Killinallan Point circuit, Loch Gruinart

Summary

Explore the vast beaches around Killinallan Point on the eastern shores of Loch Gruinart. This is a great walk for wildife watching and beachcombing.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Short rough shoreline section, then sandy beach, and track over farmland (dogs must be under tight control). Burns flowing out over sands may require a paddle. The route may be impassable at highest tide.

Getting there

Start

Killinallan.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NR301707

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.1km / 6.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 40m (Profile)

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Explorer 353 - Islay North

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

To reach the start, take the minor road to Killinallan off the B8017 just east of the RSPB visitor centre at Gruinart; the surface may be a test of your suspension! There is parking on the turf on the left side of the road just before a gate. Begin the walk by heading through the gate, then taking a left turn after around 100m onto a grassy track - it is marked by a boulder with an arrow. It soon approaches the coast and passes through a gate; turn right along the shore, which is rough here; alternatively you can walk along the boggy grass alongside. You may see grey seals basking on the shore across the other side of the loch.

Stage 2

Soon the vast sandy beaches are reached. Continued northwest towards Killnallan Point; at low tide you may see exposed oyster beds as well as crabs and many seabirds enjoying the natural feast. Take care on the wet sand as there can be some soft patches. In winter thousands of geese overwinter on Loch Gruinart and the surrounding land (well seen from hides on the RSPB Loch Gruinart walk across the water as well as from this route.) You may need to paddle where a burn flows out across the beach.

Stage 3

Once around the steep dunes of the headland itself keep following the sands east along Tràigh Baile Aonghais. Eventually the dunes drop down to allow another to reach the bay; it flows along the base of the dunes before turning out to sea - again, this may require paddling across on the sand.

Stage 4

A short distance beyond the larger Gortantaoid River reaches the beach. Just before the river a faint path heads up through the dunes keeping high above the river at first before heading slightly right to go through a pedestrian gate. Detour back left to the river to see the waterfall, then follow the high ground, heading inland along a vague path which heads southeast to reach a track.

Stage 5

To the left the remains of the farm at Gortantaoid can be seen; our route turns right to follow the clear track all the way back to the start. The track passes through two gates before it reaches the farm buildings at Killinallan. Go straight on here through two more gates to reach the final section of track.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Islay, Jura & Colonsay Hotels

Islay, Jura & Colonsay B&B

Islay, Jura & Colonsay cottages

Islay, Jura & Colonsay hostels

Glamping and Camping

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