Gigha south coast circular

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Summary

This exploration of Gigha's southwestern coastline is a wilder challenge - unmarked, pathless in places and with plenty of rough, tough going underfoot - but the scenery out of this world. As well as stunning coastline it also visits the standing stones of Bodach and Cailleach, the windfarm, the beach at Grob Bay, the spouting cave and south pier, before returning along the road past Achamore Gardens.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor roads, pathless sections which can be very wet; some farm gates may need to be climbed.

Public Transport

Bus to Taylinoan; ferry to Gigha.

Start

Gigha ferry terminal. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.25km / 6.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 120m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NR653490

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

This walk is described from the ferry pier. Ferry follow the road along the coast, soon turning left to reach the Boathouse cafe and restaurant. Cross in front of the cafe by the sea then follow the shoreline. There's a brief stretch that may be covered at high tide, then a rough path that cuts through some gorse.

Stage 2

Emerge at the small but perfectly formed beach of Port a' Chinn Mhòir. Head towards the building on the far side and from there bear right, following a clear path up towards the village and the main road. Here turn left. After 450m look out for an old wooden footbridge on the right - cross this and follow a boggy path through the woods. This emerges on a track near the island community centre; turn right along this track. It soon passes an old cemetery.

Stage 3

Keep left to pass a house on the right and then a new bungalow on the left. The track ahead leads eventually to Cuddyport beach and the quern stone quarry. The pedestrian gate immediately after the bungalow leads into overgrown ground, so continue along the track, crossing the cattle grid and then immediately turning left off the track into the field. Continue through the field, keeping the woodland and gorse just on your left. The community-owned windfarm now comes into view. Aim for a gatae, pass through (or over) and continue ahead across very boggy ground to go through (or over) another gate below Achamore Farm.

Stage 4

Keep close to the wall through this field. After another gate climb up the small hill to the pre-Christian standing stones known as the Bodach and Cailleach (man and woman). From the stones descend and go through the gate almost immediately below into the grassy field with the first of the turbines. Bear right in the field, aiming for a gate that leads to the base of the rightmost turbine. Continue ahead, bearing slightly right to pass through a gateway leaving the field and heading into an area of gorse.

Stage 5

Follow cattle trods through the area of gorse, then bear slightly left on grassy ground to reach a low ridge leading towards the sea - avoiding the worse areas of boggy long grass. From a dip in the ridge bear left again across an area of salt marsh to reach the coast, then head along it. There's a makeshift stile over a fence, then a tiny but idyllic beach is reached.

Stage 6

From here the going continues to be a rough and pathless adventure as you continue parallel to the coastline, threading your own route through and around various rocky outcrops and boggier areas. There's a chance to see seabirds, otters and seals along the way. After a rocky dyke the going eases greatly as flat grassy shoreline leads to the wide sandy beach at Grob Bagh.

Stage 7

After crossing the bay climb a stile over the wall and head straight uphill heading for the highest ground where there is a small cairn. From here you can detour out to find the small spouting cave, a blow hole cave which makes an impressive rumbling sound as the waves pass over the pebbles trapped inside - during stormy weather sea foam and water spout from the hole at each large wave. To reach it continue straight ahead out to the headland from the cairn, descend carefully slightly to the left towards Stony Bay. Bear right; you should now be able to hear the roar of the cave which has only a small triangular hole visible, take care here. Afterwards either retrace your steps to the top or follow the coast briefly eastwards before bearing left to climb up a boggy area to regain the cliff top.

Stage 8

Continue above the coast, following a stone wall with good views of Cara Island and the smaller Gigalum Island just offshore. Keep right of gorse and head down to where the stone wall meets a fence; pass through a gateway here. Now aim straight for the shore. If the tide allows follow the beach round to the south pier, or stay on the foreshore. Just before the pier bear left to go through a kissing gate and onto the road. Turn left to follow the road all the way back to Ardminish where you can take the right turn near the Post Office to return to the ferry terminal.

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