Ardskenish and Dun Ghallain

Summary

Explore the southwestern coastline of Colonsay on this route which crosses the golf course before following a track out to the sands, bays and machair of Ardskenish.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mostly earth and grassy track; some boggy / pathless sections.

Getting there

Start

Where the airstrip track leaves the B8086.

Public Transport

None to start. A bicycle is perhaps the best means of transport on Colonsay.

Start Grid Ref

NR360939

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 121m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk starts where the track to the airstrip (signed) branches off the B8086. It may be possible to park on the verge here; there is also a parking area for the golf course a short distance to the west, but as usual on Colonsay access to the start by bicycle is probably to be preferred. Head along the track - watching out for golf balls - until it reaches the fence enclosing the airstrip. Turn right here to follow a grassy track which keeps on the outside of the fence. It then swings back left to continue across the golf course, eventually leaving it at a gate. (The photo shows the view to Dun Ghallain from the track).

Stage 2

The track now becomes very boggy in places as it continues across open moorland. Finally it comes closer to the coast as it rounds a crag and reveals a great sweep of sandy beach around the corner.

Stage 3

Head down onto the beach - Plaide Mhòr - and continue to the far end. Here head inland to reach the lonely farmhouse at Askernish.

Stage 4

Follow a track behind the outbuildings at the back of the house, with the Paps of Jura becoming visible in the distance beyond the next bay. Follow the track as it swings left through a gate into a large field. The track in the field soon forks - you can detour to the right to reach another gate to reach the sands of Tràigh nam Barc. A linear walk continues from here by crossing the sands at low tide to eventually reach Garvard and then the road by the Strand, but for our circular route retrace your steps back to the track in the field.

Stage 5

This track soon leads into a large area of dunes, winding through them before rejoining the outward route at the northern end of Plaide Mhor. Now simply retrace your steps back to the golf course and airfield. You can visit Dun Ghallain - the site of an iron age fort and a grand viewpoint for the coastline - on the way back by detouring across the course, a small beach and soggy ground beyond, but if doing this be courteous and give way to golfers playing their shots. Eventually return to the track to complete the walk back to the start.

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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