Carraig Fhada and the Singing Sands

Summary

This excellent short walk heads across the fine sandy beach of Kilnaughton Bay to reach the unusual lighthouse of Carraig Fhada. It then continues to the secluded Singing Sands of Tràigh Bhan before a rougher return climbs to give superb views across to Port Ellen.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Track, beach; faint, rough path for return. Paddle (or stepping stones) across burn flowing over beach can be avoided.

Getting there

Start

Parking opposite cemetery at NR343455.

Public Transport

None to start; 2km from Port Ellen.

Start Grid Ref

NR343455

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.4km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 80m (Profile)

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Explorer 352 - Islay South

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Take the Oa road from Port Ellen, taking a left turn immediately after a cemetery to find a parking spot off the track. The walk begins by heading back along the road towards Port Ellen, turning right through a gate just before the woodland onto a track that leads down towards the eastern end of Kilnaughton Bay, a fine sandy beach.

Stage 2

The ruined building at the end of the beach was built as a bathing hut enabling the residents of Cairnmore House to maintain their modesty when heading out for a swim. The walk now continues by heading across the beach to the right; it is usually necessary to paddle the burn which flows out over the sands - if you wish to avoid this, instead begin the walk along the tarred lane from the parking area to rejoin the route at the southern end of the beach. Otherwise, cross the sand to the far end and then turn left along the shore road.

Stage 3

When the tarred road swings right to climb uphill, continue ahead along the shoreside track, heading towards the distinctive lighthouse at Carraig Fhada. Continue to the end of the track where a raised path allows you to reach the base of the lighthouse, unless the tide is very high. The structure was built as a memorial to Lady Ellinor Campbell in 1832, before becoming an unmanned lighthouse from 1924 - and a familiar landmark when approaching Port Ellen by ferry.

Stage 4

Retrace your steps briefly along the track to a green marker post just beyond the last of the buildings. This marks the start of the path to the Singing Sands, and passes behind the buildings and through two small gates before continuing by the coastline to reach the beautiful secluded beach of Tràigh Bhan. The name Singing Sands comes from the sound the sands make when your boots or shoes are scuffed against the surface - there are also Singing Sands beaches in Ardnamurchan and on the Isle of Eigg.

Stage 5

The easiest return is to retrace your steps, but a slightly rougher option is to head across the back of the Tràigh Bhan to where a very faint path cuts inland. The path begins immediately on the far side of a burn flowing onto the beach and is very unclear at first, but improves; it leads uphill to reach a track at a metal kissing gate; turn right along this, with great views over Carraig Fhada and across to Port Ellen. The track soon becomes tarred and leads back down to the southern end of Kilnaughton Bay. Turn left here to return to the start - though it is worth detouring to visit the remains of a chapel in the first cemetery on the right, where there is a carved effigy of a warrior within the ruined walls.

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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