Ardnave Point, Ardnave

Summary

This circular walk around the low-lying peninsula of Ardnave Point offers great views across Loch Gruinart as well as out to Nave Island, Colonsay and - in clear weather Mull. The walk gives a chance to see choughs and seals.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Grassy track, some pathless and some boggy sections. Livestock and ground nesting birds - dogs under tight control.

Getting there

Start

Ardnave.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NR286728

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.9km / 3.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hous
Ascent: 40m (Profile)

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Explorer 353 - Islay North

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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 Gruinart to the right.

Stage 3

Go through a kissing gate and stay on the sandy track which becomes fainter in the grass, with a couple of wet sections. Becoming grassy again, the track eventually heads inland towards a fenced enclosure (a grave) but bends right before reaching this to head to a gate and kissing gate with a tall wooden post. Before heading through this, it is worth detouring ahead and then to the right to reach the top of the grassy dunes above Ardnave Point. From here there are great views of Nave Island, with Colonsay beyond and Mull in the far distance.

Stage 4

Return to the kissing gate, and this time pass through. Go over the dune ahead - once the site of an ancient roundhouse. From here continue WSW (descending to the right of the steep ground) to continue with no path, over a mix of sand, grass and rocks - roughly parallel to the coastline. After 600m or so a fence across the route is crossed at a kissing gate around 300m inland from the sea. From here a faint track may be picked up, continuing the route round the peninsula.

Stage 5

Follow the faint trod 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

Where to stay

Islay, Jura & Colonsay Hotels

Islay, Jura & Colonsay B&B

Islay, Jura & Colonsay cottages

Islay, Jura & Colonsay hostels

Glamping and Camping

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