Finlaggan and the 3 Distilleries circuit, Ballygrant

Summary

This long but easy-going circular walk 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, and a visit to Finlaggan - once the home of the Lords of the Isles. The walk can be shortened by omitting the detours to Finlaggan or Caol Ila.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tracks, paths and minor roads.

Getting there

Start

Walkers car park, Dunlossit Estate, Ballygrant.

Public Transport

Bus to Ballygrant.

Start Grid Ref

NR398659

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 25.8km / 16 miles
Time: 5.5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 450m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk starts from the Dunlossit Estate walkers car park, reached down the Mulindry minor road from Ballygrant (which also has a small parking area and bus stop); it is on the left 450m down the road. Begin the walk on the path that starts through the gap in the stone wall; turn left when it meets a track. Soon the shores of Loch Ballygrant are reached; turn left again here. The loch is popular with fishermen and various birds; remains of a crannog can be seen in the water. Follow the track along the shore and through the woods, passing a couple of picnic tables and a jetty.

Stage 2

The track heads away from the water for a straight section. Keep straight across at a cross-tracks, and ignore a track off right signed for Loch Allan. Keep ahead, soon reaching the Lily Loch, a beautiful spot in the summer. As you reach the far end, by a picnic table, turn left onto a broad path that climbs up to reach a gate and then out across the moor. Eventually the path reaches the A846. Turn left just before this briefly along a cycle path, and then head out onto the road at a layby.

Stage 3

Take the minor road opposite, signed for Caol Ila. Just after the turning circle and opposite the first houses the continuation of the route goes left through a gate onto a track, but if you wish to visit Caol Ila distillery (visitor centre, tours, shop and refreshments available) continue along the road for 600m. Return to this point and take the track.

Stage 4

The track becomes a path, loops around, becomes wider again and passing Heatherhouse to reach the Bunnahabhain road. Turn right to follow this minor road, with stunning views across the Sound of Islay to the Paps of Jura. The road rises and falls gently, and is usually fairly quiet. It passes Ardnahoe Loch (on your left) the entrance to Ardnahoe Distillery (off on your right).

Stage 5

The road eventually descends towards the third distillery Bunnahabhain. 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, but again you may wish to continue on the road to visit the distillery first.

Stage 6

Once heading on the track, go through the gate and continue ahead. There is a good view up the coast to the right. Follow the track ahead, ignoring any turn-offs and soon crossing a bridge over the Abhainn Araig. Go through another gate into the forestry and follow the track, keeping left at a junction. Eventually pass the remains of a cottage up on the right at Staoisha and go through another gate, keeping on the track when it emerges from the forest.

Stage 7

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. The road crosses pleasant farmland. After Mulreesh you can take the signed turn to the right to detour to Finlaggan, set on an island in the loch (it's just over 2km round trip - included in distance given for the walk).

Stage 8

At the end of the road is a visitor centre, and a walkway leads out to the island on the loch. 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. After visiting Finlaggan, return to the road junction and continue south along the road to eventually reach the A846 opposite a house.

Stage 9

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 exact point. Instead turn right and head along the road for 50m until a stone placed at the base of the wall enables you to cross and join the path on the far side. Turn right along this path, and follow it to reach Ballygrant village, which has an inn and a cafe. Turn left at the Mulindry minor road to return 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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