Port Ellen standing stones circuit

Summary

This route follows a loop around minor roads to the east of picturesque Port Ellen, which sits right on a sandy beach. The walk gives easy going and visits three ancient standing stones.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Cycle path and rough minor roads.

Getting there

Start

Port Ellen.

Public Transport

Bus to Port Ellen.

Start Grid Ref

NR366453

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 63m (Profile)

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Explorer 352 - Islay South

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Port Ellen is the second largest settlement on Islay after Bowmore, with a few facilities, ferry terminal and a stunning beach. The Port Ellen distillery is now operating again after years as a grain maltings serving most of the other distilleries on the island. There is parking in the centre of the village, where the houses face a grassy shore and sandy beach. After exploring the seafront follow the main road past the Co-op and turn left uphill on the A846 Ardbeg road heading east.

Stage 2

Pass the houses and the school, and then fork right to follow the 'Three Distilleries' path which runs parallel to the road on the right hand side. There are great views over the coast in places. Ignore the first road on the left, which is the return route, and continue until you reach the Old Excise House, a prominent white house on the left side of the road. The warehouses of Laphroaig distillery can be seen ahead. Cross the road and take the lane on the left next to the house and climb gently uphill.

Stage 3

Pass a house to your left and continue up the track until a kissing gate on the right leads to the first standing stone, probably dating from neolithic or early bronze age. Continue on the track which bends left and reaches the (very!) minor Port Ellen to Kilbride road.

Stage 4

It is possible to detour to the right at this point to see another standing stone in the field opposite the Kilbride Farmhouse. Otherwise head left, climbing gently then descending. Look out for the final standing stone - a tall and elegant affair off to the left, just to the left, shortly before the main road is reached once more. This neolithic or early bronze age stone stands just over 4 metres high. There can be good views of Kintyre with the high mountains of Arran visible beyond from here. At the bottom of the lane the main road is reached at a T-junction. The return to Port Ellen is to the right, but to get back onto the cyclepath go left to reach a gap where the path can be picked up, then double back right to head back to Port Ellen.

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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