This magical short walk at the extreme northern end of Coll heads through a former crofting village which was almost deserted but now partly reoccupied, to visit a couple of truly superb beaches.
Bog Factor
Grassy paths, sandy beaches, rough dunes.
End of public road at north end of Coll.
None to start.
NM270632
Drive to the north end of the public road, where there is a turning area; it is possible to park carefully here without obstructing the turning area. Begin the walk by heading along the track which is the continuation of the road, passing through a gate. Ignore the track off right, continuing ahead; when the track swings left, keep straight ahead again, now on a grassy track. The thatched buildings and various ruins are a reminder that this was once a large crofting community; more recently several homes have been restored or rebuilt.
Pass the ruins to head down onto the beautiful sandy beach. Head left across this, soon heading up onto the grassy ground that backs the beach. Join a grassy track heading right, passing through a gate, then leave the track by forking right and passing through a gap in a tumbledown stone wall and along a grassy path out onto the point.
From the grassy hillocks on either side there are views both across the beautiful bay, and over the sea to Ben More on the Isle of Mull. Return almost to the gate but do not pass through, instead heading to the right alongside a fence.
The grassy track eventually swings right away from the fence towards a private house; ignore this and instead keep by the fence, ignoring another gate. Continue until the fence corner where rocks shelve towards the sea; pass around this corner and cross some muddier ground, eventually reaching another gate and stile. Cross this - the route now reaches an area of tussocky dunes which sweep down to the sea. Follow faint, rough paths through the dunes to reach the beautiful and very secluded beach of Tràigh Tuath.
There can be few finer places to soak up sunshine on a fine summer's day. It is possible to follow a very muddy and rough track back to the road from the back of the beach, but it is really easier and more enjoyable to instead retrace your steps to Sorisdale and the start.
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?
