Climb the steep hillside behind Ellenabeich to reveal fantastic views over dramatic cliff scenery towards the Isle of Mull, as well as over the village to Easdale. The route explores the picturesque rows of old cottages on the return.
Makeshift stile leads to steep, grassy paths; minor road on return.
Bus from Oban.
Car park at end of public road through Ellenabeich.
There is a large public car park at the very far end of Ellenabeich. Begin the walk by heading back into the village, following the road as it bends left and then right to pass behind the rows of cottages. Continue along the road, passing the community hall, and when a lane goes off sharp left leave the road and go through the farm gate ahead onto a a grassy track.
Keep following this path as it climbs steeply uphill behind the grounds of a large house. Turn sharp left onto a path that contours the southern slopes of a hill, eventually curving right between it and the next hill - Dun Mòr - which rises to the left. The path gradually curves left with good views back down over Ellenabeich and Easdale. As the gradient lessens keep heading for the low point on the horizon, there is a path on the ground but in high summer it can become a little overgrown with bracken.
The path passes below and to the right of Dun Mòr which can be climbed by a steep detour to the left when the clifftop is reached. At the clifftop there are dramatic views down to a pebbly beach as well as to Insh Island and the Isle of Mull beyond.
Continue to the right along the clifftop on a faint grassy path which soon becomes clearer and crosses an old stone wall to start heading inland.
Follow the path as it skirts the base of a small hill (un-named on the map) and bears right to head back towards Ellenabeich. As the first buildings come into view the path aims diagonally downhill passing under a telegraph pole with good views of a large house and garden to the left.
The path soon reaches the road turn right here and follow this into Ellenabeich passing the village hall on your left. There are good views looking back to the craggy rock you have just encircled.
As you start along the row of cottages with the slate garden wall on your right take the first junction on the left and then the first right to further explore the old slate quarry workers' cottages before returning to the start.
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