This easy and level walk visits a beautiful sandy bay and a fine castle. The walk takes in both the medieval sculptures of the Saddell Stones and a striking modern one by Antony Gormley.
Bog Factor
Good tracks; sandy beach.
Saddell Abbey car park.
Bus from Campbeltown.
NR785320
Park at the Saddell Abbey car park. Before beginning the walk proper, head along the track to visit the site of the abbey. Whilst not much remains of the building itself, a modern shelter houses a remarkable array of 12 carved medieval grave slabs dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. It's believed that the largest was carved on Iona. Return to the car park, and turn right along the main road (take care).
After crossing a bridge turn left - there's further parking here. Follow the avenue of huge trees that leads down towards the coast. At its foot is Saddell Castle, an impressively preserved 16th century Scottish tower house. It's now owned by the Landmark Trust (and thus available as accommodation - please do not pass through the courtyard arch to respect privacy of the occupants).
Take the track to the left of the castle. This soon leads over a bridge; turn right on the far side to reach Saddell Bay - a fine and largely sandy beach.
It's worth continuing to the far end of the beach - either on the sand, or on the track behind it. Note the impressive Saddell House off to the left. At the far end of the bay is a tiny fishing bothy. Rough paths continue along the coast, but it's better to retrace your steps back to the castle.
This time pass through the second arch on the left after the castle, which leads to a track that runs along the coast to several more cottages. Standing as a lone sentinel on the tidal rocks is a sculpture, named GRIP, created by Antony Gormley, one of several commissioned to celebrate the Landmark Trust's 50th anniversary. After exploring the sculpture, retrace your steps back to the start.
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