Ardnave Point, Ardnave

Summary

A low level walk around the peninsula of Ardnave Point with good views to Nave Island and Colonsay. The walk gives a chance to see choughs and seals.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Grassy track, some pathless sections. Occasional waymarkers, livestock and ground nesting birds - dogs under tight control.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Ardnave. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Ascent: 12m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NR286728

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Follow the minor road heading north to Ardnave from the RSPB Loch Gruinart visitor centre at Aoradh Farm on the B8017. After passing a cattle grid there is a parking area on grass at the north end of Ardnave Loch. Start by following the sandy track away from the Loch passing the information board.

Stage 2

Do not go through the farm gate ahead but bear right to stay on the main track which heads towards the coast. Look out for choughs, a rare crow with distinctive red legs and beak, currently there are only about 490 breeding pairs in the UK and Islay is a hotspot for the bird. At low tides seals often bask on the sand banks by Loch Gruniart to the right.

Stage 3

Go through a kissing gate and stay on the sandy track which becomes fainter in the grass. It keeps well to the left of a first signpost, instead heading on to reach a second signpost by a kissing gate to the north. From here it is worth detouring to the top of the grassy slope atop the dunes above Ardnave Point. Nave Island and Colonsay are well seen from here.

Stage 4

Return to the signpost at the kissing gate, and this time go through this and up over dunes to the site of an ancient roundhouse. From here continue WSW across pathless ground - a mix of sand, grass and rocks - parallel to the coastline. A fence across the route is crossed at a farm and kissing gate around 300m inland from the sea. From here a sandy track continues the route round the peninsula.

Stage 5

Follow this as it meanders down the west coast, staying a fair distance from the sea. There are usually grazing cattle in this area. Go through a gate, with farm buildings now seen ahead. At the farm follow the signs and turn left to pass the metal green barn before turning right (signed Car Park) to pass the side of the impressive farmhouse on a track between stone walls. The track now bends left to pass in front of the house and alongside Ardnave Loch where the remains of a crannog can be seen on the far side. Soon the parking area at the start is reached.

Route Profile

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