An easy-going coastal walk taking in the headland beyond Port Appin and the dramatic rock arch of Clach Tholl, with fine views over Lismore and out towards Mull.
Bog Factor
Easy to follow track, path and minor road, fairly level throughout.
Car park on left just before Pierhouse Hotel near Port Appin ferry jetty.
Buses from Oban, Glencoe.
NM028538
Start the walk from the ferry car park on the left just before the Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin; there are public toilets. Follow the sign for Public Footpath to Clach Thoull around the right hand side of a house and along a track. Pass through a gate and continue on the wide track between the high cliffs and the coast.
The track curves slightly to the left and passes a bench with a fine view over Lismore, a fertile, green island whose name may derive from 'big garden' in Gaelic. As you start to turn the corner of the track, a large arch comes into view - this was formed as a coastal arch before the sea level fell and formed the raised beach below; Clach Thoull means the rock of the hole. Just before you reach this, a path off right leads through the bracken to the end of the headland. It's worth making the short detour for the view over the Lynn of Lorn. When you reach the shore at the headland turn left and after a very short while the path heads back left inland and returns to the track just beyond the arch.
Having passed the arch, continue on the track as it curves around the headland. The track passes another cave on the left and then another arch which can be easily walked through. The track heads inland following the side of Airds Bay which is a good birdwatching spot at low tide. There is also a good view of Airds House across the bay.
The end of the track is reached at a house. A sign for Port Appin shows the way around the far side of the house and along a path between woodland and a fenced field. Continue along this path until it goes through a metal kissing gate and emerges onto a minor road. Turn left along the road and left again at the next junction.
The road passes Port Appin village hall with its interesting display in the old lighthouse lantern adjacent to it. The display has information about Port Appin's history and industry and a great photograph of the lighthouse painted pink and yellow with a sad face as part of the campaign to stop it being replaced by a modern solar powered lighthouse. Continue along the road passing two shops including one offering cake and teas, until the ferry jetty is reached at the start of the walk.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
