Old Road: Scalasaig to Colonsay House and Kiloran

This lovely direct and ancient linear route crosses the island to visit Colonsay House (or Kiloran Bay) climbing to the highest peak, Beinn nan Gudairean, which is an excellent viewpoint, on the way. Times given are for the outward walk only; you can return the same way, via on the road, or via Riasg Buidhe (see the Scalasaig Explorer walk).

Terrain

Minor road, track - very boggy in places.

Public Transport

Ferry to Scalasaig from Oban, Kennacraig or Port Askaig on Islay.

Start

Scalasaig pier. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the ferry pier in Scalasaig and walk up the road (B8086) directly ahead towards the hotel.

Stage 2

At the hotel, turn right as though heading for the bar entrance but then fork left on a track (telephone box on left) to pass the Island Lodges and follow the rough track up past a few houses to the left. Here another track is reached opposite a barn, turn right onto it and head uphill away from the houses. This is one of the island's original tracks although the newer road now means this is a peaceful retreat for walkers and a few intrepid mountain bikers. Look out for a standing stone just off to the right.

Stage 3

The track climbs steeply and goes through a gate. Almost at the crest of the hill lookout for a grassy path heading off to the left (west), take this to climb up to the transmitter mast. From here the path continues a short distance summit of Beinn nan Gudairean which is a fantastic viewpoint. Return to the track by the same path and continue north on the old track, now heading downhill.

Stage 4

The track becomes very boggy in places and it is often necessary to detour to avoid the deepest sections, especially alongside Turraman Loch. When the track reaches the road turn right to head very gently uphill to the hairpin bend. Here continue straight ahead onto the old track which descends gradually with good views of Loch Fada on the left. After a cattle grid the route enters the woods that are part of the grounds of Colonsay House.

Stage 5

Continue ahead, going through a gate, the path is sometimes boggy here, it soon improves as it narrows and skirts the edge of the woodland. After a sharp left bend, the track is regained, continue ahead, ignoring a turn to the left, soon passing Avenue Cottage half hidden amongst the rhododendrons for which the gardens of Colonsay House are famed. At the next junction turn right through an old pair of gateposts and soon the entrance to Colonsay gardens is reached on the left, just after passing the Tobar na Cailliche (Nun's Well) marked by an ancient carved stone visible just over the wall on the left. The gardens are open on Wednesday and Friday afternoon's as is the excellent cafe at the entrance.

Stage 6

The walk as described (and shown on the map) ends here - remember to double to times / distances if you are walking back. If you want to continue to Kiloran Bay take the path just to the right of the tennis court (alternatively you can follow the concrete track to the road) which crosses a field to reach the B8086. Turn right along this and follow it to Kiloran Bay. You can either walk to the parking area and descend to the beach from there which requires a paddle across a stream, or you can take the first track on the left and once through the gate posts turn left to follow a faint path across the dunes to the sand staying on the right hand side of the stream. To return to Scalasaig either retrace the outward route or take the road, or you can link with the Riasg Buidhe walk to make a longer circuit.

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