4 Lochs and 3 Distilleries from Ballygrant

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This long but easy going circular visits the lochs and woodland on the Dunlossit Estate before heading north on a minor roads with coastal views. Short detours lead to Caol Ila, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain distilleries, all of which are open for tours at various times during the day. The route then follows winding forestry tracks, moorland and farmland, with an opportunity to visit Finlaggan - once the home of the Lords of the Isles. The walk can be shortened by omitting the detours to Finlaggan or Caol Ila.

Terrain

Tracks, paths and minor roads.

Public Transport

Bus to Ballygrant.

Start

Ballygrant. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts in the centre of Ballygrant. Take the minor road heading south (signed Mulindry) from just east of the parking area. Pass the village hall and when the road forks turn left past a 15 mile speed sign. Take the next left to go through a farm gate onto a track in the woods. Pass the barn and at Loch Ballygrant turn left. The Loch is popular with fishermen and various birds and the remains of a crannog can be seen in the water. Follow the track along the shore ignoring a turning on the left.

Stage 2

The track heads away from the water for a straight section before reaching the Lily Loch, covered, as its name suggests, with waterlilies in high summer. At the far end, opposite the picnic tables, turn left onto a path and follow this up to a gate and then out across the moor (you may spot the rare breed pigs which the Estate uses to help manage the land) to reach the A846. Turn left and then almost immediately right onto a path heading uphill. This path cuts the corner by soon joining the minor road to Caol Ila. Just after the turning circle and before the houses the continuation of the route goes left through a gate onto a track, but if you wish to visit Caol Ila continue along the road for 600m before returning to this point and taking the track.

Stage 3

The track loops round, passing Heatherhouse to reach the Bunnahabhain road. Turn right to follow this minor road as it undulates, passing Ardnahoe Loch and the entrance to Islay's newest distillery, Ardnahoe. The road eventually descends towards Bunnahabhain. There are good views across the narrows to Jura. After passing behind some of the houses just before a bend in the road there is a triangle of grass, often used for parking, on the left and a track leading away. The route turns left here onto a track, though again you may wish to continue on the road to visit the distillery first. Once heading on the track, go through the gate and continue ahead.

Stage 4

There is a good view up the coast to the right. Follow the track ahead ignoring any side turns and soon cross the Abhainn Araig on a bridge. Go past another gate into the forestry and follow the track until a junction where you turn left. Eventually pass the remains of a cottage up on the right at Staoisha and go through a gate (or over - it may be locked) and keep on the track when it emerges from the forest. Cross the undulating heather moorland to reach a gate near Balulive farmhouse. Go through this and then turn right on the farm track to go through another gate and follow the minor road south.

Stage 5

The road crosses pleasant farmland. After Mulreesh you can take the signed turn to the right to detour to Finlaggan (just over 2km round trip - included in distance given for the walk). At the end of the road is a visitor centre, and a walkway leads out to an island on Loch Finlaggan. Finlaggan was the base for the MacDonald Lords of the Isles in the 14th and 15th centuries. The remains of the chapel and other buildings can be seen here together with some impressive carved gravestones. An admission charge is payable. After visiting Finlaggan, return to the road junction and continue south along the road to eventually reach the A846 opposite a house. An off-road path links Keills to Ballygrant but runs on the far side of the stone wall on the other side of the road with no access at this point. Instead turn right and head along the road until you can go through the wall to continue along the path which emerges in Ballygrant opposite the post office.

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4 Lochs and 3 Distilleries from Ballygrant

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