Bridgend Woods and the Woollen Mill

Summary

Explore the mixed woodland, once part of the grounds of Islay House, and visit Islay Woollen Mill part way round. The route also visits Islay House Square, which has a whisky and several shops.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good waymarked tracks.

Getting there

Start

Car park at start of lane to Islay House Square, just north of Bridgend.

Public Transport

Bus to Bridgend.

Start Grid Ref

NR338626

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 40m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

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Explorer 353 - Islay North

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The car park is just north of Bridgend, on the left of the Port Askaig road, signed for Islay House Square. Turn immediately left for the car park for the woodland walks. Leave the car park via the entrance, and turn right to head back to the main road. Now go straight across, heading between the white gateposts, following the track into the woods.

Stage 2

The woods were planted in the early 19th century as part of the parkland attached to Islay House. The woods are now an interesting mix of native and non-native trees which include redwood, elm, sycamore and beech; there are beautiful bluebells in the spring. At the first junction turn left signed Bridgend Woods. The track runs close to the River Sorn and is a good place to spot birds such as dippers, treecreepers and long tailed tits.

Stage 3

Keep straight ahead when a track joins from the left and again keep straight on at the next junction. The track crosses the river on a wooden bridge with a bench nearby. Ignore the track off to the right, and take the next track on the left, signed for Waulk Mill. Follow this through dense woodland until a signed path to the left to the Mill. When it emerges onto a track turn left to reach the bridge and mill.

Stage 4

The woollen mill was established in 1883 and is the island's only textile mill. After a period of closure it was re-opened in 1981 and produces a range of tweed on two Victorian looms. The mill is open Mon-Sat. Leave the mill by heading back along the track, but ignore the path off right you came on, instead keeping ahead on the track.

Stage 5

Keep straight ahead at a cross-tracks. Soon there are more open views to your left. Eventually a junction is reached - turn right here, signed Waulk Mill Circular. This soon rejoins the outward route - keep ahead across the bridge with the white railings. Keep straight ahead all the way, ignoring where you originally came in from the right, until you reach the road.

Stage 6

Cross the main road and take the track opposite. Ignore a path off right, continuing ahead until the buildings of Islay House Square are reached. These house several businesses, including a whisky shop and a craft shop. Head through the archway on the right to enter the square. Leave along the main track from the far end, bearing right to follow it back to the car park.

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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