.

However, Islay offers some superb scenery for walkers. There are spectacular beaches of perfect fine sand, whether the vast sweep of Machir Bay or the wide sands of Loch Gruinart, or a score of more intimate, sheltered coves around the Rhinns. In the southwest, the Oa peninsula offers spectacular coastal cliffs as well as a rugged interior. There are fine woods around Bridgend and Ballygrant, picturesque white-washed villages such as Port Charlotte or Port Ellen, and superb views over the sea seemingly around every corner. With some wild corners receiving few visitors, Islay has something for everyone who enjoys exploring on foot. Coverage of Jura and Colonsay is planned for 2013.

Accommodation


Walk Grade Distance Time
West Tower walk, near Bridgend 0.75km 30 mins
Dun Nosebridge, near Mulindry 2.25km 45 minutes
Kildalton Cross and Port Mor 2.5km 1 hour
Portnahaven and Port Wemyss 2.5km 1 hour
Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve trail 2.5km 1 hour
Machir Bay, Kilchoman 3km 1 hour
Mull of Oa and the American Monument 3.5km 1 - 1.5 hours
Sanaigmore Bay, Rhinns of Islay 4.25km 1.5 hours
Carraig Fhada and the Singing Sands 4.5km 1.5 hours
Port Ellen standing stones loop 5km 1.5 hours
Saligo Bay beach and arches, Rhinns of Islay 5.25km 2 - 2.5 hours
Ardnave Point, Ardnave 6km 2.5 hours
Ballygrant to Port Askaig 6.25km 2 hours
Bridgend Woods and the Woollen Mill 6.6km 2 hours
Killinallan Point circuit, Loch Gruinart 10.25km 2.5 - 3 hours
Laggan Point circuit, Bowmore 14km 2 - 2.5 hours
4 Lochs and 2 Distilleries from Ballygrant 25.5km 5.5 - 7 hours
Port Charlotte circular 4.6km 2 hours
Rubha nam Faing coastal walk, Portnahaven 6.5km 2 hours
Beinn Mhor and the Mull of Oa 8.5km 3 - 3.5 hours
Rhuvaal Lighthouse, Bunnahabhain 13.5km 4 - 5 hours
Turnaichaidh and Machir Bay, Kilchoman 5.75km 2.5 - 3 hours
Soldier's Rock and Kintra circuit 7.75km 3.5 - 4 hours
Beinn Bheigier and Glas Bheinn 16.5km 7 - 8 hours

View on a map

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.