Central Circular link walk

Primarily a road walk with only a few kilometres of sandy track, this circuit is intended more as a means to link together some of Coll's shorter walks - or to reach them from Arinagour - rather than as a walk in itself. The roads, however, are very quiet and give pleasant walking throughout.

Terrain

Mostly very quiet minor roads, with section of sandy track.

Public Transport

Coll's Calmac ferry calls at the jetty 1km south of Arinagour.

Start

Arinagour. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 20km / 12.5 miles
Time: 5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 127m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM225570

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start the walk from the whitewashed terraced cottages in Arinagour - the tiny capital of Coll and home to most of the population. Head north along the street, passing the cafe and two shops; note the island's hotel off to the right, and the new community centre and bunkhouse to the left. When the road forks take the left branch, signed for the airport.

Stage 2

Arinagour is soon left behind as the road crosses open moorland dotted with a number of freshwater lochs and lochans. After around 7km the route passes the airport - complete with tiny new terminal building - and then a road junction at Arileod. At this point the circuit route to Breachacha Castles can be joined, or a left turn would reach the start of the Calgary Point route. The circular loop, however, continues by turning right.

Stage 3

The tiny road passes the RSPB Totronald Visitor information stables - which gives information on the important habitat of the nature reserve, home to important plants, wildlife and birds including the elusive corncrake in the summer months. The road passes a raised platform built to aid the spotting of corncrakes before ending at a parking area. This is the start of the Hogh Bay circular. Continue through a gate onto a sandy track.

Stage 4

The sandy track forks at one point and then rejoins; you can choose here whether to continue on the main track, or divert slightly by heading over to the magnificent beach of Hogh Bay by taking a grassy track which forks left between two rocks. Continuing on the sandy track, the Hebridean Centre at Ballyhaugh is soon approached - this organises gap years for students and provides training. Pass to the right of this, through two gates, to pick up the tarmac road beyond.

Stage 5

There are views across a lochan to Coll's highest hill, Ben Hogh, but the start of our route of ascent is just over 1km further along the road at Clabhach. Continue past this along the road for several kilometres further, passing the signed start of the Cliad Bay walk, to reach the road junction at Arnabost.

Stage 6

Turn right here to begin the final 3.5km stretch of road leading back to Arinagour, with views over the long inlet of Loch Eartharna on the left.

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