Holy Isle - the coast walk

Summary

Owned by the Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist centre in Galloway, Arran's Holy Isle is a special place. It is used as a base for courses as well as being the home to a small community of nuns. This easier route passes a series of buddhist paintings along the coastline before crossing to the east coast to visit the dramatic Pillar Rock lighthouse.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good grassy footpaths throughout.

Getting there

Start

Passenger ferry from Lamlash .

Public Transport

Bus to Lamlash, then ferry.

Start Grid Ref

NS051309

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 180m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Mullach Mòr

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Holy Isle dominates Lamlash Bay, and visiting it is one of the best outings you can do from Arran. Boat trips depart from Lamlash Pier through the summer months, dependent on tide and weather conditions, and less frequently in the spring and autumn. The crossing takes only a few minutes, and lands at the jetty at the northern end of the island. On arrival you will be given a talk about the island and walking options, including this route.

Stage 2

Begin the walk by turning right, passing in front of the residential retreat centre run by the Samye Ling monastery in Galloway. In front of it a series of stupas depict some of the most important events in buddhism. You can visit part of the garden behind the centre; just beyond it is The Boathouse, an information centre where you may be able to get a cup of tea or coffee. There are also toilets nearby.

Stage 3

Continue along the grassy coastal path. After 1.5km a sign indicates steps up to the cave on the left. This was inhabited by the Christian Saint Molaise who lived as a hermit here in the sixth century and is the reason for the island's name. There are Norse runes on the roof and walls, as well as a cross.

Stage 4

The walk along the coast is a delight, with great views across the water to Whiting Bay. There are also a series of paintings of important Tibetan buddhist figures on rocks beside the path.

Stage 5

Note a prominent rock painted with script of the Tibetan buddhist mantra, 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. The lighthouse visible in the distance is off limits to visitors - the complex of buildings around it are home to a small community of nuns. The path instead slopes up away from the coast, running beside a fence for a time. It then turns left to continue as a clear grassy path through the heather. There are a couple of 'hobbit-style' (private) dwellings off to the left.

Stage 6

Continue to the end of the path at the Pillar Rock Lighthouse, which was the first square lighthouse built by the famous Stevenson lighthouse-building family.

Stage 7

There are great views along the very steep eastern side of the island. You may see some of the island's brown Soay sheep - an ancient breed which originated on St Kilda around here. Don't venture further this way, instead retrace your steps back via the outward route.

Stage 8

Return to the ferry to make the boat trip back to Lamlash. Look out for the island's population of free-wandering Eriskay ponies - a hardy breed from the Western Isles - you may meet some along the way.

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