Oronsay and the Strand

Summary

Cross The Strand at low tide to reach the island of Oronsay where the walk visits the ancient Priory before heading round the coast renowned for its grey seal colony. If you're lucky you may also spot Corncrakes and Choughs. Locally the island is often known as Oransay. Only accessible at low tide - check times at the Hotel or Post Office.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tidal crossing, track and coastal path. Only accessible at low tide - check tide times before setting out.

Public Transport

None to start. A bicycle is perhaps the best means of transport on Colonsay.

Start

Parking area at end of B8085. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 50m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NR372910

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

There is something truly magical about walking to a tidal island. However the amount of time the natural causeway to Oronsay is exposed is very limited and changes each day. It is essential to check the tide times (as well as the amount of time you will have on the island which varies with each tide) at the Hotel or Post Office before you set off. On stormy days the route may not be passable. The tide comes in very fast, do not try to outrun the tide. You should also aim to start the walk as the tide recedes to allow the maximum time. There is parking at the end of the B8085 where The Strand separates Colonsay and Oronsay.

Stage 2

Barefoot is often best as some standing water remains at low tide, although some may prefer sandals or wellies as there are sharp shells underfoot on the final section. Tyre tracks (the postie makes this journey most days) show the easiest way across and there is also a wooden marker post on the far side.

Stage 3

Once across follow the track along the shoreline at first and then across the fertile farmland of Oronsay. The island is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the farm is tenanted to the RSPB, the island is home to corncrake and chough and is farmed with wildlife conservation in mind. Stay on the main track to reach Oronsay Priory which is next to Oronsay House and the farm where the five residents of the island live.

Stage 4

The restored ruins of the 14th century Augustinian priory stand on the site of an older religious building. There is a wonderful collection of carved gravestones as well as the well-preserved cloisters, and the Oronsay Cross, which was carved on Iona, is one of the finest examples remaining. Also look out for the skull and bones kept behind perspex in the main complex. Once you have explored the priory, return back along the main track and take the first turn on the right, along a wide track bordered by stone walls with a standing stone at the end.

Stage 5

Go through the gate and diagonally left across the field - often packed with visiting geese - to climb up to the standing stone. This is a memorial to the late I W Colburn, an American architect who bought the island with his wife some years ago. Head down slightly left to a gate and then aim to the right to cross the field to another gate which gains access to the shore. After this gate go straight ahead to reach the beautiful beach.

Stage 6

Turn left to cross the sands, aiming for a small bothy on the far side of the beach. Climb up next to this and once at the wall follow it to the left until a gateway. Go through this and follow the grassy track ahead, ESE, eventually to another gate. After the gate bear slightly left to follow the faint grassy track NE soon passing a couple of fenced in mesolithic shell mounds. At the far corner of this fence aim NE towards Seal Cottage on the map.

Stage 7

The tiny Seal Cottage stands alone in a lovely location overlooking the sands, grey seals can often be seen in the water and rocks here. Follow the grassy track inland from the cottage passing through a stone gateway part way.

Stage 8

Soon the outward track is reached, turn right to return to The Strand and cross using the same outward route.

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