Evans' walk and Glenbatrick Bay

Summary

Evans' walk heads through the wild landscapes of central Jura, in the shadow of the Paps. This out-and-back walk leads to beautiful Glenbatrick Bay on the remote west coast before returning the same way.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Indistinct and boggy for the first and final kilometre, but with a fair hill-path in between. Burns could become difficult to cross in spate.

Getting there

Start

Parking area opposite start of Evan's walk, 1km north of bridge over Corran River.

Public Transport

Infrequent Jura bus service runs between Feolin Ferry and Ardlussa.

Start Grid Ref

NR549731

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.5km / 11 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 443m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There is a parking area opposite the start of Evans' walk, which has a signpost beside the A846 around 1km north of Corran Bridge. Henry Evans took on the lease of this part of Jura in 1838; he wrote the book 'Red Deer of Jura' which was regarded as a revolutionary book on deer management at the time. He had only one leg and crossed the island on horseback - so he had the path to Glenbatrick built to carry him and his companions to the west coast.

Stage 2

The first part of his original path is now lost in the tussocks, so follow the obvious more recent ATV-style path more directly northwards to begin, looking out for a path forking left on the way up towards Maol nam Fineag to branch off and rejoin the original line of Evans' walk beyond the lost section. There are great views back over the Bay and Small Isles. The boggy path leads through a gap in a line of old iron fence posts. After crossing the Allt Braigh an Fheadain (could become tricky in spate) the path improves greatly, becoming clear and much drier underfoot.

Stage 3

The path climbs across the eastern slopes of Corra Bheinn, giving views down over Loch na Cloiche and its neighbours. After passing a cairn at roughly the highest point it descends slightly to reach the south shore of the larger Loch na Fudarlaich.

Stage 4

The path continues past two smaller lochs and on close to the burn. There are several attractive waterfalls along the descent. The highest of the Paps of Jura, Beinn an Oir, comes into view. Look out for golden eagles flying high overhead. The path continues down by the burn to eventually reach and cross the Allt Teanga nan Abhainn above its confluence with the Abhainn Loch na Fudarlaich (may be better higher up in spate).

Stage 5

The path now leads on down Glen Batrick, through high bracken in the summer. Eventually it leaves the bracken to climb very slightly and continue across rougher ground to the west of the river.

Stage 6

On the final section it becomes indistinct and there are several possible variants as you continue to the lip of the raised beach and then drop down towards the private lodge house at Glenbatrick.

Stage 7

This is a stunning spot. The lodge is set amongst perfect greensward at the back of a beautiful bay, with stretches of white shell sand. Offshore there are usually seals basked on the island rocks, whilst the view across Loch Tarbert reveals the wilds of northern Jura.

Stage 8

Unless intent on an extremely long and rough coastal traverse, the return walk is to head back the same way. There are excellent views of the Paps on the way back up Glen Batrick. On the final descent back to the start, remember to fork left from Evans' path proper onto the ATV track, otherwise you'll end up in all those tussocks.

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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