Inchcailloch island

1. Inchcailloch is a stunning wooded island on Loch Lomond, just a short distance off-shore from Balmaha. Balmaha boat-yard operate a ferry service to the island on-demand, available throughout the year, weather permitting. The walk begins from the north pier, where most boats land. Head up the short flight on steps to begin your exploration of the island. The path heads to the right through the woods, soon turning inland. An information board with a map of the island is soon reached; the largest path continues ahead, but to make an ascent to the highest point of the island, turn left here onto a slightly rougher path.

2. The path crosses a wooden boardwalk across a wet area; alder trees thrive in these damp conditions. Once nearer to the south side of the island the path begins to ascend, with some steps, making a wide zig-zag. The rocks above the path are puddingstone - a conglomerate that gets its name from its resemblance to fruit pudding. At the top of the climb a bench looks out to the flat and wide southern stretches of the loch.

3. The path now swings left to another bench, this time on the summit of the island, and looking north. The panorama is truly stunning, with the first hills and mountains of the Highlands arranged around the head of the loch. Ben Lomond rises particularly proudly as the centrepiece of the scene. After enjoying this, continue along the path, with a brief view along several other islands all in a perfect line - like Inchcailloch, these islands are all on the Highland Boundary Fault that separates Highlands and Lowlands.

4. The path descends to reach a junction with the main path once more; unless you need to hurry back to the boat, turn left through the woods, which are spectacularly decorated with a carpet of bluebells in May. The path leads to Port Bawn, a picnic area at the western edge of the island, with a pebbly beach and its own jetty.

5. Turn right from the picnic area to follow a wooden walkway, passing the island's public toilets and then bearing right before the walkway reaches the jetty to head onto the 'Low path' that heads northeast fairly close to the coast. The path heads very pleasantly through the woods, soon reaching a low ruin. This is a reminder that until the end of the 18th century the island was farmed, with its residents growing oats and barley. As landowners switched their holdings from tenants to sheep, the owner of Inchcailloch was asked to plant trees and the era of farming the island was at an end.

6. The path now heads to the right across wooden duckboards and then ascends a slope to reach a junction. The walk continues by heading sharply right here, but first, detour ahead to visit the ancient graveyard. According to legend Saint Kentigerna, an Irish princess and the mother of St Fillan, set up a nunnery here 1,300 years ago. Although the modern meaning of Inchcailloch is the island of the old woman, an old meaning of cailloch is a cowled woman - a nun. Centuries later a church was built here and dedicated to her but it fell into ruin when farming ended, though the cemetery continued to be used. Return to the path junction and turn left at the junctions to head back to the jetty - hopefully in time for your boat.

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