Corran sands and river circuit

Summary

Corran Sands is a beautiful sweep of shell sand around a lovely bay - probably the finest beach on Jura. This circular walk explores the beach before returning on a muddier path by the Corran river.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Sandy beach, track and very boggy riverside path. This latter section can be avoided by returning on the tarmac road.

Getting there

Start

Off east side of A846 road at the north end of the Bay of Small Isle.

Public Transport

Infrequent Jura bus service runs between Feolin Ferry and Ardlussa.

Start Grid Ref

NR538709

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 13m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk begins off the A846 road at the north end of the Bay of Small Isles, where a grassy track heads out to the southern end of Corran Sands near Leargybreck. There is ample space to park without causing any obstruction. Begin the walking by heading out to the beach. This end of the Bay of Small Isles was traditionally used as a deep water anchorage; cattle were loaded here and stores unloaded, and from here emigrants from Jura sailed to a new life at the time of famine and the clearances. Today the Corran Sands are the most popular beach on Jura... which still means they are largely deserted!

Stage 2

Head across the magnificent sands - or alternatively along a grassy track/path just behind them. When a fence leads down onto the beach join the grass path at the back of the bay. This leads through a gate and eventually to a footbridge over the Corran river.

Stage 3

Cross this, and then a small ford beyond, to pass a house and then bear right to reach the second section of the bay - which is not quite so fine as the first. Continue across the sand until a small burn flows out across the bay. There are great views of the Paps of Jura from here. Take a track that heads directly inland, passing the island's 'airport' (a grassy field with a helicopter sign) to reach a tarmac road, turn left.

Stage 4

Follow the road until it meets the main island road near the old three arch stone bridge over the Corran River. Turn left across this bridge; for a completely dry route back, you can simply follow the road back to the start from here. To complete the walk by the Corran river, turn left on the far side of the bridge to follow a path through the woods downstream.

Stage 5

The path is very scenic, giving views over the river and passing through scattered trees and cotton grass. There are several benches. However it can is also very boggy underfoot in places, especially after heavy rains, although there are several sections of duckboard. At a fork by a bench, keep left on the path nearer to the river. Eventually the path leads back to Corran Sands; turn right across these to head back to the start.

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