Easdale explorer, Isle of Easdale

Summary

Wander around the picturesque cottages and old slate quarries before climbing to the highest point on the tiny but fascinating car-free island of Easdale. Leave plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere, watch for wildlife or visit the museum or cafe.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Clear paths, some steep drops near the quarries, rough ground around first quarry which can be avoided.

Getting there

Start

Easdale ferry jetty.

Public Transport

Regular ferry from Ellenabeich, which is served by bus from Oban.

Start Grid Ref

NM739170

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.25km / 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 35m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

A regular passenger ferry runs between Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil to Easdale (every half hour except lunch hour - timetable at the harbour). From the slipway on Easdale walk up past the waiting room and then past the community hall and cafe/pub on your left (note all the wheelbarrows which residents use to move items from the boat to the houses).

Stage 2

After the cafe turn left and cross the near square of grass towards the museum. Once the centre of the Scottish slate industry in the 19th century with over 500 men working in 7 quarries until storm flooding and a decline in the price of slate caused quarry closures. Slate production ceased in the 1950s and by 1960 there were only 4 people living on the island. That figure is now around 60 with Easdale often cited as an example of island regeneration. The folk museum, situated in the detached white house just beyond the square, holds a wealth of information about life on Easdale.

Stage 3

Continue past the museum on a grassy path along the grassy bank to the left) onto a rocky promontory overlooking a deep quarry. Head down to the rocky area between 2 quarries (the one on the right being the venue for the annual world stone skimming championship held in September) and then bear right to clamber up a faint path on the natural rock wall between the quarry and the sea - this rocky section can be dangerous at high tide, when it can be avoided by short cutting across the green square at the centre of the village.

Stage 4

Continue towards an unusual house with a square tower, (all the buildings are made of slate) keeping to the seaward side of the slate garden wall before turning right to pass the far side of the square tower and head back towards the heart of the village. At the main slate path turn left and follow it between walls bearing right at the next junction to rejoin the path coming from the jetty and cafe, then immediately left to pass in front of a row of cottages looking out to sea.

Stage 5

Keep on the path as it passes a row of cottages with a tree outside and a boat anchorage on your right. Keep right on the slate path as it heads away from the buildings towards the quarries overlooking Easdale Sound. The walking is now on great spoil heaps of slate - bear left on a clear path keeping fairly near the sea to overlook a deep quarry before slightly doubling back to a dip; turn right in the dip on a path that aims for the right hand side (north) of the rocky hill.

Stage 6

Cross a dramatic path between two quarries and follow it up steps and round the far side of the hill. Stay on the main path and continue until just beyond a ruined building where a clear path heads away from the sea and soon up a series of steps uphill.

Stage 7

Follow the path to the highest point where a view indicator points out the various peaks and islands visible from this wonderful viewpoint. Below the cottages of Easdale and the quarries look peaceful and it is hard to imagine the noise and dust the industry must once have generated.

Stage 8

Return back down the hill by the outward route and turn left to continue on the path around the island. This passes through thick undergrowth and a stone wall before passing a cottage. Turn left after this, soon heading down steps to reach the main village path. Turn right here to return past the cafe and village hall to the ferry jetty.

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