Turnaichaidh and Machir Bay, Kilchoman

Summary

This short hillwalk has plenty of interest; a rugged ascent to a wild hilltop, a truly magnificent sandy beach, and a spectacular carved Celtic Cross from the 14/15th centuries.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Rough, tussocky, boggy and pathless hillwalking on Turnachaidh, bracken in summer; boggy on descent. Grazing livestock. Return on sandy beach and track.

Getting there

Start

Ruins of Kilchoman church.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NR215632

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.7km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 210m (Profile)

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Explorer 353 - Islay North

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Park on the grass at the derelict ruins of Kilchoman Church, a reminder of when a large community lived here before the planned village of Port Charlotte was built. Before beginning the walk have a look at the Kilchoman Cross, which is round the back of the church. The cross is over 2.5m high and carved by a sculptor from the Iona School in the 14th or 15th century. The carvings are very fine and the cross has perhaps more pleasing proportions than the much older Kildalton Cross

Stage 2

Leaving the churchyard, follow the tarred lane between the gateposts for Kilchoman House and cottages, then immediately turn left through the gate into a field. Bear right down through the field on a faint grassy track that aims to the left of the cottages. Follow this climbing up past the area of trees and then forking right. Aim for the fence beneath the line of low crags, following it uphill to reach a gate in a stone wall. Pass through this, then at the end of the track bear right across the grass, climbing slightly then descending towards a former gate in a stone wall (currently two pallets).

Stage 3

On the far side of the wall step over the tiny burn (there is a broken bridge), then aim south up the pathless slopes of Turnaichaidh. At one point a grass dyke can be followed, before being left for a final pathless climb up rough heather slopes towards the summit, where there is a trig point. The views over Machir Bay are sensational.

Stage 4

Descend very rough, pathless ground west from the summit, avoiding any crags by keeping to their right. As the slope eases a little, aim for the ruins of a stone building. From here aim southwest across mostly grassy ground - often very boggy - to reach a fence and a gate. Go through the gate and descend the track to a t-junction with a path. Turn left here along the path.

Stage 5

The path gives views over the southern end of Machir Bay, and if followed leads through to Kilchiaran. Continue along it until a gate on the right; go through this and then head down to the beach.

Stage 6

Machir Bay is must rank amongst the very finest beaches on Islay, 2km of perfect sand. Head northwards along the beach for a little over 1km, until an obvious break in the dunes on the right. Head inland at this point, soon picking up a path and reaching a parking area. From here walk up the road until the turning for Kilchoman church on the right - turn here to head back to the church and the start. Just before reaching the buildings at the church a gate on the right is signed for a military cemetery - this is the final resting place of the 71 of members of the British crew of the Otranto, which sank off Machir Bay. 351 American soliders also drowned in the tragedy, which is one of two commemorated by the American Monument at the Mull of Oa.

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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